Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the tactile BSUN Pine and the linear Gateron Silent Ink Black. The BSUN Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback, categorized as silky, muted, and polished. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, it is clear that both switches feature unique characteristics that contribute to their sound profiles. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a high-pitched yet not overly sharp sound. Despite these differences, both materials are designed to enhance the overall sound quality of the switches, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Pine's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also contributes to a high-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. Although the materials vary in hardness and sound absorption, both bottom housings serve to complement the top housing materials, resulting in a well-balanced sound profile for each switch.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Pine and Gateron Silent Ink Black differ in material composition and sound characteristics, it is important to note that both switches are designed to provide users with a unique typing experience. The split qualities of the top and bottom housing materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches, creating a dynamic typing experience for enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound profile or a high-pitched, clacky sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provide different experiences for users. The Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Silent Ink Black's 60 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the Pine requiring 65 grams and the Silent Ink Black needing 70 grams to fully press down. This means that while the initial keystroke may feel lighter on the Pine, both switches offer a similar resistance when fully depressed. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the actuation force and bottom out force desired for a typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter than the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine switch offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it ideal for gamers who need fast reactions. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a deeper key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Both switches have their merits based on individual preferences with regards to travel distance. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more tactile typing experience.
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 Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, resulting in a clear-cut feedback and fast action. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a muted sound profile, making it ideal for environments where quieter typing is preferred. The Pine switch provides a more audible typing experience with its sharp tactile feedback, while the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on minimizing noise production for a more subdued typing sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Pine switch is accentuated with an invigorating and sharp tactile bump, offering a snappy and responsive typing experience. The Gateron Silent Ink Black switch, on the other hand, provides a silky and polished feel, ensuring exceptionally smooth key presses with reduced friction. The Pine switch delivers a tactile and pronounced feedback that engages the user with each keystroke, while the Silent Ink Black switch prioritizes smoothness and comfort during typing sessions.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Pine switch excels in providing a direct, sharp tactile feedback with an audible sound profile, perfect for those who seek a tactile typing sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switch focuses on a quieter and smoother typing experience with minimal sound output and enhanced comfort during long typing sessions. Depending on your preference for tactile feedback and sound level, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to varying typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, consider the typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump and fast action with clear-cut feedback, the Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter typing experience with a cushiony bottom-out feel, the Silent Ink Black switch is more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactility and sound in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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