Gateron CM vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Gateron CM and Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences for users looking for different typing sensations. The CM stands out with its full nylon housing, providing a rich, deep sound and a smooth typing experience aided by factory lube. With lengthened, dual-staged springs, the CM offers a bouncy typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches feature all-POM housings and medium weight, providing a distinct tactile feedback and a crisp bottom-out. While the CM is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Bassy', 'Polished', 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', 'Creamy', and 'Frictionless', the Olive is labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Each switch has its own advantages, but both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Bsun Olive both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the CM featuring a nylon top and bottom housing, while the Olive has a POM top and bottom housing. The use of nylon in the CM switch housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer plastic absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound. In comparison, the Olive's POM housing creates a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. While both housing materials offer distinct sound profiles, the nylon in the CM switch may provide a slightly different typing experience compared to the POM in the Olive.
In terms of top housing materials, the Gateron CM's nylon top housing and the Bsun Olive's POM top housing both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The nylon top housing of the CM provides a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM top housing of the Olive offers a unique and pleasing sound profile that is more muted. The differences in sound produced by the top housing materials may result in a varied typing experience for users of the two switches. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer their own benefits in sound quality and performance.
When it comes to the bottom housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Bsun Olive switches, the nylon bottom housing of the CM and the POM bottom housing of the Olive play a key role in the overall typing experience. The softer nylon in the CM switch absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile, while the POM in the Olive switch provides a deeper and more muted sound. The bottom housing materials have a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, offering users a unique tactile experience. Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both switches are likely to provide a satisfying typing experience for users looking for distinctive sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it is evident that the Olive is the lighter option with an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the CM is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force, with the CM at 63.5 grams and the Olive at 65 grams, making them both fall into the medium-heavy category. The actuation force is crucial for determining the initial force required to trigger a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures the force needed to press the key all the way down. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Olive for extended typing or gaming sessions, while others may enjoy the heavier actuation force of the CM for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and typing feel.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Olive switch has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the CM switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, some may find the shorter distance of the Olive switch to feel too abrupt, while others may appreciate the slightly deeper travel of the CM switch for a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired level of key responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 Gateron CM linear switch provides a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile. These characteristics contribute to a deep and rich auditory experience during key presses, giving a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch's sound profile is not provided, so it is hard to directly compare the two switches in this aspect. However, both switches promise a resonant and satisfying sound experience, with the CM emphasizing a deeper tone and the Olive likely offering a unique tactile feedback sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CM linear switch offers a buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience. These descriptors highlight the smooth and seamless keystroke journey provided by the switches, ensuring minimal friction and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch boasts an accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feel. This suggests a pronounced tactility, firm actuation force, crisp feedback, and responsive typing sensation when using the Olive switch. While the feel of the CM leans towards smoothness, the Olive emphasizes tactile feedback and reactive keystrokes, catering to users who prefer a more engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CM excels in providing a rich and deep sound experience with a smooth and frictionless typing feel, while the Olive focuses on pronounced tactile feedback and snappy keystrokes. Depending on personal preferences, users can choose between the CM for a smoother and buttery typing experience, or the Olive for a more tactile and invigorating feel. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance the typing journey with their unique characteristics, ensuring a satisfying and enjoyable experience for users.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize a smoother and bouncy typing experience with a bassy and thocky sound profile, the CM switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with pronounced feedback, a sharp and snappy feel, and an invigorating typing sensation, the Olive switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.
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