Bsun Pine vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to choose from are the BSUN Pine and the Outemu Crystal Brown, both tactile switches. The BSUN Pine switches are known for their sharp tactile bump and long pole stem, providing a distinct and quick bottom-out experience. This switch offers clear feedback and fast action, appealing to users who prefer direct and straightforward tactility. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch lacks specific standout features but is known for its reliable tactile feedback. While the Pine switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, the Crystal Brown switch does not have specific categories. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Both the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Crystal Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances resonance, creating a clear and distinct sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for better RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for those looking to customize their keyboards with colorful lighting.
In terms of bottom housing material, both switches feature nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a smoother and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Pine and the Crystal Brown complements the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing, creating a well-balanced auditory experience for typists and gamers alike.
While both switches share similarities in their housing materials, the distribution of these materials plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. The qualities of the bottom housing, such as sound impact and feel, are more pronounced when pressing down on the switch. On the other hand, the top housing influences the sound produced when releasing a key. By strategically combining polycarbonate and nylon in their housing design, both the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Crystal Brown are able to offer a harmonious blend of sound profiles that cater to different preferences in typing sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bsun Pine requires 65 grams, making it heavier compared to the Outemu Crystal Brown, which only needs 55 grams. This means that the Bsun Pine will provide a more substantial typing experience, while the Outemu Crystal Brown will feel lighter and more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Crystal Brown has a longer travel distance compared to the Pine. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Pine for quicker response times, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may opt for the longer travel distance of the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Crystal Brown 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 Pine tactile switch is known for its sharp and audible click sound upon actuation, providing a satisfying auditory feedback to the typist. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch is also known for its noticeable click sound but with a slightly lower pitch compared to the Pine switch. Both switches offer a distinct sound profile that can enhance the typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a clicky tactile feedback.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is characterized by its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile qualities. These features result in a typing experience that is responsive, tactile, and engaging, making it ideal for typists who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's specific feel is unknown, but based on its designation as a tactile switch, it likely offers a tactile bump that can be felt during typing, providing a satisfying feedback to the typist as well.
Overall, both the BSUN Pine and Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that can cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and fast action, the Crystal Brown switch likely provides a similar tactile experience with a slightly different sound profile. Whether you prefer a sharper click sound or a slightly softer one, both switches are designed to elevate your typing experience with their tactile feedback and distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing experience. If you appreciate a sharper tactile bump and quick bottom-out, along with direct and distinct tactility, the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and are looking for a medium-light tactile switch, the Crystal Brown might be more suitable. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Pine and Crystal Brown switches will depend on what typing experience you value most.
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