Bsun Pine vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Pine and Cherry MX Black are stand-out options with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Pine is a tactile switch that is lauded for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is a linear switch that boasts a smooth and textured feel thanks to Cherry's Hyperglide tooling, paired with a deep sound profile during typing. While the Pine offers accentuated tactility and snappiness, the MX Black provides a stiff and low-pitched typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference and typing style; 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Black, one major difference is the use of polycarbonate in the Pine's top housing compared to nylon in the MX Black's top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, particularly useful for switches designed with RGB lighting. On the other hand, nylon used in the MX Black's top housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature which absorbs more sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users depending on their preference for a sharper or fuller sound.
Furthermore, both the Pine and the MX Black utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This commonality means that both switches will offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound profiles, as nylon's softer nature absorbs sound and creates a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This shared housing material in the bottom of the switches may lead to a more consistent typing experience in terms of sound and feel, providing users with a familiar and comfortable typing experience regardless of the switch they choose.
It is interesting to note that the qualities of the housing materials of a switch are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings can result in a nuanced typing experience for users, with each aspect of the switch contributing to the overall sound profile and feel. Overall, the choice between the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Black housing materials may come down to individual preferences for sound profiles and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which has an actuation force of 60 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the MX Black has a bottom out force of 80 grams. This means that the MX Black switch requires a heavier initial push to register a keystroke, but also provides a more substantial typing experience with a higher bottom out force. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Pine switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a more solid and heavy keystroke may opt for the MX Black switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the MX Black provides a deeper key press, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the individual user. Both switches offer their own unique benefits, so whether you prefer the shorter or longer travel distance, you can expect to get similar results in terms of performance.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 offers a unique and distinct typing experience, with a sound profile that is best described as crisp and sharp, providing an auditory feedback that matches its tactile bump. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its low-pitched sound profile, which adds a bass-heavy and mellow tone to the typing experience. Both switches offer a satisfying auditory experience, albeit in different ways, and the overall sound is also influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Pine switch is characterized by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a pronounced and responsive typing sensation. The switch's accented tactility falls in the range of medium tactile switches, offering a balance between the intensity of the feedback and the smoothness of the keypress. Conversely, the Cherry MX Black switch is known for its textured and stiff feel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and providing a noticeable friction when pressed. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing feel that caters to different preferences in terms of tactility and actuation force.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch stands out for its sharp and invigorating tactile feedback, providing a quick and distinct bottom-out with every keypress. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a smoother and low-pitched typing experience, with a classic and iconic feel enhanced by Cherry's Hyperglide tooling. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are capable of delivering a satisfying typing experience, ensuring that users will get similar results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider your typing preferences and needs. If you value a sharp tactile bump with clear-cut feedback and quick bottom-out, the Bsun Pine switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and classic typing experience with a deep sound profile, the Cherry MX Black switch with its Hyperglide tooling could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize direct tactility or a textured smoothness in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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