Bsun Pine vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine, a tactile switch, and the TTC Silent Red, a linear switch, offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The BSUN Pine switches are renowned for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility that is favored by users who desire a pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red switches are known for their smooth and quiet operation, making them ideal for office or shared living spaces. With a muted sound profile and comfortable bottom-out feel, the Silent Reds offer a polished and buttery typing 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the TTC Silent Red switches, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. Due to the relatively stiffer nature of polycarbonate, it leads to a more clear and resonant sound profile in both switches. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting, adding to the aesthetic appeal of both the Bsun Pine and TTC Silent Red switches.
However, the key point of differentiation between the two switches lies in their bottom housing material. The Bsun Pine features a nylon bottom housing, while the TTC Silent Red also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Typing on switches with nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound for both switches, providing a unique typing experience compared to switches with different bottom housing materials.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing in both the Bsun Pine and TTC Silent Red switches showcases a balance of qualities that enhance the sound and feel of typing on these switches. While their top housing materials offer similar benefits in terms of sound profile, it is the nylon bottom housing that sets them apart, providing a distinct typing experience for users of both switches. Whether users prioritize a crisper sound profile from the top housing or a deeper sound profile from the bottom housing, both switches offer a blend of qualities that cater to a variety of preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Pine has a bottom out force of 65 grams, slightly heavier than the Silent Red's 63.5 grams. This makes the Pine switch slightly heavier overall. This means that the Pine switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, while the Silent Red switch will offer a lighter typing feel. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Silent Red switch would be the better option. On the other hand, for users who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, the Pine switch would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Bsun Pine has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the TTC Silent Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. However, some users may find the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Bsun Pine to be more abrupt, while others may prefer the slightly deeper feel of the 3.7 mm travel distance of the TTC Silent Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and 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 TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is known for its clear and sharp click, creating a pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch offers a muted sound profile, making it a great choice for quiet environments such as an office or shared living space. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, but the Silent Red prioritizes a quieter typing experience.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Pine switch is characterized by its invigorating and snappy tactile feedback, offering a sharp and distinct typing sensation. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch provides a buttery and polished feel, delivering a smooth and consistent keystroke experience from top to bottom. The Pine switch focuses on a more pronounced tactility, while the Silent Red aims for a gentle and uniform typing sensation.
Considering all available information, the BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a direct and sharp typing experience with its intense tactile bump and quick bottom-out, accompanied by clear-cut feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red linear switch prioritizes a smooth and quiet typing experience, perfect for shared spaces or work environments. Both switches excel in their respective areas, catering to different preferences for sound and feel in mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for tactile feedback and noise level tolerance.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp and invigorating tactile feedback with a quick bottom-out, opt for the Pine switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a muted sound profile, the Silent Red switch would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for tactility and noise level in your keyboard switches.
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