Bsun Pine vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and typing style. Two popular options to consider are the BSUN Pine, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Blue, a clicky switch. The BSUN Pine switches are celebrated for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switches are favored for their satisfying clicky sound and tactile feedback, making them a popular choice among those who enjoy a more audible typing 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the Outemu Blue both feature polycarbonate top housings, offering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the material. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for switches that incorporate RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination. However, despite their similarities in top housing material, the Pine and Blue differ in their bottom housing composition. The Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. Conversely, the Blue also has a nylon bottom housing, sharing this characteristic with the Pine for a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality.
In terms of typing experience, the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Blue will provide distinct sensations based on their unique housing materials. The combination of the sharper sound profile from the polycarbonate top housing and the deeper sound profile from the nylon bottom housing in the Pine creates a balanced typing experience with a clear and resonant sound upon both key press and release. Similarly, the Blue offers a harmonious blend of these qualities, resulting in a typing experience characterized by a crisp initial sound and a fuller, more rounded bottom-out sound. Despite their differences in bottom housing materials, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience that showcases the strengths of each housing material in enhancing sound profiles.
Overall, while the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Blue share similarities in their polycarbonate top housing, their different nylon bottom housings offer unique sound profiles that cater to varying preferences. The Pine's stiffer polycarbonate top housing produces a crisper sound, while the softer nylon bottom housing helps create a deeper and more absorbing sound experience. On the other hand, the Blue's polycarbonate top housing delivers a similarly sharp sound, complemented by the nylon bottom housing's ability to offer a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches showcase the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall sound profile of mechanical keyboards, providing users with options to customize their typing experience according to their preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch are different in several ways. The Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Blue's 50 grams, making it slightly easier to trigger a keystroke. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when compared to the Blue, which does not specify its bottom out force. Both switches offer a tactile typing experience, but the Pine may be more suitable for those who prefer a slightly lighter actuation force and a heavier bottom out force, while the Blue may be better for those who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force with an unknown bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, it is evident that the Pine has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Blue's travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a quicker key press response and is preferred by gamers looking for faster reaction times. On the other hand, the Blue switch provides a deeper, more satisfying key press for those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 relatively quiet operation compared to clicky switches like the Outemu Blue. The Pine switch produces a soft thock sound with a muted tactile bump, making it a preferred choice for those who prefer a more subtle typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch is characterized by its distinctive click sound with each keypress, providing audible feedback that some users find satisfying and reminiscent of traditional mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a unique typing experience with its sharp tactile bump and invigorating feedback. The switch provides a medium level of tactility that is not overpowering but still noticeable, creating a snappy and responsive feel that enhances the typing sensation. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch offers a different tactile experience with its audible click and lighter actuation force, providing a more traditional mechanical keyboard feel that some users may find enjoyable.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a quieter operation with a sharp tactile bump and invigorating feedback, while the Blue switch offers a louder click sound and lighter actuation force for those who prefer a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience, but both switches are sure to provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force with a sharp tactile bump and fast action, the BSUN Pine switches are a great choice for a direct and no-nonsense typing feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a clicky switch with a satisfying audible feedback, the Outemu Blue switches are a good option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize tactility and responsiveness or audible feedback in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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