Bsun Pine vs. Outemu Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and the Outemu Silent Ocean offer distinct typing experiences, each catering to different preferences. The BSUN Pine switches are tactile switches renowned for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and snappy typing feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switches are linear switches known for their silent operation. While the Pine switch is accentuated, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, the Silent Ocean switch does not have any specific defining characteristics listed. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
1.60 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 Silent Ocean both feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate plastic, which creates a clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. Both switches offer a similar auditory experience when typing due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
However, when it comes to the bottom housing material, the Bsun Pine utilizes nylon, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean also features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a comparable typing experience with a similar depth and resonance to the Bsun Pine.
Overall, while the top housings of the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Silent Ocean are identical in material and sound profile, the bottom housings differ slightly due to their use of nylon. This contrast in bottom housing material affects the typing experience, with the Bsun Pine's nylon bottom housing offering a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Outemu Silent Ocean. However, both switches ultimately provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams and bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy switches. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of force required for both switches. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider as it can impact typing comfort and endurance. Those who prefer lighter switches may opt for either of these options for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may find a more substantial typing experience with these medium-heavy switches. Ultimately, the similarities in actuation and bottom out forces between the Bsun Pine and Outemu Silent Ocean switches suggest that users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it shorter than the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean provides a deeper keypress feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more deliberate keystroke. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, catering to different preferences in keyboard switches. Overall, the choice between the two will come down to individual preference for either a shorter, quicker keypress or a longer, more deliberate one.
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 Silent Ocean 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 switch is known for its distinctive clicky sound due to its tactile bump and long pole stem design. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is designed to be quiet, with a focus on minimizing noise during typing. Depending on your preference for sound levels, the Pine switch will provide a more audible typing experience compared to the Silent Ocean switch.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Pine switch offers an invigorating and sharp tactile experience with a prominent tactile bump that provides a satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The switch is described as accented and snappy, providing a medium level of tactility that is engaging and responsive. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean switch is unknown at this time, but based on its linear design, it is likely to offer a smooth and consistent typing experience without a tactile bump.
Overall, if you prefer a tactile switch with a sharp and distinct feedback, the Bsun Pine switch would be a suitable choice. For a quieter and linear typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch may be the better option. Remember to consider personal preferences, such as sound levels and typing feel, when choosing between these two switches to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch, you should take into account your typing preferences and needs. If you value a sharp tactile bump, quick bottom-out, and precise feedback, the BSUN Pine switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a quiet typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean switch could be the more suitable option. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your personal typing style and the type of feel and sound you prefer in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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