Bsun Pine vs. SP-Star Meteor Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and SP-Star Meteor Orange are two popular options to consider. The BSUN Pine switches are known for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer a gentle and soft tactility with a neutral sound profile. While the Pine switches are characterized as accented and sharp, the Meteor Orange switches are described as mild and polished. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
57g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and SP-Star Meteor Orange both utilize different housing materials for their switches, with the Pine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Meteor Orange uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, making it ideal for switches that prioritize clear and resonant sound. In contrast, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is often preferred by typing enthusiasts. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer unique benefits in terms of sound quality, with polycarbonate providing a crisper sound while nylon offers a more rounded sound.
When it comes to the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, the qualities of the bottom housing are more apparent during bottom-out sounds and feels, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom can significantly affect how a switch feels and sounds during typing. With the Bsun Pine featuring different housing materials for the top and bottom, users can experience a combination of the clear and sharp sound from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper, fuller sound from the nylon bottom housing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange's consistent use of nylon throughout the housing provides a more uniform sound profile that is deep and rounded overall.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Pine and SP-Star Meteor Orange differ in their choice of housing materials, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Pine's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings allows users to experience both sharp, clear sounds and deep, full sounds, depending on whether they are pressing or releasing a key. Meanwhile, the Meteor Orange's consistent use of nylon throughout provides a more uniform and rounded sound profile that is preferred by many typing enthusiasts. Overall, the choice of housing material plays a significant role in determining the sound and feel of a keyboard switch, making it an essential consideration for those seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Pine is 65 grams, while the Meteor Orange has a bottom out force of 57 grams. This makes the Pine switch overall heavier in terms of force required for both actuation and bottoming out. The Pine switch would be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a substantial typing experience, while the Meteor Orange switch would be ideal for users looking for a lighter typing experience for longer periods of use. Both switches provide different levels of resistance, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Meteor Orange switch has a slightly longer travel distance. Both of these distances fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with 4.0mm being the most common. Gamers tend to prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, making the Pine switch a good choice for them. However, those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Meteor Orange switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance and keypress 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 SP-Star Meteor Orange has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Meteor Orange for $5.00.
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 is best described as having a sharp and distinct sound profile, which aligns with its direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a moderate actuation force requirement with a pleasing thocky sound. The choice of board and keycaps also plays a significant role in determining the overall sound of the switch, so it is important to consider these factors when making a decision.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine switch offers an invigorating typing experience with its sharp and snappy feedback, creating a satisfying and reactive sensation with each keypress. The tactile bump is notably intense, providing a distinct tactile feel without being overwhelming. In comparison, the SP-Star Meteor Orange switch provides a more mild and polished typing experience, with a gentle tactility that is approachable to most users. The smooth and refined finish of the switch contributes to a sleek and comfortable typing experience.
Overall, while the BSUN Pine and SP-Star Meteor Orange switches offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches provide unique typing experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharp and direct tactile bump with a distinct sound or a gentle and polished feel with a neutral sound profile, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the SP-Star Meteor Orange tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp and direct tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force, opt for the Pine switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer and more gentle tactility with a medium-light bottom out force, the Meteor Orange switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer a more pronounced and snappy typing sensation with the Pine switch or a smooth and polished typing experience with the Meteor Orange switch. Consider how these factors align with your typing style and preferences to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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