Bsun Pine vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black offer unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Pine switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense tactility that is invigorating and snappy. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black is a heavy linear switch that offers a more substantive typing experience with its 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force. It is creamy and silky with a subtle and subdued feel, making it appealing to those who prefer a medium-heavy switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound, thanks to its stiff nature, resulting in a more resonant sound profile. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing delivers a slightly high-pitched and clacky sound that is satisfying to many users. Both switches utilize different materials for their top housing, offering unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Pine's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Black's POM bottom housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Despite their differences in material, both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, creating a tactile typing experience that varies based on user preferences.
Ultimately, the combination of different housing materials in the Bsun Pine and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switches offers a diverse range of tactile experiences for users. While the Pine utilizes polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, the G Pro 3.0 Black features a proprietary INK blend for the top housing and POM for the bottom housing. These materials influence the sound profile and feel of each switch, with the top housing impacting the sound when pressing down on a key, and the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Whether you prefer a sharper, high-pitched sound or a deeper and more muted typing experience, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, we observe differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bsun Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 60 grams required by the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Pine at 65 grams and the G Pro 3.0 Black at 70 grams. This means that while the Pine provides a lighter touch for initial keystrokes, both switches offer a medium-heavy resistance when fully pressed. Some users may prefer the Pine for its lighter actuation force, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may prefer the stronger push feel of the G Pro 3.0 Black for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the 4 mm travel distance of the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch. The Pine switch provides a quicker response time, which can be favored by gamers looking for a faster gaming experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may be preferred by those looking for a more satisfying key press with a deeper actuation. Both switches offer different experiences in terms of travel distance, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Pine switch is known for providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience, due to its direct tactile bump and quick bottom-out. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch is described as having a clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This difference in sound profile can greatly influence the overall typing experience for users who have a preference for a specific type of sound feedback while typing.
When it comes to feel, the Pine switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a distinct and quick keypress response. It provides a pronounced feedback with medium to firm actuation force, creating a tactile typing sensation. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a creamy and silky typing experience, providing smooth and buttery keypresses that glide effortlessly. This difference in feel can cater to users with preferences for either a sharp and reactive tactile feedback or a smooth and subtle typing experience.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch offer contrasting subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a distinct bottom-out, appealing to those who appreciate a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch offers a clacky sound profile and a creamy, silky typing feel that caters to users seeking a smooth and buttery keypress sensation. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these two switches to suit their typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch, consider your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, along with clear-cut feedback and fast action, the Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you desire a more substantive typing experience with a balanced medium-heavy feel, complemented by a clacky sound profile and smooth, buttery typing sensation, the G Pro 3.0 Black switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard switch.
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