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Bsun Pine vs. Gazzew U4

An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

The BSUN Pine and Gazzew U4 are both tactile mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Pine switches are praised for their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility for users who value clear-cut feedback and fast action. On the other hand, the U4 switches offer a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump along with a plush, felt-like bottom-out sensation, creating a whisper-quiet typing experience with a subtle sound profile. While the Pine switches are categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the U4 switches are categorized as 'Muted', 'Low-pitched', and 'Sharp'. 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

62g

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Pre-travel

N/A

Total travel

3.40 mm

Total travel

3.60 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 Gazzew blend

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Proprietary Gazzew blend

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Gazzew U4, it is clear that they both prioritize sound quality but achieve it in different ways. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness, while the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top housing delivers a rich and deep sound profile thanks to its softness. Both materials excel in creating distinct sound profiles, with the Pine's polycarbonate offering a more resonant quality compared to the U4's softer blend.

In terms of the bottom housing, the Pine's nylon material produces a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing more sound with its softer plastic composition. The U4's proprietary Gazzew blend bottom housing, on the other hand, also delivers a rich and deep sound profile due to its softness. While both materials achieve a similar sound quality, their different compositions may lead to subtle variations in the overall typing experience. This highlights the importance of selecting the right housing material to achieve the desired sound and feel for a custom keyboard build.

Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Pine and the Gazzew U4 will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience. While both switches prioritize sound quality, the Pine's polycarbonate and nylon housing materials offer a sharper and deeper sound profile, respectively, compared to the U4's proprietary Gazzew blend top and bottom housings. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile with the Pine or a rich and deep sound with the U4, both switches provide unique qualities that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, we see that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. However, the Pine has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it slightly heavier than the U4, which has a bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Pine offers a more substantial typing experience compared to the U4. Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a switch, as a lighter switch allows for longer typing sessions, ideal for work or gaming, while a heavier switch provides a stronger push feel for those seeking a more substantial typing experience. In this case, the Pine would cater more to those looking for a heavier touch, while the U4 would be better suited for those looking for a lighter touch. Ultimately, both switches offer similar actuation forces, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing speed and responsiveness.

Travel distance

The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Gazzew U4 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those seeking a quicker response time, such as gamers. The Pine offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to those looking for a more immediate response when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the U4 provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may offer a bit more tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper key press. Ultimately, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, and choosing between them will come down to personal preference for response time and tactile feedback.

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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 per 10 switches.

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 and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer different auditory experiences. The Pine switch is known for a traditional clicky sound, providing a crisp and satisfying typing noise. On the other hand, the U4 switch offers a muted and low-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter typing experience. The sound produced by each switch will also depend on factors such as the keyboard housing and keycap material used.

When it comes to feel, both the Pine and U4 switches offer a sharp tactile bump for excellent feedback during typing. The Pine switch is described as having an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy feel, providing a balance between tactile feedback and smooth keypresses. Similarly, the U4 switch is noted for its sharp tactile bump, offering a distinct and satisfying typing experience. Both switches provide a tactile sensation that is engaging and responsive, enhancing the overall typing performance.

In conclusion, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Pine switch provides a traditional clicky sound and a balanced tactile feedback, the U4 switch offers a quieter typing experience with a sharp tactile bump. Ultimately, both switches deliver a premium typing experience with their distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether choosing the Pine or U4 switch, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with excellent tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the Gazzew U4 tactile switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences. If you are looking for a switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams that offers a sharp and invigorating tactile bump, along with a clear-cut feedback and fast action, then the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams that provides a sharp and exhilarating tactile bump, as well as a plush, felt-like bottom out sensation with a whisper quiet sound profile, then the U4 switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's important to consider what features are most important to you when making your decision.

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