Bsun Pine vs. TTC Light Cloud V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the TTC Light Cloud V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the Bsun Pine, a tactile switch, and the TTC Light Cloud V2, a linear switch. The Bsun Pine is favored for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for users. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 is known for its silent operation and refined typing feel, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a delicate and nuanced typing experience. While the Pine switch offers accented and sharp feedback, the Light Cloud V2 provides a muted and easy-to-press 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold-plated double-staged spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the TTC Light Cloud V2, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, as nylon is known for absorbing more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound. However, the top housing of the Pine is made of polycarbonate, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in top housing materials leads to a different sound experience between the two switches.
Despite the difference in top housing materials, both the Bsun Pine and the TTC Light Cloud V2 offer a unique sound profile due to their nylon bottom housing. The nylon material absorbs sound differently than harder plastics, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing on these switches. While the Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a more clear and resonant sound, the Light Cloud V2's nylon top housing produces a softer and fuller sound. These differences in top housing material contribute to the overall sound experience of each switch.
The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of a switch can have a noticeable impact on the typing experience. With the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel and the top housing affecting the sound when releasing a key, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate in the Bsun Pine and TTC Light Cloud V2 creates a unique balance of sharpness and fullness in sound. While both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, the choice between the sharper sound of polycarbonate or the fuller sound of nylon may come down to personal preference.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine is heavier with 65 grams compared to the Light Cloud V2's 58 grams. This makes the Pine switch more substantial in typing experience as it requires more force to press all the way down. Some users may prefer this heavier bottom out force for a more deliberate typing feel. On the other hand, the Light Cloud V2 offers a lighter bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches provide a unique typing experience due to their differing bottom out forces, catering to a variety of preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. However, the Light Cloud V2 has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine. Gamers who prefer a slightly deeper key press may find the Light Cloud V2 more appealing, while those who prefer a slightly shallower key press may lean towards the Bsun Pine. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal and may not be noticeable for some users, resulting in similar overall performance.
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 TTC Light Cloud V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Cloud V2 for $5.49.
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 switch is known for a sharp and distinct click with its tactile bump, creating a louder and more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch is designed to be muted and quiet, minimizing the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This means that if you prefer a quieter typing experience, the Light Cloud V2 would be the better choice, while the Pine switch would cater to those who enjoy a more audible feedback while typing.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience, with a strong and crisp tactile bump that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. It is described as snappy and accentuated, providing a responsive and immersive typing sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Light Cloud V2 switch is characterized by a mild and easy-to-press feel, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. It is designed to be feathery and effortless, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Therefore, if you prefer a more pronounced and tactile typing experience, the Pine switch would be the ideal choice, while the Light Cloud V2 switch would be suitable for those seeking a gentler and smoother typing feel.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a sharp and accentuated typing experience with a loud click sound, while the Light Cloud V2 switch offers a muted and gentle typing experience with a quieter sound profile. The choice between the two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference, with the Pine switch appealing to those who enjoy a more tactile and audible typing experience, and the Light Cloud V2 switch catering to individuals seeking a softer and more subtle typing feel. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, and selecting either would result in a satisfying and enjoyable keyboarding experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the TTC Light Cloud V2 linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and a quick bottom-out with clear-cut feedback, the Pine switch with its medium-heavy 65-gram bottom out force may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined, silent typing feel with a lighter 58-gram bottom out force, the Light Cloud V2 switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you value a direct and invigorating typing experience (Pine switch) or a delicate and easy-to-press sensation (Light Cloud V2 switch). Both switches have their unique characteristics, so choose based on your personal preferences and typing style.