Bsun Pine vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to compare are the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch. The BSUN Pine switches are praised for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch stands out for its innovative use of POK material, resulting in a smooth and low-pitched typing experience with a deeper sound signature. While the Pine switch offers a more accented and sharp typing feel, the Snow switch provides a more neutral and bouncy 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
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
POK
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 Dareu Snow both share a common material for their nylon bottom housing, which results in a similar deep and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer plastic composition allows it to absorb more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. This commonality in housing material ensures that users of both switches will experience a similar typing experience in terms of sound quality and overall feel.
However, when it comes to the top housing materials, the Bsun Pine utilizes polycarbonate while the Dareu Snow utilizes POK material. The polycarbonate top housing of the Pine produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature, resulting in a more clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the POK material used in the Snow's top housing contributes to smooth, clacky, and durable switches with its low coefficient of friction and exceptional strength and shock resistance. This difference in top housing materials may lead to variations in sound and feel when typing on the switches.
In summary, while the Bsun Pine and Dareu Snow share a common nylon bottom housing material that produces a similar deep and fuller sound profile, they differ in their top housing materials. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Snow's POK material contributes to smooth and clacky switches with exceptional durability. These differences in top housing materials may result in a distinct typing experience for users of each switch, showcasing the importance of housing materials in determining sound quality and overall feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is clear that the Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Snow's 50 grams. However, the Pine has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Snow has a lighter bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while the Snow requires slightly more force to initiate a keystroke, it provides a lighter bottom out experience compared to the Pine. The Pine offers a more substantial typing experience with its heavier bottom out force, which may be preferred by some users for a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Snow's lighter bottom out force may be favored by those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Dareu Snow linear switch is lighter, providing users with different options based on their preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is slightly longer at 3.4 mm compared to the Dareu Snow linear switch at 3.3 mm. While the difference in travel distance is minimal, it can still impact the feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers may appreciate the slightly shorter travel distance of the Snow switch for faster response times, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Pine switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the market, catering to different preferences for key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference for key travel distance.
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 Dareu Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 is known to produce a sharp and distinct sound due to its unique tactile bump and long pole stem design. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch offers a deeper sound signature, thanks to the innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem. The Pine switch may provide a crisper and more direct sound, while the Snow switch may offer a deeper and more satisfying thocky sound. Ultimately, the sound produced by each switch will also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and choice of keycaps.
Moving on to the feel, the BSUN Pine tactile switch is characterized by its sharp tactile bump, providing a direct and invigorating typing experience. Described as accented, sharp, and snappy, the Pine switch offers a tactile sensation that is pronounced and responsive. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch is described as bouncy, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. The Snow switch may provide a smoother and more elastic feel compared to the Pine switch's sharp tactility. Both switches aim to provide an engaging typing experience, but the Pine switch may appeal more to those who prefer a crisper tactile feedback, while the Snow switch focuses on a bouncier and more responsive feel.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and direct feedback, the Snow switch stands out with its deeper sound signature and bouncy feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Pine switch appealing to those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile experience, and the Snow switch providing a smoother and livelier typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump with clear-cut feedback and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch would be an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth linear switch with a deeper sound signature and a moderate actuation force, the Snow switch may be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound.
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