Bsun Cinnamon Pink vs. Gateron CM
An in-depth look at the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and the Gateron CM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and the Gateron CM both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Cinnamon Pink linear switches by BSUN are revered for their delicate balance, providing a distinctively clacky yet not overpowering sound. With a smooth action and medium-light typing feel, they offer a comfortable experience without compromising on auditory satisfaction. In contrast, the Gateron CM linear switches stand out with their full nylon housing and rich, deep sound signature, enhanced by an impeccable factory lube job for smooth typing. The lengthened, dual-staged spring in the CM switches provides a bouncy typing experience. While the Cinnamon Pink is described as 'clacky', 'creamy', and 'snappy', the CM is characterized as 'buttery', 'bassy', and 'thocky'. 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
37g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.45 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink's POM housing material offers a unique and pleasing sound profile that is deep and muted. In contrast, the Gateron CM uses nylon for its housing, which also provides a deep and full sound profile due to the softer plastic's ability to absorb sound. Both materials create a rounder and duller sound compared to harder plastics, but the POM housing of the Cinnamon Pink may offer a slightly different tactile experience compared to the nylon housing of the CM.
The Cinnamon Pink and the CM switches both have top and bottom housings made of different materials. The qualities of each housing material are split between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting the sound profile and tactile feel differently. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing has more impact on the sound when the key is released. Despite the different materials used for the top and bottom housings, both switches are designed to provide a unique and pleasing sound experience for users.
Overall, both the Bsun Cinnamon Pink and the Gateron CM switches offer deep and full sound profiles, with the POM housing of the Cinnamon Pink creating a more muted sound compared to the nylon housing of the CM. While the tactile experience may vary slightly between the two switches due to the different housing materials, users can expect a unique and satisfying sound experience from both switches. Whether you choose the Cinnamon Pink or the CM, you can be assured of getting similar results in terms of sound quality and overall performance.
Weight
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Gateron CM linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Cinnamon Pink requires 42 grams to fully press the key, while the CM switch needs 63.5 grams, making it heavier. This means that the Cinnamon Pink switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Gateron CM switch is ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Both switches offer different levels of resistance for users to choose based on their personal preferences, ensuring that they will get similar results in terms of performance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch has a travel distance of 3.45mm, while the Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their quicker response times. The Cinnamon Pink's slightly shorter travel distance may provide a slightly faster response for some users compared to the CM switch. However, those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress may opt for the CM switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Cinnamon Pink has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cinnamon Pink for $3.83.
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 Cinnamon Pink linear switch offers a distinctively clacky and crisp sound that is not overpowering, creating an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron CM linear switch provides a richer and deeper sound signature with lower frequencies, giving a bassier and more thocky sound profile. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their desired sound experience.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch boasts a creamy and frictionless typing experience with a smooth and buttery sensation, making each keystroke feel effortless and polished. In contrast, the Gateron CM linear switch also offers a buttery and polished typing experience, with smooth key travel and reduced friction contributing to a seamless and uniform sensation. Both switches provide a comfortable typing feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch and the Gateron CM linear switch each bring a unique set of subjective qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Cinnamon Pink switch excels in delivering a clacky sound and a creamy typing feel, the CM switch stands out with its bassier sound profile and buttery sensation. Regardless of choice, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either switch, tailored to their personal preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, both switches offer satisfying results that cater to a wide range of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In summary, if you value a light actuation force and a clacky sound profile paired with a smooth typing experience, the Bsun Cinnamon Pink linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy actuation force and a bassy, thocky sound signature with a buttery, polished typing feel, then the Gateron CM linear switch is the way to go. Consider your preferences in terms of sound, feel, and actuation force to determine which switch aligns best with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different tastes and typing needs.
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