Bsun Pine vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Red 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, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Red, a linear switch. The BSUN Pine switches are known for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing clear-cut feedback and fast action for a no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, combining responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. While the Pine switch is more accented and invigorating, the MX Red switch is characterized as thocky, low-pitched, and textured. 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
N/A
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 housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Red switches both have unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile and feel of the keys. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, making it resonate more clearly. On the other hand, the MX Red's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound thanks to its softer plastic composition. Despite these differences, both materials are commonly used in switch housing and play a crucial role in determining the overall typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Pine and MX Red switches utilize nylon for this component. Nylon's softness and sound absorption properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, resulting in a more muffled and rounded sound compared to harder plastics. While the bottom housing may not be as prominent in the overall typing experience as the top housing, its material still plays a significant role in shaping the sound and feel of the keys. Despite using the same material for the bottom housing, each switch model may still exhibit unique characteristics based on its design and construction.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches can have a significant impact on the sound and feel of typing. The differences between the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine and the nylon top housing of the MX Red highlight how material selection can influence the overall sound profile, from sharp and crisp to deep and full. Additionally, the similarities in using nylon for the bottom housing of both switches demonstrate how a common material can still produce distinct typing experiences based on factors such as design and construction. Ultimately, understanding the properties of different housing materials can help keyboard enthusiasts make informed decisions when selecting switches for their typing needs.
Weight
The actuation force for both the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch is the same at 45 grams, meaning you will get a similar keypress feel in terms of triggering a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, there is a difference. The Bsun Pine has a bottom out force of 65 grams, giving it a slightly heavier feel compared to the Cherry MX Red, whose bottom out force is unknown. This difference may impact the typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Those who like a lighter touch may find the Cherry MX Red more suitable for longer typing sessions, while those who enjoy a heavier press may lean towards the Bsun Pine for a more defined typing experience. Ultimately, the weight of the keypress plays a significant role in determining which switch is the right choice for individual preferences and needs.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine switch. The Pine switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it more ideal for those looking for a fast and responsive typing experience, which is favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red's longer travel distance may provide a more substantial and satisfying feel for those who prefer more depth when typing. Ultimately, the choice between a shorter or longer travel distance depends on personal preference and typing style. So if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, the Bsun Pine tactile switch would be the way to go.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is described as having a distinct and sharp click with a quick bottom-out, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its deep and thocky sound profile that offers a satisfying auditory depth. Both switches provide unique sound profiles that can enhance the overall typing experience, with the Pine offering a sharper click and the MX Red delivering a deeper and more robust sound. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap material.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is praised for its invigorating and sharp tactile bump that provides a pronounced feedback with a snappy and responsive feel. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its slightly textured feel, which can vary based on personal preference regarding the level of friction during typing. Both switches offer a unique typing experience, with the Pine delivering a more tactile and sharp sensation, while the MX Red provides a smoother and more consistent linear feel. The choice between these switches ultimately comes down to individual preference in terms of typing style and tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a sharp and invigorating typing experience with a distinct tactile bump and quick bottom-out, coupled with a unique sound profile that adds to the overall satisfaction of typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red linear switch provides a slightly heavier feel with a thocky sound profile, offering a different yet equally satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharp tactility of the Pine or the smoother linear feel of the MX Red, both switches offer high-quality performance and can cater to different preferences in typing style. Ultimately, trying out both switches in person can help determine which one suits your preferences best.
Conclusion
To sum up, in choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, sharp tactile bump, and quick bottom-out with distinct feedback, the Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and a smoother typing experience, the MX Red switch may be more suited to your liking. Consider your sound and feel preferences when making your decision, as well as how you value responsiveness and keypress feedback. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience depending on what you prioritize.
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