Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Gateron Ink Box Pink offer unique and distinct typing experiences. The BSUN Pine is a tactile switch that is best known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing clear-cut feedback and fast action for those who prefer direct tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is a linear switch that is smooth and offers a lighter typing feel compared to other switches, with a higher-pitched clack when in use. While the Pine is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Ink Box Pink is described as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', 'Silky', and 'Polished'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
The Bsun Pine and Gateron Ink Box Pink both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound compared to the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound without being overly sharp. Both materials provide a satisfying auditory experience, with the Pine offering a clearer and more resonant sound due to its stiffer polycarbonate composition, while the INK blend of the Pink delivers a clacky and thin sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Pine's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blend bottom housing offers a similar high-pitched sound characteristic to its top housing, providing a cohesive auditory experience throughout the switch. While both bottom housings contribute to the overall sound of the switch, the Pine's nylon bottom housing may offer a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the Pink's INK blend bottom housing.
Overall, the Bsun Pine and Gateron Ink Box Pink showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound profile of a switch. While the Pine emphasizes a clearer and more resonant sound with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Ink Box Pink offers a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound with its proprietary INK blend housing throughout. Despite their differences, both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience that caters to various preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch with an actuation force of 50 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires a heavier 65 grams compared to the Ink Box Pink's 60 grams. This means that the Pine switch offers a lighter initial press but a heavier overall typing experience when fully pressed down. In terms of weight preference, those looking for a lighter typing experience may prefer the Gateron Ink Box Pink, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel may lean towards the Bsun Pine. Both switches provide a good balance between actuation and bottom out forces for a comfortable typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Ink Box Pink 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. However, the difference of 0.2 mm might not be noticeable to all users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference - whether you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance for quicker key presses or a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Pine tactile switch offers a sharp and direct sound profile, perfect for users who prefer a crisp and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch produces a higher-pitched clack, giving off a lighter and brighter sound with each keystroke. While the Pine switch emphasizes a more pronounced and intense auditory feedback, the Ink Box Pink switch delivers a smoother and more delicate sound, catering to those who enjoy a softer typing acoustics.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Pine tactile switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile bump, creating a responsive and immersive typing sensation for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback. On the contrary, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a silky and polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, appealing to those who favor a smoother and more refined feel while typing. Both switches offer unique tactile qualities that cater to different preferences in terms of tactility and keypress response.
Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and responsive typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate a direct and no-nonsense tactility. Conversely, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offers a lighter typing feel with a smoother and more delicate sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer and more refined typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, consider your typing preferences. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out with medium-heavy actuation force, the Pine switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force and a high-pitched clacky sound, the Ink Box Pink switch is likely the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of tactility, sound, and overall feel when deciding between these two mechanical keyboard switches.
Mentioned in this article
