Cherry MX Purple RGB vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches for a more tactile typing experience, two noteworthy contenders are the Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Bsun Olive switches. The Cherry MX Purple RGB is celebrated for its refined tactile feel, featuring a short to medium-strength bump that adds a satisfying feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a balanced, responsive touch. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches stand out with their all-POM housings, providing a resonant, deep sound along with pronounced tactile feedback, thanks to their unique design and long pole stem. This results in a typing experience that not only feels satisfying but sounds invigorating, making it a favorite for auditory enthusiasts. While both switches excel in delivering tactile engagement, the Cherry MX Purple RGB leans toward a more subtle feedback experience, while the Bsun Olive offers a sharper, more pronounced response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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
The Cherry MX Purple RGB and the Bsun Olive switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, which imparts distinct characteristics to their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features nylon for both its top and bottom housings. Nylon is known for being a classic housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer properties, which absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience that can enhance typing comfort over prolonged use. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches utilize POM for their top and bottom housings. POM, while also contributing to a deeper and muted sound profile, offers a unique auditory quality that some users may find even more pleasing compared to typical nylon.
While both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Bsun Olive switches are comparable in terms of the deeper sound profile they create, the choice of materials influences the subjective auditory experience each provides. The nylon housing of the MX Purple RGB tends to deliver a softer and rounded sound, which is particularly effective at absorbing vibrations and minimizing sharpness in the keypress audio. The POM housing on the Olive switches, on the other hand, creates a sound that, despite being similarly deep, has a unique timbre that may appeal differently to users. This variation in sound quality suggests that while both switches are effective in achieving a rich auditory experience, they do so through different material properties that could impact user preferences.
Moreover, the differences in sound profiles can prominently affect the overall typing feel when using these switches. Even though both switches showcase enhanced sound absorption qualities, the MX Purple RGB's nylon composition may lead to a softer impact feeling during bottoming out, while the Bsun Olive's POM housing might have a slightly distinct tactile feedback due to its own unique attributes. Consequently, even if both switches yield similar results in terms of sound dampening and depth, individual preferences for feel and sound will ultimately dictate which switch might be more suitable for a given user. This multifaceted comparison highlights how housing materials can create subtle yet significant differences in the keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom-out force of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, the key distinction lies in the bottom-out force: while the Olive switch has a bottom-out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel, the bottom-out force of the MX Purple RGB is unspecified. This difference means that the Olive switch will require more force to fully press down, offering a more substantial typing experience for users who favor a heavier switch. Therefore, those seeking a lighter option might lean towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while those who appreciate a stronger, more resistant feel will likely prefer the Bsun Olive.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it becomes clear that users will experience different keypress characteristics. The Cherry MX Purple RGB features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered more traditional and can provide a satisfying depth for those who enjoy a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the Bsun Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, making it a better option for gamers or users seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, users who prefer a hearty depth and tactile feedback may lean towards the Cherry MX Purple RGB, while those who value speed and responsiveness might opt for the Bsun Olive, highlighting a clear distinction in user experience based on their travel distance preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is relatively subdued and refined, intended to offer a satisfying auditory experience without being overly loud, which makes it a suitable option for both gaming and typing in quieter environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch delivers a resonant and deep sound, characterized by its unique design and all-POM housings, which create a significant auditory presence with a crisp bottom-out. This means that while both switches provide auditory feedback, the MX Purple RGB leans towards a softer sound profile, whereas the Olive switch offers a more robust and pronounced sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more prominent auditory cue when typing.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is known for its refined tactile experience featuring a medium-strength bump that offers a solid tactile response without overwhelming the user. This switch aims for a balanced experience that's neither too soft nor too hard to actuate. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches are described using terms like "accented" and "invigorating," reflecting a pronounced tactile feedback that is prominent yet not overwhelming. The Olive's tactile feel is further enhanced by its sharp bump and snappy actuation, which makes each keystroke feel lively and invigorating. Thus, while the MX Purple RGB offers a smooth and controlled typing experience, the functionally tactile and responsive nature of the Olive makes for a more stimulating feel.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Purple RGB and Bsun Olive switches cater to tactile enthusiasts but in different manners. The MX Purple RGB is designed for a refined, medium-strength tactile experience with a quieter sound profile, making it versatile for various settings. Conversely, the Bsun Olive switch stands out with its deeper sound and more pronounced tactile feedback, providing an engaging and lively typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would depend on personal preference regarding sound and tactile sensations, as both can deliver enjoyable typing experiences, albeit through different qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switches and Bsun Olive tactile switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a refined tactile sensation with a well-defined bump that is moderately strong but not overwhelming, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is an excellent option. Its smoother operation might appeal to you if you favor a quieter typing experience, particularly in environments requiring minimal sound distraction. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback combined with a satisfying auditory resonance, the Bsun Olive switches are the way to go. With their medium-heavy actuation force and distinctive sharp tactile bump, they offer an invigorating and immersive typing experience that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Overall, consider whether you prioritize a more subdued tactile experience or crave a satisfying sound and feel; this will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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