Bsun Pine vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the BSUN Pine and SP-Star Duck mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique tactile typing experiences. The Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility that appeals to those who desire a distinct typing feel. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a more subtle tactile experience with a gentle tactility and clean sound profile. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Duck switch is labeled as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Depending on your preference for typing feedback and sound profile, you may lean towards the Pine switch for its sharp tactility or the Duck switch for its smoother feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the SP-Star Duck both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, resulting in similar characteristics in terms of sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound overall. This material is also favored for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to incorporate RGB lighting. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Pine creates a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck.
While both switches share the utilization of polycarbonate in the top housing, the differentiation in the bottom housing material between the Pine and Duck leads to distinct typing experiences. The properties of the bottom housing material play a significant role in the sound and feel of pressing down on a key, with the Nylon bottom housing of the Pine providing a different tactile experience compared to the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Duck. As a result, users can expect a more impact-focused bottom-out sound and feel with the Pine, while the Duck will offer a crisper sound upon key release due to the top housing material.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in mechanical switches such as the Bsun Pine and the SP-Star Duck can significantly impact the overall sound and feel of typing. Both switches benefit from the use of polycarbonate in the top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound profile, particularly suitable for RGB lighting. However, the differentiation in bottom housing material between nylon and polycarbonate results in distinct typing experiences, with the Pine offering a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Duck provides a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the selection of housing materials should be considered based on individual preferences for sound and typing feel.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter than the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Pine also has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which is heavier than the Duck's bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Pine requires a lighter touch to activate a keystroke, but a heavier force to fully press the key down compared to the Duck. Some users may prefer the Pine for its lighter actuation force, allowing for longer typing sessions, while others may prefer the Duck for its slightly heavier bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of individual users.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is clear that the Pine has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Duck's longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Pine's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Duck's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more hearty depth when pressing down on a key. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Pine leaning towards the shallower end and the Duck closer to the average 4.0 mm. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 often described as having a sharp and crisp sound profile, emphasizing the tactile bump with each keypress. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch is known for its neutral sound profile, offering a clean and crispy typing experience suitable for various settings. The sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors like the keyboard layout and keycap material, so it's essential to consider these elements when choosing a switch for your setup.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Pine switch is praised for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. These qualities create a distinct and immersive typing sensation that appeals to users seeking a more pronounced tactile response. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck switch is characterized by its mild, buttery, and polished feel, offering a gentle and polished keystroke experience that is smooth and effortless. Both switches provide a unique feel, catering to different preferences based on the level of tactility desired.
In conclusion, the BSUN Pine switch and the SP-Star Duck switch offer distinct sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Pine switch provides a sharp and intense tactile feedback, suitable for users who prefer a more direct and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a softer and smoother keystroke feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more gentle and polished typing sensation. By considering these qualities, users can choose between the Pine for a more pronounced tactile experience or the Duck for a softer and smoother typing feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, then the BSUN Pine tactile switch is a great choice for you. The Pine offers a snappy and invigorating typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 58 grams, then the SP-Star Duck tactile switch may be the better option for you. The Duck provides a mild and buttery typing sensation that is perfect for those seeking a quieter and smoother keypress. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharp and snappy tactility of the Pine or the gentle and refined feel of the Duck, both switches offer a unique typing experience that caters to different preferences and typing styles.
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