Bsun Pine vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Pine is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing clear feedback and fast action for a no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is a linear switch that boasts a buttery smooth typing experience due to its progressive spring and dry-lube design. While the Pine offers an invigorating and sharp typing feel, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a more neutral and mild experience. 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
53g
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
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
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Pine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a stiff plastic that allows for clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, the Pine and Sea Salt Lemon differ in their bottom housing material, with the Pine using nylon. Typing on nylon bottom housings typically produces a deeper and fuller sound profile as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound.
While both switches have polycarbonate top housings that contribute to a sharp and clear sound profile, the Bsun Pine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon diverge in their bottom housings. The Pine utilizes nylon in its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound when typing. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon also features a nylon bottom housing, providing a similar sound experience to the Pine. This consistency in bottom housing material may lead to comparable typing experiences on both switches, with differences likely to be minimal.
Overall, the choice of housing materials for switches such as the Bsun Pine and KTT Sea Salt Lemon greatly impacts the sound profile and feel of typing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing creates a sharp and crisp sound, while nylon in the bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound experience. Whether opting for the Pine with its nylon bottom housing or the Sea Salt Lemon with the same material, users can expect a typing experience that is characterized by the unique properties of the housing materials chosen for each switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams compared to the Sea Salt Lemon's 53 grams, making the Pine switch feel more substantial when typing. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Sea Salt Lemon switch, while those who enjoy a bit more resistance may lean towards the Pine switch. Both switches offer a satisfying typing experience, with the Pine switch providing a slightly heavier feel overall. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it slightly shorter than the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine offers a slightly quicker response time, which may appeal to gamers looking for fast feedback. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon provides a bit more depth when pressing down on the key, which can be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel. Both switches fall within the range of modern travel distances, offering a balance between traditional and shallow options. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 KTT Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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 it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a unique experience with a sharp and distinct noise due to its tactile bump and long pole stem, creating a clear feedback for each keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, making them suitable for a wide range of users and environments. It's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is known for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, providing a snappy and responsive typing experience that can be felt with each keypress. Additionally, the Pine switch falls under the category of accented switches, offering a moderate level of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is described as mild, providing a gentle typing experience that appeals to a wide range of users due to its approachable qualities in terms of sound and feel.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is best suited for users who prefer a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback, while the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch is ideal for those looking for a smooth and mild typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, as well as the specific typing requirements of the user.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out with distinct feedback, the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a progressive spring and dry-lube design, the Sea Salt Lemon switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize sharp tactility and fast action or a gentle and smooth typing feel. Both switches offer unique qualities, so it is important to consider your personal preferences before making a decision.
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