Bsun Pine vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 stand out for their distinct characteristics. The BSUN Pine is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, appealing to those who prefer direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is a linear switch celebrated for its clacky and high-pitched sound signature, offering a silky and seamless typing experience. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Lightning Silver V3 is labeled as 'Clacky', 'High-pitched', and 'Silky'. These general pointers can give you an idea of why you might choose one over the other; 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
48g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its relatively stiff nature. This material is especially useful for switches that plan to use RGB lighting, as it allows for a translucent finish. However, the Pine has a nylon bottom housing, which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
The difference in bottom housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 can impact the overall typing experience. The bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down. With the Pine's nylon bottom housing providing a deeper sound profile, users may experience a more satisfying typing experience compared to the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing. On the other hand, the top housing material, in this case, polycarbonate for both switches, influences the sound when a key is released, emphasizing the importance of a clear and resonant sound profile.
While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a similar sound profile, their differing bottom housings offer distinct typing experiences. The Pine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound, while the Lightning Silver V3's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. Depending on the user's preference for sound profile and feel, the choice between these switches may come down to the material used in the bottom housing. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users make an informed decision based on their typing preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch with 48 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a lower bottom out force of 60 grams. Both switches fall within the medium range in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The differences in weight between the two switches may impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Pine switch for longer typing sessions, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Lightning Silver V3 switch. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing force and key feel.
Travel distance
Both the Bsunn Pine tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either of these switches, you will feel the same distance of key travel. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches ensures that users can expect consistent results in terms of how much they need to press down on keys while typing or gaming. This standard travel distance offers a balanced tactile experience for both switches, making them suitable choices for individuals looking for a specific key feel.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 tactile switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and quick feedback that is best described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch boasts a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, producing a crisp and bright sound when pressed. Additionally, the Lightning Silver V3 offers a silky smooth typing experience, making it stand out for its smoothness and minimized resistance.
Ultimately, when comparing the Pine and Lightning Silver V3 switches, it's evident that the Pine is tailored for those who prefer a tactile typing experience with sharp feedback, while the Lightning Silver V3 is perfect for those seeking a linear switch with a clacky sound and seamless typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. However, one can expect similar results in terms of quality and performance, as both switches excel in their respective categories.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you value a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and direct tactility, the Pine switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clacky sound profile, a seamless typing experience, and enhanced RGB illumination, the Lightning Silver V3 switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing style.
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