Bsun Pine vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch to the KTT Lightning linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Pine switches are favored for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, making them ideal for those seeking a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Lightnings are known for their speed and precision, making them perfect for competitive gaming where milliseconds matter. While the Pine offers a more invigorating and sharp typing experience, the Lightning provides a slick and polished feel with a clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference and intended use. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Pine and the KTT Lightning utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that incorporate RGB lighting. In terms of aesthetics and sound quality, both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in their top housing.
On the other hand, the Bsun Pine and the KTT Lightning differ in their choice of bottom housing material. The Pine features a nylon bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Lightning also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which offers the same qualities of a deeper and fuller sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both switches helps to enhance the overall typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Pine and KTT Lightning may differ, both switches still provide a unique typing experience. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, impacting the sound profile and feel of typing. The bottom housing has a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. Overall, both switches offer a combination of materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is clear that the Pine has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Lightning. The Pine requires 45 grams of force to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Lightning only needs 43 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions and is ideal for work or gaming, while a heavier switch provides a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the preference for a lighter or heavier switch will depend on individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3mm. In this case, the Lightning switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Pine switch. The difference may seem small, but it can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for faster response times, while a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying feel to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
The BSUN Pine switches are often praised for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. This results in a more invigorating and accentuated feel compared to the KTT Lightning switches, which offer a more subtle and polished typing sensation. The Pine switches give off a distinct and sharp sound profile, while the Lightning switches have a clacky and high-pitched sound that adds to their speedy nature. Both switches have their unique qualities that cater to different preferences, with the Pine switches focusing on intense tactility and sound, while the Lightning switches prioritize speed and a smoother typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches would depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced and tactile feel with sharper sound (Pine) or a smoother and quicker typing experience with a clacky sound (Lightning).
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and strong feedback, the Bsun Pine switch may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you value speed, a light typing feel, and a clacky sound profile, the KTT Lightning switch might be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactile feedback, typing speed, and sound profile.
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