Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Ink Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Ink Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Gateron Ink Red stand out as popular choices, each offering a unique typing experience. The BSUN Pine switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and long pole stem, providing a distinct and quick bottom-out. It is favored by those who prefer direct, no-nonsense tactility and are categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch with a lower actuation force, making it ideal for lighter typing styles. It is praised for its smoothness, crispy and clacky sound profile, and effortless typing experience, categorized as 'Neutral', 'Silky', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their strengths, but the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences. 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
60g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Ink Red, one key difference is in the top housing material. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. On the other hand, the Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing by Gateron, known for its pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. While both offer unique sound profiles, the polycarbonate material of the Pine may provide a clearer and resonant sound compared to the INK blend of the Ink Red.
Another point of comparison between the two switches lies in their bottom housing materials. The Pine incorporates a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Ink Red features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which also contributes to a pointed and high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky. Despite their similarities in sound profile descriptors, the materials of nylon and the INK blend offer different levels of sound absorption and overall sound characteristics.
When examining how the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of the switches, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. While the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, the top housing plays a crucial role in the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of both materials in shaping the overall typing experience for users of the Bsun Pine and Gateron Ink Red switches.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is the same, both requiring 45 grams of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams, making it heavier than the Ink Red, which only needs 60 grams. The Pine switch offers a slightly more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Ink Red provides a gentler touch, perfect for long typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Ink Red linear switch that has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for fast and precise keystrokes. On the other hand, the Ink Red provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which may be more suitable for those who prefer a more tactile typing experience. Both switches offer different advantages based on their travel distances, catering to the preferences of users who prioritize speed and responsiveness or prefer a more pronounced key press 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 Red has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Red for $7.35.
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 crisp and distinct typing experience with its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, resulting in a unique and satisfying sound profile. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its smooth and effortless typing experience, producing a crispy and clacky sound that is pleasant to the ears. Both switches have their own unique acoustic qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Pine having a more pronounced and direct sound, while the Ink Red offers a smoother and more neutral sound.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is described as invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile feedback that is firm and responsive, creating an immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is known for its silky smooth typing experience, offering a gentle and polished feel with reduced friction and smooth key travel. While the Pine switch delivers a more intense and pronounced tactile feedback, the Ink Red switch focuses on providing a smoother and more refined typing experience that is effortless and enjoyable.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Pine switch excels in providing sharp and direct tactile feedback with a unique sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more intense typing experience. On the other hand, the Ink Red switch offers a smooth and effortless typing experience with a neutral sound profile, perfect for those who prefer a lighter typing style. Ultimately, both switches provide high-quality performance and satisfaction, ensuring a pleasant typing experience for users seeking different tactile and auditory experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Red linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a lower actuation force, the Ink Red switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal typing style and preference for tactility. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before making your decision.
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