Bsun Hutt vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Hutt and the Kailh Plum mechanical keyboard switches, both fall under the tactile switch category but offer unique typing experiences. The Bsun Hutt is characterized by its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating typing experience with a balanced sound profile. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum feels hefty without a significant tactile bump, offering a more neutral and mild typing experience compared to other tactile switches. While the Plum may appeal to those who prefer a heavier feel without a pronounced bump, the Hutt is ideal for individuals seeking a more tactile and accentuated typing feedback. 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
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POK
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and the Kailh Plum both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal material for switches intended for use with RGB lighting. However, the Hutt and Plum differ in their bottom housing material, with the Hutt featuring a nylon bottom housing for a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Plum also uses nylon but absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound.
Despite the differences in bottom housing material, both the Bsun Hutt and the Kailh Plum share the benefits of using polycarbonate for their top housing. The translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of the switches. However, the unique qualities of the nylon bottom housing in each keyboard contribute to the overall typing experience, with the Hutt providing a deeper sound profile and the Plum offering a more absorbed sound that creates a rounder tone.
In summary, while both the Bsun Hutt and the Kailh Plum benefit from the sharp, high-pitched sound profile of their polycarbonate top housing, they each offer a different typing experience due to their choice of bottom housing material. The Hutt's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the Plum's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller tone. Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials in each keyboard results in a unique typing experience tailored to the preferences of the user.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, it is evident that there are notable differences between the two. The Bsun Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, making it a lighter option compared to the Kailh Plum, which has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Those who prefer a light typing experience may lean towards the Bsun Hutt, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. However, for individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the Kailh Plum may be the preferred choice due to its heavier bottom out force. Overall, selecting between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches have similar travel distances, with the Plum being slightly longer than the Hutt. The difference in travel distance is minimal, so in practical terms, users are likely to get similar results in terms of feel and performance. However, if you prefer a slightly deeper press, the Plum switch might be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly shallower press for faster response times, the Hutt switch could be the way to go. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
The Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a resonant typing experience with a higher-pitched sound profile that is clean and sharp. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and suitable for various typing scenarios. Ultimately, the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch is known for its snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented qualities, providing a tactile and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild and stepped feel, delivering a more gentle and approachable typing sensation with a two-stage tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, with the Hutt being more pronounced and the Plum being more subtle.
Overall, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch offer unique and enjoyable typing experiences with distinctive sound profiles and tactile feels. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between the resonant and snappy qualities of the Hutt switch or the neutral and mild characteristics of the Plum switch. Both switches provide a satisfying typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of performance and enjoyment whether they opt for the Bsun Hutt or the Kailh Plum tactile switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your preference for bottom out force. If you prefer a lighter switch with a medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, along with a resonant sound profile and snappy, invigorating, sharp feel, then the Hutt switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch with a hefty feel, a neutral sound profile, and a mild, stepped feel, then the Plum switch may be more suited to your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback.
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