Gateron Melodic vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that often come up for comparison are the Gateron Melodic and the BSUN Olive. The Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that has reinvigorated the category with innovations such as smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This switch offers a classic clicky sound and tactile feedback while also providing a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive is a tactile switch known for its all-POM housings, resulting in a deep and resonant sound. With pronounced tactile feedback and a unique design featuring a long pole stem, the Olive switch offers a satisfying typing experience with a crisp bottom-out. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them appealing choices for 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
N/A
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Melodic and the Bsun Olive feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Melodic utilizes a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for showcasing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Olive boasts a POM top housing which produces a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials offer distinct sonic qualities, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Melodic utilizes nylon which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when compared to harder plastics. Similarly, the Olive also uses POM for its bottom housing, contributing to a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to the materials used in their bottom housings, with the Melodic offering a softer and rounder feel compared to the Olive's deeper and more muted touch.
While the Gateron Melodic and the Bsun Olive have different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, they both offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split between the bottom and top housing material allows for a varied typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Melodic or the deeper and more muted sound of POM in the Olive will depend on your personal sound preferences and typing experience.
Weight
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both offer a medium to medium-heavy typing experience in terms of force. The actuation force of the Melodic switch is not specified, while the Olive switch requires 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. On the other hand, the Melodic switch bottoms out at 60 grams, while the Olive switch bottoms out at 65 grams, making it slightly heavier. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Melodic switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, while users who enjoy a more substantial push feel may opt for the Olive switch for a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a tactile typing experience, but the Olive switch offers a slightly heavier keypress compared to the Melodic switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer than the 3.4 mm travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch. The Melodic switch provides a deeper key press feeling compared to the Olive switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Olive switch, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Melodic switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy typing experience, characterized by a clean and sharp sound profile akin to stepping on crunchy autumn leaves. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switch provides a deep and resonant sound due to its POM housings, delivering a unique auditory experience during use. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that can cater to different preferences, with the Melodic focusing more on a higher-pitched sound and the Olive emphasizing a deep and resonant tone.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, offering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience with pronounced feedback and a snappy, reactive feel. Meanwhile, the BSUN Olive switch is accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a tactile typing sensation with prominent feedback and a crisp, distinct tactile bump. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile experience, with the Melodic focusing on smoothness and fluidity while the Olive provides a more pronounced and sharp tactile feedback.
Overall, the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and BSUN Olive tactile switch each offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Melodic emphasizes a clean and sharp sound with a smooth and invigorating feel, the Olive delivers a deep, resonant sound with a pronounced and sharp tactile feedback. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can select either switch to achieve a satisfying typing experience. Additionally, both switches offer tactile feedback that enhances the typing sensation, ensuring a rewarding experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron Melodic clicky switch or the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you value most in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize a classic clicky sound with smoothness and a medium bottom out force, the Gateron Melodic would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a deep, resonant sound with a slightly heavier bottom out force and pronounced tactile feedback, the Bsun Olive switch may be more suited to your preferences. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so consider what type of sound and feel you enjoy most when making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Melodic and Bsun Olive switches will depend on your individual typing experience and what you find most satisfying in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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