Bsun Pine vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the BSUN Pine and the Kailh Sage. The BSUN Pine switch is a tactile switch that offers a unique typing experience with its sharp tactile bump and fast action, making it a favorite among those who prefer direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage switch is a clicky switch that provides a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Sage switch is classified as 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Crunchy'. Each switch has its own strengths and characteristics that appeal to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 Kailh Sage both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This material is ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant lighting effects to shine through. In terms of aesthetics and sound qualities, these switches will offer similar results due to the shared use of polycarbonate in their top housings.
On the other hand, when it comes to bottom housings, the Bsun Pine utilizes nylon, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches that use this material. Similarly, the Kailh Sage also features a nylon bottom housing, emphasizing the impact that the bottom housing has on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Pine and the Kailh Sage lie in their bottom housings, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for their top housings. While the Pine offers a stiffer and crisper sound profile with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the Sage provides a similar experience with its polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Regardless of these distinctions, both switches showcase the impact that housing materials have on the overall sound and feel of mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch are both in the medium-heavy range. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Sage has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. In terms of weight, the Pine is slightly lighter than the Sage, which may make it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. However, for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Sage with its heavier bottom out force may be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing feel and force requirements. Both switches offer a similar tactile experience, despite the slight difference in weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Sage has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press, the longer travel distance of the Sage may provide a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of travel distance and typing feel.
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 Kailh Sage comes in at $6.25 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 offers a unique and refreshing typing experience with its distinct and sharp tactile bump, but unfortunately, specific sound characteristics are unknown. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is known for its crunchy sound, reminiscent of stepping on piles of crispy autumn leaves. This auditory feedback can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound profile during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, both the Bsun Pine and Kailh Sage switches offer invigorating and sharp tactile experiences, with a moderate to firm actuation force that provides a responsive and immersive typing sensation. The Pine switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, showcasing a unique blend of tactile feedback that is not overwhelming yet distinctly felt with each keypress. Similarly, the Sage switch is noted for its invigorating and sharp tactile qualities, highlighting a strong and crisp tactile bump that enhances the typing experience for users who prefer a more tactile feel.
Overall, both the Bsun Pine tactile switch and Kailh Sage clicky switch offer unique and satisfying typing experiences with their distinct qualities in sound and feel. While the Pine switch provides a sharper tactile bump and faster bottom-out, the Sage switch delivers a satisfyingly crunchy sound accompanied by an invigorating and sharp tactile feel. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience based on the desired level of tactility and auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that offers a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the BSUN Pine switch would be a great choice for you. Its clear-cut feedback and fast action make it ideal for those who prefer a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, the Kailh Sage switch would be a better option for you. Ultimately, your choice between the Pine and Sage switches will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and clickiness in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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