Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Pine and Gateron Quinn mechanical keyboard switches, both offer a unique tactile typing experience but with distinct characteristics. The Bsun Pine is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and fast action for those who prefer a no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn offers a crisp and light switch-like tactility coupled with a deep, resonant sound profile, adding a touch of character to each keystroke. While the Pine is accentuated and invigorating, the Quinn is described as snappy, bassy, and polished. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the Gateron Quinn have contrasting housing materials for their switches. The Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. On the other hand, the Quinn has a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder sound when typing on the Quinn switches.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Pine and the Quinn utilize nylon material, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on both switches. While the top and bottom housings may be the same material for both switches, the qualities each housing material brings to the switch will be split between the bottom and the top. The impact of the bottom housing will be more noticeable on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing will play a more significant role in the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, despite the difference in top housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Quinn, the utilization of nylon for the bottom housing in both switches results in a similar sound profile. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Quinn's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. However, both switches benefit from the duller and rounder sound brought about by the nylon bottom housing. This demonstrates how housing materials play a crucial role in the sound profile of mechanical switches, with each material contributing unique qualities to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch differ slightly in weight. The Bsun Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gateron Quinn's 59 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Pine requires 65 grams of force while the Quinn needs slightly more at 67 grams, resulting in a similar medium-heavy feel for both switches. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Pine for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may appreciate the heavier push feel of the Quinn for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of both switches, users can expect similar results in terms of key press feel and feedback. With a travel distance of 3.4 mm, both switches offer a moderate amount of key travel, providing a satisfying typing experience without being too shallow or too deep. This makes them suitable choices for users who prefer a standard key travel distance.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 offers sharp and direct feedback, creating a distinct and quick bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile, thanks to its specially designed nylon housings, delivering a rich and immersive typing experience with each keystroke. The Pine switch emphasizes a clean and intense sound, while the Quinn switch leans towards a bassy and resonant tone, giving users a unique auditory experience depending on their preference.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for its sharp and defined tactile bump, offering invigorating feedback and a snappy typing sensation. It provides an accented and sharp tactile feel that is prominent and distinct with each keypress. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch also offers a snappy and responsive feel, along with a polished and buttery keystroke experience. It delivers a bouncy and accented tactile sensation, providing users with a smooth and lively typing experience that feels effortless and uniform.
Overall, both the BSUN Pine and Gateron Quinn tactile switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch focuses on a sharp and direct sound with a sharp tactile feel, ideal for those who prefer a no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Quinn switch provides a deep and resonant sound profile with a polished and buttery feel, appealing to users looking for a more immersive and smooth typing sensation. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct options that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prefer a switch with a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, along with a straightforward and no-nonsense tactility, the BSUN Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that offers a unique combination of crisp light tactility combined with a deep resonant sound profile, the Gateron Quinn switch could be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a sharp and direct typing experience or a more immersive and characterful sound profile. Each switch has its own distinct qualities, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style and preferences.
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