Bsun Pine vs. TTC Neptune
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the TTC Neptune switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Pine and TTC Neptune offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Pine is revered for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune stands out with its innovative internal structure that combines a smooth glide with a springy resistance, offering a "matte" feel that makes typing a textured pleasure. While the Pine is characterized by its accentuated and sharp feel, the Neptune is distinguished by its buttery and gummy sensation. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Lengthened 21.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the TTC Neptune both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Pine utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound with a clear and resonant quality. In contrast, the Neptune's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. These differences in top housing materials lead to distinct acoustic experiences for users of each switch.
On the other hand, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Pine opts for a nylon material, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. In comparison, the Neptune utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, crisper sound profile similar to the polycarbonate top housing of the Pine. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials between the two switches, both provide unique tactile and auditory experiences that can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Bsun Pine and TTC Neptune switches results in a well-rounded typing experience that balances between sharp, crisp sounds and deeper, fuller tones. While the Pine offers a more nuanced sound profile with its mix of polycarbonate and nylon materials, the Neptune provides a distinct sound thanks to its POM and polycarbonate housing. Whether users prefer a sharper, clearer sound or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches offer a variety of acoustic qualities that can enhance the typing experience for mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the TTC Neptune linear switch. The Pine requires 45 grams to actuate and 65 grams to bottom out, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Neptune only needs 41 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the Neptune switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may prefer the Pine switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their weight, catering to varying preferences in actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Neptune linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Neptune has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. The Pine may provide a slightly snappier feel due to its shorter travel distance, while the Neptune may offer a bit more depth to the keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance - whether one prefers a shorter travel distance for quick actuation or a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial key press.
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 TTC Neptune has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Neptune for $5.09.
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 switch provides a sharp, distinct sound with each keypress, giving typists a clear auditory indication of actuation. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch offers a low-pitched, muted sound profile, creating a refined and unobtrusive typing experience. The Pine switch may appeal to those who appreciate a more direct and pronounced click, while the Neptune switch caters to users who prefer a quieter and smoother typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Pine switch is known for its sharp and invigorating tactile bump, providing a snappy and responsive typing experience. It offers an accented and sharp tactility that can be felt distinctly with each keypress. On the other hand, the TTC Neptune switch offers a buttery, gummy sensation with a frictionless and mild feel. Its unique combination of characteristics gives each keystroke a smooth and polished touch, making typing a comfortable and effortless endeavor. The Pine switch excels in providing a pronounced tactile feedback, while the Neptune switch focuses on delivering a seamless and fluid typing sensation.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the TTC Neptune linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Pine switch excels in providing sharp tactility and direct feedback, the Neptune switch prioritizes a smooth and frictionless typing experience with a muted sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience with their own set of characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharp tactility of the Pine switch or the buttery smoothness of the Neptune switch, you can expect a high-quality typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, you should choose the Bsun Pine tactile switch if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, sharp tactile feedback, and a quick bottom-out experience. The Pine switch is ideal for those who enjoy a direct and no-nonsense tactility in their typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a light bottom out force, a smooth and frictionless glide, and a unique matte feel, then the TTC Neptune linear switch would be the better choice for you. The Neptune switch offers a harmonious balance of smoothness and springy resistance, ensuring swift and effortless typing with a muted sound profile. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches should be based on your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience, whether it be sharp and direct with the Pine switch or smooth and effortless with the Neptune switch.
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