Bsun Pine vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out - the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The BSUN Pine switches are renowned for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, offering a direct and no-nonsense typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blues provide a deep and thocky sound profile, coupled with a bouncy feel due to their lengthened single-stage spring. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Tourmaline Blue is labeled as 'Buttery', 'Easy-to-press', 'Mild', and 'Neutral'. Each switch has its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing styles. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
67g
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue both feature polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. However, the Pine differs from the Tourmaline Blue in its use of nylon bottom housing. The nylon bottom housing of the Pine elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound.
While both the Bsun Pine and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue feature polycarbonate top housing, they differ in their bottom housing materials. The Pine's nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials results in a different typing experience for each switch. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key.
In conclusion, the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While they both utilize polycarbonate top housing for a sharp and clear sound profile, the Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Tourmaline Blue's polycarbonate bottom housing. Understanding the impact of different housing materials on sound can help users make informed decisions based on their preferences for keyboard aesthetics and sound quality.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch's 59 grams, making the Pine easier to trigger keystrokes with. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Pine requires a heavier force of 65 grams, whereas the Tourmaline Blue only requires 67 grams, resulting in a similar bottom out experience between the two switches. In terms of weight, the Pine tactile switch is lighter overall compared to the Tourmaline Blue linear switch, which may appeal to users looking for a keyboard that allows for longer typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience, making it a better choice for users who prefer switches with heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Pine has a shorter travel distance compared to the Tourmaline Blue. The Pine's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Tourmaline Blue may provide a more satisfying keypress for some users. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Pine being slightly shallower than the Tourmaline Blue. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and keypress feel.
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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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 sharp and direct tactile bump, which may result in a more pronounced sound profile compared to the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch. The Tourmaline Blue switch, on the other hand, offers a deep and thocky sound, creating a satisfying typing experience. Both switches have their own unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Pine being more direct and the Tourmaline Blue providing a balanced and immersive typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Pine tactile switch is described as offering sharp and invigorating feedback with a quick bottom-out, providing a distinct typing sensation. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is characterized by a buttery and easy-to-press feel, making each keystroke smooth and effortless. While the Pine switch offers a more pronounced tactile experience, the Tourmaline Blue switch provides a gentler typing feel that is still engaging and enjoyable for a wide range of users.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch is ideal for those who prefer a sharp and quick tactile feedback, while the Tourmaline Blue switch caters to users who enjoy a smoother and more effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference and typing style, but rest assured that both switches will provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you are looking for. If you prefer a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out with clear-cut feedback, the Pine switch may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deep and thocky sound profile with a bouncy feel and standard spring weight, the Tourmaline Blue switch could be more appealing. Ultimately, your preference for direct tactility or a satisfying typing experience with a balanced spring weight will guide you in choosing between these two switches.
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