Bsun Pine vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and BSUN Olive both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Pine switch is well-known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, making it a favorite amongst users who value direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Olive switch stands out for its all-POM housing that produces a resonant, deep sound, along with pronounced tactile feedback for a satisfying typing experience. Both switches are categorized as 'Accented,' 'Invigorating,' 'Sharp,' and 'Snappy,' but the reasons for choosing each switch vary. 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
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Bsun Olive differ in their housing materials, with the Pine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the Olive boasts a POM top housing and a POM bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more resonant sound. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Olive produces a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles due to the differences in their top housings.
While the bottom housing materials of the Bsun Pine and Bsun Olive are different, with the Pine using nylon and the Olive using POM, both materials contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The nylon bottom housing of the Pine produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Olive also creates a deep and muted sound, enhancing the overall typing experience. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches offer a satisfying sound profile that caters to different preferences.
In terms of overall sound and feel, the differences in top and bottom housing materials between the Bsun Pine and Bsun Olive allow for a variety of typing experiences. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing the key. Whether you prefer the stiffer polycarbonate top housing of the Pine for a sharper sound or the POM top housing of the Olive for a deeper tone, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Pine and Olive will depend on individual preferences for sound profiles and typing experiences.
Weight
The Bsun Pine and Bsun Olive tactile switches both have the same actuation force and bottom out force, making them ideal for those who prefer a consistent typing experience. With an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, both switches fall into the medium-heavy category. This means that users can expect a tactile feedback response that requires a moderate amount of force to activate, providing a satisfying typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter touch, both switches may be a bit on the heavier side, but they still offer a decent balance between ease of typing and a solid push feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when you press down on a key using either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The tactile feedback and overall feel of the switches may vary, but in terms of the distance the switch travels, they are equal. Whether you choose the Pine or the Olive, you can expect similar results in terms of key travel distance.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 is known for its crisp and sharp sound that resonates distinctly, while the Bsun Olive switch offers a deep and resonant sound that sets it apart from others. The sound produced by each switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, both the Bsun Pine and Bsun Olive switches are described as providing an invigorating and sharp tactile experience. These switches offer pronounced feedback, moderate actuation force, and a snappy feel, creating an immersive typing sensation for users. The distinct tactile bump and long pole stem in both switches contribute to a tactile experience that is neither overwhelming nor subtle.
Overall, both the Bsun Pine and Bsun Olive switches offer similar tactile qualities with a sharp and invigorating feel, making them ideal choices for users who appreciate a tactile typing experience. The differences in sound between the two switches may be noticeable, but ultimately the choice between the two will come down to personal preference and the specific setup in which they are used.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the BSUN Olive tactile switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you desire a sharp, direct feedback with a quick bottom-out and a no-nonsense typing experience, the Pine switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a resonant, deep sound and a pronounced tactile feedback that provides a satisfying typing sensation, the Olive switch could be more up your alley. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preferences and what type of typing experience you value most.