Bsun Pine vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Pine switch is lauded for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a no-nonsense tactility that appeals to those who enjoy immediate feedback while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch distinguishes itself with a smooth and creamy feel, thanks to the innovative use of POK material in both the stem and bottom housing. This results in a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other linear switches. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile. The Pine features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper and crisper sound profile, while the Vanilla Ice Cream utilizes a proprietary KTT blend top housing, which offers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both materials offer distinct sound characteristics, the Pine's polycarbonate is stiffer, leading to a more clear and resonant sound, while the KTT blend provides a unique sound profile that is both high-pitched and clacky.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Bsun Pine utilizes a nylon material that creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for its softer properties, absorbing more sound than harder plastics to create a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream features a POK bottom housing, which is smooth, clacky, and exceptionally durable. The POK material has a higher coefficient of friction than nylon, making it one of the smoothest materials available for switches. Additionally, it boasts superior wear resistance and shock resistance compared to both nylon and POM materials.
Overall, while the Bsun Pine and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different housing materials for their top and bottom configurations, they both aim to provide a unique sound experience for users. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Pine switch creates a clear and resonant sound, while the KTT blend and POK materials in the Vanilla Ice Cream offer a high-pitched, clacky, and smooth sound profile. Both switches prioritize the sound quality and durability of their housing materials, showcasing the importance of material choice in creating a distinctive typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, it is evident that the Pine requires a slightly heavier touch compared to the lighter Vanilla Ice Cream. The Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy. In contrast, the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which is on the lighter side. The Pine switch provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a lighter touch that allows for longer periods of typing without fatigue. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the feel and experience of using the switches, catering to different preferences based on individual typing needs.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Pine switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users looking for quick responsiveness, especially in gaming scenarios. However, the slight difference in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Pine switch offering a slightly quicker key press compared to the Vanilla Ice Cream switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and the desired typing or gaming 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 switch is often praised for its clear-cut and direct feedback, creating a sharp and crisp sound profile that can be satisfying for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a distinctive high-pitched and clacky sound that sets it apart from other linear switches, providing a unique auditory sensation that complements its smooth typing feel. Both switches offer different sound profiles that can cater to individual preferences, with the Pine focusing on sharpness and directness, while the Vanilla Ice Cream delivers a more high-pitched and resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switch is celebrated for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing users with a strong and distinct tactile feedback that can be invigorating and satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy typing feel, thanks to the use of POK material in the stem and bottom housing that creates a smooth and uniform keystroke sensation. The Pine switch is characterized by its sharpness and snappiness, while the Vanilla Ice Cream switch focuses on providing a seamless and effortless typing experience that glides smoothly with each keystroke.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences. While the Pine switch provides a sharp and direct tactile feedback with a clear-cut sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a smooth and creamy typing feel with a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. Both switches bring something distinct to the table, allowing users to choose based on their individual preferences for tactile feedback and sound experience. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharp tactility of the Pine or the creamy smoothness of the Vanilla Ice Cream, both switches have their own strengths that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a strong tactile bump, sharp feedback, and a medium-heavy bottom-out force, the Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and creamy keystroke, a light bottom-out force, and a high-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the kind of typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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