Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing experience. On one hand, the Bsun Pine switch offers a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience favored by those who appreciate a distinct, snappy feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation, ensuring a seamless and consistent typing experience. While the Pine switch is categorized as accented and sharp, the Jupiter Red switch is described as polished and creamy. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to whether you prefer a sharp tactile feedback or a smooth linear keystroke. 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Jupiter Red, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. This material is ideal for switches that include RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects. In terms of sound, both switches will likely produce similar results with their polycarbonate top housing, providing users with a clear and resonant typing experience.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Bsun Pine features a nylon bottom housing, while the Gateron Jupiter Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to polycarbonate. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This means that despite having the same bottom housing material, the Bsun Pine and Gateron Jupiter Red may offer slightly different typing experiences in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of overall typing experience, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in the Bsun Pine and Gateron Jupiter Red offers a balance between sharp, crisp sound and deep, full sound. The impact of the bottom housing will affect the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing will influence the sound when releasing a key. Both switches provide a unique typing experience based on the different qualities of their housing materials, allowing users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, we see that the Pine has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Jupiter Red's 60 grams. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience in terms of initial key press. The Pine offers a slightly heavier feel when fully depressing the key, which may appeal to those looking for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red offers a slightly lighter bottom out force, which could be more comfortable for extended typing sessions. In terms of weight, the Pine leans towards the heavier side, while the Jupiter Red falls more towards the medium range. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Jupiter Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Pine. With a 0.6 mm difference, the Pine offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red provides a bit more depth, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Both switches offer a middle-ground travel distance that is commonly seen in mechanical keyboards, providing a balance between speed and comfort. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Jupiter Red comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a neutral sound profile, while the Gateron Jupiter Red switch also falls under the neutral category. Both switches should provide a moderate sound level suitable for various environments and preferences. It's important to note that the actual sound produced by a switch can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Pine switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, offering a tactile typing experience with a prominent tactile bump and quick bottom-out. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, providing a smooth and refined keystroke with a medium-heavy actuation force. While the two switches offer different tactile sensations, they both aim to enhance the typing experience through unique characteristics.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch is best suited for those seeking a sharp and tactile typing experience, while the Jupiter Red switch is ideal for users looking for a smooth and consistent keystroke. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches, but rest assured that both will provide satisfactory results based on the described subjective qualities.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and direct tactility, the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, consistent keystroke with medium actuation force and softer backlight effects, the Jupiter Red switch might suit your preferences better. Both switches offer unique features and advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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