Bsun Pine vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and Outemu Purple both offer tactile feedback that can enhance your typing experience. The BSUN Pine switches are recognized for their sharp tactile bump and long pole stem, providing a distinct and quick bottom-out for precise typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple switches do not have specific standout features mentioned, which may indicate a more subtle tactile feel. The BSUN Pine switches are ideal for those who value direct and no-nonsense tactility, while the Outemu Purple switches may appeal to those seeking a more understated tactile feedback. 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
2.00 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 Purple switches have polycarbonate top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is because polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic, providing a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this characteristic in their top housing, the differences in their bottom housing materials offer unique qualities to their typing experience.
In terms of bottom housing material, the Bsun Pine and Outemu Purple switches differ as the Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, while the Purple also incorporates nylon in its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches with nylon bottom housings. Despite both switches using nylon in their bottom housings, the specific qualities brought by nylon are crucial in defining the overall typing experience for each switch.
When pressing down on a switch, the qualities of the bottom housing material become more noticeable as it impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound when releasing a key. While both the Bsun Pine and Outemu Purple switches share polycarbonate top housings, their differences in bottom housing materials highlight the importance of housing materials in shaping the overall typing experience of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, we find some key differences. The Bsun Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Outemu Purple's heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This means that the Pine requires less force to trigger a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Pine is also lighter at 65 grams compared to the Purple, whose bottom out force is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Bsun Pine may be the better option for extended typing sessions or gaming. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the heavier actuation force of the Outemu Purple more to their liking. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Purple tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Purple has a longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Pine. The difference in travel distance could result in a slightly more pronounced keypress feel on the Outemu Purple switch, making it suitable for those who prefer a deeper keypress experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Pine with its shorter travel distance may appeal to users looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for keypress depth and responsiveness.
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 Purple 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
When considering the sound produced by the Bsun Pine and Outemu Purple tactile switches, the Pine switch is often noted for its crisp and sharp sound profile, attributed to its distinct tactile bump and quick bottom-out. In contrast, the sound profile of the Purple switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. It's important to remember that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Pine switch is described as offering an invigorating typing experience with an accentuated tactile bump that falls between being overly tactile and too scratchy. This unique blend of tactility provides a satisfying and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Outemu Purple switch is unspecified, so it's challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Pine tactile switch stands out for its sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and invigorating typing experience. While the sound profile and feel of the Outemu Purple switch remain unknown, users can expect a similar level of responsiveness and tactility based on the available information provided. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience that each individual user is seeking.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should choose the Pine if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force, sharp tactile bump, and fast action. The Pine offers a distinct and quick bottom-out experience with clear-cut feedback for those who appreciate direct tactility. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with an unavailable bottom out force and a different typing experience, the Purple may be the better option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preference for bottom out force, tactile feedback, and typing feel.
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