Bsun Pine vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Orange offer distinct typing experiences worth exploring. The BSUN Pine switch is celebrated for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility favored by many. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a bouncy type feel with a slick, frictionless typing experience and low-pitched sound profile. While the Pine switch is known for its accentuated and invigorating typing sensation, the Orange switch excels in providing a smooth and fluid key travel experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and KTT Orange both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. This makes them ideal for switches that prioritize sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is perfect for switches designed to utilize RGB lighting, adding a visually appealing element to the overall aesthetic of the switch. However, where they differ is in their bottom housing material. The Pine utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound than polycarbonate. On the other hand, the Orange maintains a consistent polycarbonate material for both its top and bottom housing, emphasizing a sharp and clear sound profile throughout.
In terms of sound characteristics, the Bsun Pine and KTT Orange both excel in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, creating a distinct and resonant sound when keys are pressed. The differences emerge in their choice of bottom housing material. The Pine's nylon bottom housing adds a deeper and fuller sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience by absorbing more sound during key presses. Meanwhile, the Orange's decision to stick with polycarbonate for both top and bottom housing ensures a consistent sharp and clear sound profile throughout, maintaining a more uniform typing experience across the board.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the typing experience, it's important to note how the qualities of each material are distributed between the top and bottom housings of a switch. In switches where the top and bottom housings differ, such as in the Bsun Pine, the characteristics of each material will influence different aspects of typing. The bottom housing, such as the nylon material in the Pine, will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing a key, while the top housing, such as the polycarbonate in both the Pine and Orange, will have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. Overall, the choice of housing materials in a switch plays a crucial role in defining its sound profile and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch have notable differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Pine has a slightly lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams, making the Pine the lighter of the two. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams, which is heavier than the Orange's 53 grams, making the Pine the heavier option overall. The Pine offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, while the Orange provides a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience but cater to different preferences in terms of force intensity. It is worth considering the weight of the force for the specific typing experience preferred, as lighter switches are ideal for extended typing sessions, while heavier switches provide a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular among users, especially gamers looking for faster response times. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a more responsive key press, the Bsun Pine may be preferred for its slightly shorter travel distance. On the other hand, for users who enjoy a bit more depth in their key press, the KTT Orange with its slightly longer travel distance may be the better choice. Ultimately, both switches offer similar travel distances and can provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a distinct and potentially crisp auditory feedback due to its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out design. On the other hand, the KTT Orange linear switch provides a low-pitched sound profile that is more bass-heavy and mellow, contributing to a quieter typing experience overall.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switch is described as having an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, creating a typing sensation that is both pronounced and responsive. Conversely, the KTT Orange switch is known for its bouncy and frictionless feel, providing a spring-like sensation with smooth and effortless key presses that minimize any resistance or friction.
Overall, while the sound and feel of the BSUN Pine and KTT Orange switches differ, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Those seeking a sharp and responsive tactile experience may lean towards the Pine switch, while individuals looking for a smooth and bouncy typing feel may prefer the Orange switch. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on personal preference in sound and feel, as each switch provides a distinct typing experience that can enhance your overall keyboard usage.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and a direct typing experience, the Pine switch with its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a bouncy, frictionless typing experience with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, the Orange switch with its unique spring design and factory-lubed smoothness could be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that best suits your typing style and comfort level.