Bsun Pine vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Pine tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch each offer distinct advantages for users seeking a unique typing experience. The Pine switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility that appeals to those who value clear-cut feedback. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro switch offers versatility with its smooth press and neutral sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of preferences and environments. While the Pine switch excels in providing an invigorating and sharp typing feel, the Gold Red Pro switch offers a polished and silky typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
NPI
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the TTC Gold Red Pro, while similar in their polycarbonate top housing, differ in their bottom housing materials. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This also makes them ideal for switches that utilize RGB lighting. However, the Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound overall.
The use of different housing materials in the top and bottom of a switch can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience. In the case of the Pine and the Gold Red Pro, the qualities of the bottom housing material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material will affect the sound when releasing a key. This means that despite both switches having polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom housing of the Pine will result in a different typing experience compared to the Gold Red Pro. The Pine will offer a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro may have a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate bottom housing.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Pine and the TTC Gold Red Pro feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharp and clear sound profile, their housing materials differ in the bottom housing. The Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate bottom housing may result in a sharper and crisper sound. The choice of housing materials in different parts of the switch impacts the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, which requires 43 grams to actuate. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine switch is also heavier at 65 grams, whereas the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is not specified. The Pine switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy forces, making it suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro switch offers a lighter actuation force, which may be preferred by those looking for a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. Both switches fall within the range of the shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market today. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance for faster response times. However, individuals who enjoy a more substantial key press may find the longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of how much travel distance is preferred for a typing or gaming 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 TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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
The Bsun Pine tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing clear-cut feedback and fast action. In terms of sound, the Pine switch offers a unique typing experience that aligns with its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy qualities, creating an immersive and distinct auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch is praised for its versatility and ease of press, offering a neutral sound signature that fits harmoniously in any environment. The Gold Red Pro switch is described as thocky, low-pitched, neutral, polished, silky, mild, and subtle in terms of feel, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with gentle resistance.
Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offer distinct qualities in sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Pine switch emphasizes sharp tactility and clear feedback, the Gold Red Pro switch focuses on versatility and a neutral sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more pronounced and immersive typing experience or a smooth and polished feel, both switches offer excellent options for varying typing needs. In conclusion, despite their differences, both switches provide satisfying and reliable performance, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump with a distinct bottom-out feel and fast action, the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and versatile typing experience with a neutral sound profile that suits various settings, the Gold Red Pro switch would be more fitting. Ultimately, the Pine switch excels in providing a direct, no-nonsense tactility, while the Gold Red Pro switch showcases adaptability and ease of use. Choose based on the typing experience and sound profile that best match your preferences and needs.
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