Durock Medium Tactile vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Durock Medium Tactile and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Durock Medium Tactile and the Bsun Olive mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Durock medium tactile is praised for its balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature, making it a favorite among those looking for a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive stands out for its all-POM housings that produce a resonant, deep sound, along with its pronounced tactile feedback and sharp bottom-out. The medium tactile is categorized as smooth, gradual, soft, polished, while the Olive falls into the sharp, rapid, crisp, lively category. While these general pointers can help in choosing between the two switches, diving deeper into their specific features will ultimately result in picking the best switch for individual preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Durock Medium Tactile's housing materials of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom create a unique combination that results in a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile when typing. The polycarbonate top housing leads to a clear and resonant sound, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Olive's housing materials of POM for both the top and bottom create a pleasing but more muted sound profile that is deeper in tone. Both switches offer unique sound profiles due to their contrasting housing materials, with the Durock offering a sharper sound and the Bsun providing a deeper, more muffled sound.
While the Durock Medium Tactile features a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, the Bsun Olive utilizes POM material for both the top and bottom. The use of polycarbonate in the Medium Tactile's top housing results in a more transparent and aesthetically pleasing switch, especially when used with RGB lighting. The POM material in the Olive's housing creates a more muted sound profile that is on the deeper side, providing a unique typing experience. Despite the different housing materials used in the two switches, they both offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of design and performance, the Durock Medium Tactile and Bsun Olive offer contrasting housing materials that impact the sound profile of each switch. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings in the Durock allow for a combination of sharpness and depth in sound when typing, while the Olive's consistent POM material provides a more uniform, muted sound profile throughout. While the switches may differ in sound characteristics due to their housing materials, both offer a high-quality typing experience that can cater to different preferences based on sound preference and typing feel.
Weight
The Durock Medium Tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have a bottom out force of 65 grams, making them equally medium-heavy in that aspect. However, the actuation force differs between the two switches. The Medium Tactile switch has an actuation force of None grams, meaning the exact force required to trigger a keystroke is unknown. On the other hand, the Olive switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter in comparison. The weight of a switch is an important factor to consider, as it can affect typing comfort and fatigue levels. Some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Olive switch for longer typing sessions, while others may opt for the heavier actuation force of the Medium Tactile switch for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a similar bottom out force but differ in their actuation force, providing users with options to suit their preferences.
Travel distance
The Durock Medium Tactile switch has a travel distance of 4mm, which is considered a traditional distance for a tactile switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4mm. Gamers may prefer the Bsun Olive for its quicker response time due to the shorter distance, while those who enjoy a more pronounced key press may lean towards the Durock Medium Tactile. However, both switches offer a tactile feel and actuation point, resulting in a similar typing experience despite the slight difference in travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile 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 the sound profile of the Durock Medium Tactile and the Bsun Olive switches, both switches offer unique auditory experiences. The Medium Tactile is known for its jelly-like sound signature, providing a satisfying sound during use. On the other hand, the Olive switches deliver a resonant and deep sound that sets them apart, contributing to a distinct auditory experience. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the tactile feel, the Medium Tactile switch is characterized by an accented tactile bump, offering a balanced tactility that is not overwhelming nor subtle. This provides a comfortable tactile experience that is satisfying without being too aggressive. In comparison, the Bsun Olive switches offer an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, thanks to their unique design and long pole stem. This creates a snappy and responsive feel that is immersive during typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Durock Medium Tactile and Bsun Olive switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound with a balanced tactile bump, the Bsun Olive switches deliver a resonant sound with an invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience. It's important to consider these factors along with personal preferences when choosing between the two switches to ensure an optimal typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a balanced tactility and a jelly-like sound signature, the Durock Medium Tactile would be the one for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a deep, resonant sound and a sharp, crisp bottom-out feeling, then the BSUN Olive switches would be the better choice. Ultimately, your decision would depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced yet balanced tactile experience or a more invigorating and sharp tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what type of typing experience you personally prefer before making your selection.
Mentioned in this article
