Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Bsun Pine, a tactile switch, and the Gateron Ink Box Black, a linear switch. The Bsun Pine switches are renowned for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches offer an incredibly smooth and creamy feel, with a sound signature reminiscent of a shaken spray paint can. While the Pine is known for its sharpness and snappy tactility, the Ink Box Black is praised for its silky smoothness and polished feel. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Ink Box Black, it is evident that both switches prioritize sound quality in their design. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharp and high-pitched sound profile that is especially suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend top housing also offers a high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky, but with a slightly less sharp tone. Despite this difference, both materials aim to provide a satisfying sound experience for users.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Pine utilizes nylon which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile that is characterized by a duller and rounder tone. This is due to nylon's softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound, creating a more muffled sound compared to the top housing material. Similarly, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch, offering a relatively high-pitched and pointed sound that complements the top housing material. While both switches prioritize sound quality, their choice of bottom housing material results in slightly different sound characteristics.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Ink Box Black contribute to the distinct sound profiles of each switch. While the Pine's combination of polycarbonate and nylon results in a sharp and clear sound profile with a deeper undertone, the Ink Box Black's proprietary INK blend materials produce a slightly less sharp yet still high-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials that impact sound quality and feel.
Weight
In comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall within the medium-heavy range in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Bsun Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Black's 60 grams. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Bsun Pine requires 65 grams, while the Gateron Ink Box Black requires 70 grams. This means that the Gateron Ink Box Black is slightly heavier overall in terms of force required for both actuation and bottom out. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Bsun Pine may be the more suitable option. However, for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, the Gateron Ink Box Black may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Pine's 3.4 mm travel distance provides a balance between responsiveness and depth, while the Ink Box Black's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a slightly more extended keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 Ink Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 are known for their sharp, crisp, and direct feedback with a quick bottom-out, creating a distinctive typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches produce a clacky and high-pitched sound, reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken. The sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's build and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine switches offer an invigorating and sharp tactile bump, providing a pronounced feedback and snappy typing experience. They are described as accented and snappy, ensuring a lively and immersive sensation while typing. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Black switches are silky and polished, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch provide unique and distinct typing experiences in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out with clear-cut feedback, the Pine switches are a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer an incredibly smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky sound profile, the Ink Box Black switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy sharp tactile feedback and a distinct bottom-out feel, the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a clacky and high-pitched sound profile, the Ink Box Black switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preference for tactility and sound.
Mentioned in this article
