Bsun Pine vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Pine and Durock Light Tactile mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that they both offer unique typing experiences. The Pine switch stands out with its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock offers a gentler tactility, contrasting with the sharper tactile switches commonly found in the market. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Light Tactile switch is described as 'Neutral', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback, you may be drawn to the distinct sharpness of the Pine switch or the softer tactility of the Light Tactile switch. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the Durock Light Tactile both use polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, leading to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for switch housings. However, while both switches share this material for their top housing, they differ in their bottom housing material.
The Bsun Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is softer compared to polycarbonate, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile also features a nylon bottom housing with similar qualities, allowing for a satisfying typing experience with a more muted sound compared to the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing. Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both switches aim to provide a pleasant typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing. While both the Bsun Pine and the Durock Light Tactile utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharp and resonant sound, the use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile in both switches. The combination of these materials results in a unique typing experience for each switch, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for sound and feel.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch are quite similar in terms of weight. The Pine has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Light Tactile's 52 grams, while the Pine also has a lighter bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Light Tactile's 67 grams. Both switches fall into the medium-heavy category, providing a satisfying tactile typing experience without being overly strenuous. These similarities mean that users can expect comparable results in terms of typing feel and performance when using either switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Pine has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Light Tactile has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine switch's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times, while the Light Tactile switch with its longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, providing users with options based on their personal preferences. Ultimately, whether you choose the shorter Pine switch or the longer Light Tactile switch, you will experience a distinct tactile sensation based on their respective travel distances.
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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 offers a unique and distinct typing experience with its sharp tactile bump, resulting in a likely crisp and potentially more audible typing sound. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is known for its gentle tactility, which may translate to a softer and quieter typing sound, possibly resembling a jelly-like sound signature. Depending on personal preference, the Pine switch may produce a more pronounced and sharper sound, while the Light Tactile switch might offer a smoother and milder sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Pine switch is characterized by its accented and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile switch is described as mild and polished, offering a more gentle typing sensation with a smooth and refined finish. The Pine switch may appeal to those who prefer a more intense and responsive tactile feedback, while the Light Tactile switch could be favored by individuals looking for a softer and smoother typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer contrasting characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Bsun Pine switch provides a sharp and quick tactile feedback with a potentially louder typing sound, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a gentler tactility with a likely softer and quieter typing sound. Choosing between the two switches would depend on personal preference for typing feel and sound, with the Pine switch catering to those who prefer a more intense tactility and potential for a louder typing sound, and the Light Tactile switch appealing to individuals seeking a softer and more subdued typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and invigorating tactile bump with a quick bottom-out, then the Pine switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle and polished typing experience with a jelly-like sound signature, then the Light Tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preference for tactility.
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