Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Ink Yellow

Overview

When comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Pine switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense tactility that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow switch offers a smoother and clackier typing experience with a shorter travel, making it an ideal choice for those looking for something between a laptop and standard mechanical keyboard feel. While the Pine switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Ink Yellow switch is characterized as neutral, clacky, mild, and polished. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on personal preference and typing needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Pine Tactile

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$4.70

$3.70 per 10

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

One key difference between the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Ink Yellow is their top housing materials. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness. This results in a clear and resonant sound when typing. On the other hand, the Ink Yellow features Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, which offers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Both materials aim to enhance sound quality, but they do so in slightly different ways - with the Pine providing a crisper sound and the Ink Yellow offering a more distinct "clacky" sound.

In terms of bottom housing materials, the Bsun Pine uses a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow also features Gateron's proprietary INK blend bottom housing, which complements the top housing with a pointed and high-pitched sound profile. This allows for a satisfying thin sound that adds to the overall typing experience. While both housing materials contribute to the sound produced by the switches, they do so in different ways - with nylon providing a deeper sound and the INK blend offering a more defined pitch.

When considering the overall impact of the housing materials on the switch, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing material has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. While the Bsun Pine and Gateron Ink Yellow have different housing materials for the top and bottom, both aim to enhance the overall sound profile of the switch and offer a unique typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, it is evident that the Ink Yellow has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams compared to the Pine's lighter 45 grams. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Pine requiring 65 grams and the Ink Yellow needing 67 grams. This means that while the actuation force of the switches varies, the typing experience when fully pressing down on the keys will feel relatively similar. Those who prefer a lighter actuation force may lean towards the Pine switch for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a firmer push may prefer the Ink Yellow for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the switch is an important factor to consider based on personal preference for typing or gaming purposes.

Travel distance

The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, which are preferred by gamers for faster response times. The difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable to most users. If you prefer a slightly shorter travel distance, the Pine switch would be the better option, whereas if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance, the Ink Yellow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, providing a good balance between responsiveness and key depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Pine switch is known for its clear-cut feedback and fast action, creating a sharp and snappy sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a neutral sound profile with a moderate actuation force requirement, making it suitable for various purposes. While the sound of a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the Pine will provide a more pronounced and intense typing sound, whereas the Ink Yellow will offer a smoother and more moderate sound experience.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Pine switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile typing sensation with a strong and crisp bump that can be felt distinctly with every keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow switch offers a mild and polished feel, ensuring a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The Pine switch will deliver a more pronounced tactility and feedback, while the Ink Yellow switch will provide a more approachable and refined typing experience.

Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch is best suited for those who value sharp tactile feedback and a quick bottom-out, whereas the Ink Yellow switch is ideal for users seeking a smoother typing experience with a shorter travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style. Both switches will provide quality performance, but the Pine will cater to individuals who prefer a more intense and direct tactility, while the Ink Yellow will appeal to those looking for a more moderate and refined typing experience.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, you should consider your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and fast action with a distinct bottom-out, the Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother typing experience with a shorter travel distance and a moderate sound profile, the Ink Yellow switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and preference for tactility and smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Pine Tactile

$4.70

$3.70 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Ink Yellow Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more