Bsun Pine vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Bsun Pine, a tactile switch, and the Cherry MX Silent Red, a linear switch. The Bsun Pine switches are renowned for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, appealing to those who prefer direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a quiet typing experience while still maintaining the satisfying feel of the classic MX Red switch. Both switches have their unique characteristics and cater to different preferences - the Pine being more accented and sharp, and the MX Silent Red being more muted and low-pitched. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Silent Red switches both play a crucial role in dictating the sound profile of the switches. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffness, while the MX Silent Red employs a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. Despite their differences, both materials excel in enhancing the overall typing experience by providing distinct sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. However, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing is particularly beneficial for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup due to its translucency, offering a visually appealing aspect to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches feature a nylon bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics, providing users with a more tactile and satisfying typing experience. While the bottom housing material may not be as visually impactful as the top housing, it plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switch, making it an essential component in determining the typing experience for users.
While the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches differ in their composition and resulting sound profiles, both serve the purpose of enhancing the overall typing experience. The differences between the polycarbonate and nylon materials offer users a variety of options to choose from based on their sound preference - whether they prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile with the Pine's polycarbonate housing, or a deeper, fuller sound profile with the MX Silent Red's nylon housing. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, ensuring a satisfying typing experience regardless of the chosen housing material.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bsun Pine has a heavier force of 65 grams compared to the Cherry MX Silent Red, which has an unknown bottom out force. The Bsun Pine switch offers a medium-heavy typing experience, ideal for those who prefer a more substantial push feel, while the Cherry MX Silent Red switch's bottom out force remains a mystery. Overall, the actuation force and bottom out force of these switches play a significant role in determining the typing experience for users, with the Bsun Pine being the heavier option for those who prefer a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Cherry MX Silent Red has a slightly longer travel distance. The Pine switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the MX Silent Red provides a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, but overall, they are relatively close in length and will provide similar results in typing or gaming experiences.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 tactile switch is known for its clear-cut and sharp tactile bump, which may result in a more pronounced click sound when typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch offers a quieter typing experience with its muted sound profile, making it a better option for noise-sensitive environments. The MX Silent Red produces a low-pitched and thocky sound, providing a satisfying yet quieter typing experience compared to the Pine switch. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard layout and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is characterized by its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a satisfying and responsive typing experience with its pronounced tactile bump. The Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, on the other hand, is described as having a textured feel, which may indicate a slightly scratchier typing experience compared to the smoother feel of the Pine switch. Both switches offer distinct tactile feedback, with the Pine switch being more accentuated and snappy, while the MX Silent Red switch provides a unique textured sensation to the user.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a more pronounced tactile feedback and a louder click sound, the BSUN Pine tactile switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with a smoother feel, the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch could be the better option. Despite their differences in sound and feel, both switches offer quality typing experiences that cater to different preferences and needs. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel when typing.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Pine switch if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, sharp tactile feedback, and a quick bottom-out experience. The Pine switch is best suited for those who value direct tactility and a distinctive typing sensation. On the other hand, opt for the MX Silent Red switch if you prioritize a silent operation while still enjoying the satisfying feel of a slightly heftier switch. The MX Silent Red is ideal for noise-sensitive environments where a quieter typing experience is desired. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for tactility, sound profile, and bottom out force.
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