Bsun Pine vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The BSUN Pine mechanical keyboard switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch stands out for its innovative semi-silent feature, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound combined with a clacky bottom-out sound. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Semi-Silent Linear switch is labeled as 'Subdued', 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Snappy', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prefer a pronounced tactile feedback or a quieter typing experience. However, let's delve deeper into the nuances of each switch to help you determine the best fit for your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic material. This results in a more clear and resonant sound when typing on these switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to utilize RGB lighting for added visual effects. However, despite these similarities in top housing material, the two switches differ in their bottom housing material.
The Bsun Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic material that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing on switches. This difference in bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch will be influenced by the qualities of the bottom housing material. While both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials, the choice between nylon and polycarbonate can cater to different preferences for sound and feel.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Pine and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches plays a crucial role in determining the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While both switches feature polycarbonate top housings for a sharper sound profile, the difference in bottom housing material sets them apart in terms of sound depth and fullness. Whether one prefers a crisper sound with a polycarbonate top housing or a fuller sound with a nylon bottom housing, the housing materials of these switches cater to different typing preferences and experiences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch are quite different. The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Bsun Pine switch requires a heavier force of 65 grams, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 62 grams. The Pine switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, whereas the Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a lighter typing feel due to its lower bottom out force. This means that the Pine switch is heavier overall in terms of force required, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch is lighter. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for a lighter or heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch slightly longer in travel distance compared to the Bsun Pine switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. Choosing between the two will depend on personal preference - if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance for a more substantial feel, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch may be the better option. However, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, the Bsun Pine switch would be the more suitable choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of travel distance, so you can expect comparable results from either option.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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
The Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, resulting in a distinct and direct typing experience. In terms of sound, the Pine switch provides a clear-cut feedback that is likely to be more pronounced and clacky compared to a switch with a semi-silent designation like the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. The Semi-Silent Linear, on the other hand, offers a subdued sound profile, making it quieter while still maintaining a satisfying bottom-out sound.
When it comes to feel, the Pine switch is described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile typing sensation that is crisp and responsive. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished, offering a smoother and more gentle typing experience that is still responsive and fluid. Both switches aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, but the Pine switch leans towards a more pronounced and sharp tactility, while the Semi-Silent Linear switch focuses on a smoother and quieter typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users may gravitate towards the sharp and direct tactility of the Pine switch or the smooth and quiet typing experience of the Semi-Silent Linear switch. Ultimately, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, and users can expect satisfying results with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a sharp tactile bump and fast action with a distinct bottom-out, the Pine switch may be the better choice for you. However, if you prefer a whisper-quiet topping-out sound with a silky smooth type feel, the Semi-Silent Linear switch could be more suitable. Additionally, if you enjoy switches with strong and crisp tactile feedback, the Pine switch would be more satisfying, whereas if you prefer a smoother and gentler typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear switch might be the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing feedback.
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