Bsun Pine vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver 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 Silver offer unique experiences catering to different preferences. The BSUN Pine switch is a tactile option that stands out for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is a linear choice ideal for gaming, with a shorter travel distance and lightning-fast responsiveness giving players a competitive edge. While the Pine switch is accentuated, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the G Pro Silver switch is characterized as bassy, buttery, creamy, low-pitched, and thocky. Each switch has its own appeal and strengths, making them suitable for different purposes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This makes them ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting effects. However, even though they share the same material for the top housing, the overall sound experience may still differ based on other factors such as the design and construction of the switch.
On the other hand, the Bsun Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver's nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the characteristics of the nylon material.
In terms of how the different housing materials affect the overall typing experience, the distribution of qualities between the top and bottom housing is crucial. The impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable during the key press, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the top housing will have a greater impact on the sound when the key is released. This means that the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Bsun Pine allows for a more dynamic sound experience compared to the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, which features the same material for both top and bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, we can see some differences in their weight requirements. The Pine has a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions. Both switches have the same actuation force, so if you prefer a lighter touch, either switch would provide similar results in terms of key actuation. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to whether you prefer a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel before the key fully actuates. This makes them ideal for users who prefer consistency in their typing experience. With both switches having identical travel distances, you can expect similar results in terms of typing speed and overall feel. Whether you choose the Bsun Pine tactile switch or the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, you can rely on the fact that the travel distance will be consistent and provide a satisfying typing experience.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 Bsun Pine switches offer a sharp and distinctive tactile bump, resulting in a quick bottom-out sound. The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches, on the other hand, provide a bassy and low-pitched sound profile during key presses. Both switches offer unique auditory experiences, with the Pine switches emphasizing a clear-cut feedback sound, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches focus on delivering a rich and deep tone. The sound produced by these switches can further be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Pine switches are described as sharp, invigorating, and snappy, providing a tactile typing sensation that is both prominent and responsive. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches offer a buttery and creamy typing experience, characterized by a smooth and fluid keystroke feel. While the Pine switches focus on delivering a sharp tactile bump with each key press, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches aim to provide a seamless and effortless typing sensation that glides smoothly across the keys. Both switches offer unique tactile experiences, with the Pine switches emphasizing a sharp and defined tactility, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches focus on a smooth and buttery keystroke experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switches provide a sharp and quick tactile bump with clear-cut feedback, while the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches deliver a rich and deep sound profile with a smooth and buttery typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Pine switches offering direct and no-nonsense tactility, and the G Pro 3.0 Silver switches providing lightning-fast responsiveness and a competitive gaming advantage. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, consider the type of experience you are looking for. If you prefer a sharp tactile bump with clear-cut feedback and quick bottom-out for a direct typing feel, the Bsun Pine switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you are aiming for a fast and responsive gaming experience with a lighter bottom out force and shorter travel distance, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is the way to go. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific use case you have in mind. So, make your decision based on what suits your typing or gaming style best.
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