Bsun Pine vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Brown. The Bsun Pine switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch is praised for its subtle tactility and subdued audio feedback, offering a lighter typing experience with a gentle touch. While the Bsun Pine switch is characterized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Cherry MX Brown switch is labeled as 'Textured', 'Bassy', and 'Low-pitched'. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes 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
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
The Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Brown both have nylon bottom housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the plastic. This results in a duller and rounder sound when compared to switches with harder plastic housings. However, when it comes to their top housings, the Pine uses polycarbonate while the MX Brown utilizes nylon. The Polycarbonate top housing of the Pine creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks to its stiffness. In contrast, the Nylon top housing of the MX Brown absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing is translucent, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting due to its ability to let light shine through. On the other hand, the MX Brown's nylon top housing does not offer the same transparency. When it comes to typing experience, both switches offer a unique feel based on their housing materials. The Pine provides a clear and resonant sound when pressing down on keys, while the MX Brown delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Overall, the choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Brown may differ in terms of top housing, they both offer a similar typing experience in their bottom housings. The nylon bottom housings of both switches contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a rounder and duller sound compared to switches with harder plastic housings. This similarity in the bottom housing allows for consistency in the overall sound and feel of the switches, despite the differences in their top housings. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper sound of the polycarbonate top housing in the Pine or the fuller sound of the nylon top housing in the MX Brown will come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch is the same at 45 grams, making them both equally light in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Pine has a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the MX Brown's 55 grams, making the Pine switch a bit more substantial in typing experience. This means that the Pine switch would be more suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel and a more defined typing feedback, while the MX Brown switch would be preferable for those who like a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their bottom out force, with the Pine leaning towards a heavier feel and the MX Brown towards a lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the MX Brown. For those who prefer a faster response time or a more shallow feel, the Pine may be the better option. On the other hand, the MX Brown provides a bit more depth and a more traditional travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying. Overall, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference based on whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial 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 Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine switches offer a sharper and crisper auditory experience compared to the Cherry MX Brown switches. The Pine switches produce a distinct and noticeably more pronounced sound profile due to their unique tactile bump and long pole stem, resulting in a more lively typing sound. On the other hand, the MX Brown switches are known for their subtlety, providing a more gentle and quiet typing experience with minimal sound feedback. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by other factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used, so personal preference plays a significant role in determining which sound profile is more appealing.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switches provide an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback that is distinctly felt with each keypress. The pronounced tactile bump and quick bottom-out of the Pine switches deliver a responsive and immersive typing sensation that can be described as sharp and snappy. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown switches are characterized as textured, offering a subtle friction when pressed for those who prefer a slightly scratchier feel. While the Pine switches excel in providing a more intense and dynamic tactile experience, the MX Brown switches cater to individuals seeking a smoother and more subdued tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switches are best suited for enthusiasts who crave a direct and energetic typing experience with sharp tactile feedback and a more audible sound profile. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches are ideal for users looking for a gentler and quieter typing feel with a more subtle tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so whether you prefer the sharpness of the Pine switches or the subtlety of the MX Brown switches, you can expect a satisfying tactile experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a sharp and quick typing experience, the Bsun Pine switch with its 65g bottom out force and accentuated, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile experience with a lighter 55g bottom out force, the Cherry MX Brown switch with its gentle tactility and textured feel might be more to your liking. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that best suits your typing style for a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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