Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Mini i stand out for their unique characteristics. The Bsun Pine switch is praised for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience favored by those who appreciate a distinct tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a gentle tactility with a fairly muted sound profile, making it ideal for long hours of comfortable typing without disturbing others. Both switches have their own strengths - the Pine for its invigorating and sharp feel, and the Mini i for its bouncy and easy-to-press nature. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Mini i, we can see that both switches use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon, which absorbs more sound than harder plastics. However, the Pine uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while the Mini i also utilizes nylon for its top housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in top housing materials will ultimately impact the overall sound and feel of typing on these switches.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing offers a clear and translucent appearance, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Mini i's nylon housing may not have the same visual appeal but still offers a classic look. While both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, the slight variation in top housing materials gives each switch its unique sound profile. The Pine's stiffer polycarbonate top housing creates a clearer and more resonant sound, while the Mini i's softer nylon top housing produces a rounder and duller sound.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Mini i will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and aesthetics. The Pine's combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing offers a sharp and resonant sound, ideal for those looking for a crisper typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i's consistent use of nylon housing throughout provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, making them suitable options for keyboard enthusiasts seeking a customized typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch. The Pine requires 5 more grams of force to actuate and 15 more grams of force to bottom out. This makes the Pine switch better suited for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Mini i switch is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it ideal for those who want a softer typing experience for longer periods of use. Both switches offer a different typing feel based on their actuation and bottom out forces, so users should choose based on their preference for a lighter or heavier keypress.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. The travel distance of a switch is important as it affects the typing experience and how deep you need to press the keys. With both switches having the same travel distance, you can expect a similar feel and response when typing on keyboards that use either of these switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the Bsun Pine or the Gateron Mini i will come down to other factors such as actuation force, sound, and overall typing 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 Gateron Mini i comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the BSUN Pine switch is best described as having a unique and sharp click with a distinct bottom-out sound due to its sharp tactile bump and long pole stem. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a more neutral sound profile that is moderate and suitable for various environments such as offices, without sacrificing the satisfying feedback of typing. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by other factors like the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing, the BSUN Pine switch provides an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a prominent feedback intensity, creating an immersive typing sensation. It is known for its snappy and reactive feel, making each keystroke distinct and lively. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch offers a more easy-to-press and bouncy feel, providing gentle resistance during key presses for a comfortable typing experience that reduces finger fatigue. Overall, the Gateron Mini i switch falls into a milder category with a gentle and subtle typing feel that is approachable to most users.
Considering all available information, the BSUN Pine switch is favored for its sharp tactility, fast action, and clear-cut feedback, making it ideal for those seeking direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch strikes a balance with its gentle tactility, muted sound profile, and lightweight design, catering to users who prefer a quieter and more office-friendly typing experience. While both switches offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel, users can expect similar results in terms of key responsiveness and typing efficiency with either switch. Ultimately, the choice between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch will depend on the user's preference for tactility, sound profile, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the typing experience you desire. If you appreciate a sharp and direct tactile bump with fast action, the Pine switch would be a great choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with gentle tactility and a muted sound profile, the Mini i switch may be more suitable for long hours of comfortable typing without the clack. Ultimately, your preference for typing feel and sound will guide you in selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs.
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