Cherry MX Red vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Cherry MX Red and the BSUN Olive. The Cherry MX Red is a linear switch known for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, offering a robust typing experience that combines responsiveness with a satisfying auditory depth. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive switches are tactile switches with all-POM housings, delivering a resonant, deep sound that sets them apart. These medium-weight switches provide pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, resulting in a distinctly satisfying feel and auditory experience during use. While the Cherry MX Red is characterized as 'Thocky', 'Low-pitched', and 'Textured', the BSUN Olive is labeled as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy'. Both switches have their unique strengths and appeal, offering users different typing experiences. 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
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 Red and Bsun Olive switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The MX Red utilizes a nylon top housing, which creates a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. In contrast, the Olive switch incorporates a POM top housing, offering a pleasing and distinctive sound that is deeper and slightly muted compared to nylon. While both materials impact the sound profile, the nylon top housing of the MX Red may provide a more classic typing experience, while the POM top housing of the Olive switch offers a unique sound experience.
In terms of bottom housing, the Cherry MX Red features a nylon material that also contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Similar to the top housing, the softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder tone. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch utilizes a POM bottom housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, influencing the overall typing experience. Both housing materials offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel.
While the Cherry MX Red and Bsun Olive switches have different housing materials for both the top and bottom, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with distinct sound profiles. The Cherry MX Red with its nylon housing materials offers a classic typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound, whereas the Bsun Olive with its POM housing materials delivers a unique sound profile that is deeper and slightly more muted. Despite the differences in materials, both switches prioritize sound and feel, ensuring that users have a pleasant typing experience with each keystroke. Ultimately, whether you prefer the nylon housing of the MX Red or the POM housing of the Olive switch will depend on your individual preferences for sound and feel while typing.
Weight
The Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch both have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to register a keystroke. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Cherry MX Red has an unknown weight, while the Bsun Olive has a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it heavier than the Cherry MX Red. The lighter actuation force of both switches allows for a smoother typing experience and is ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, such as those who type for long periods or engage in extended gaming sessions. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the Bsun Olive provides a more substantial and tactile typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing experience and desired weight of keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Cherry MX Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the MX Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Olive switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Both switches offer a different tactile experience due to their travel distances, with the MX Red being slightly longer than the Olive. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience you are looking for.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Cherry MX Red and Bsun Olive switches, it is evident that the MX Red produces a deep, thocky sound with a low pitch, providing a satisfying auditory experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switches are known for their resonant, deep sound due to the all-POM housings, offering a unique sound profile that sets them apart. Both switches offer different sound experiences, with the MX Red leaning towards a richer, bass-heavy sound and the Olive showcasing a distinct resonance.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Cherry MX Red is characterized by its slightly textured feel, providing a subtle friction that some users may prefer for added tactile feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switches offer an invigorating and sharp tactile feel with a prominent amount of tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, creating a more pronounced typing sensation. The snappy and responsive nature of the Olive switches, combined with the long pole stem design, ensures a crisp bottom-out that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Red and Bsun Olive switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in providing a satisfying typing experience. The MX Red delivers a robust and deep sound with a textured feel, while the Bsun Olive switches boast a resonant sound and an invigorating tactile feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound depth, tactile feedback intensity, and overall typing experience. Regardless of the choice, both switches will provide a high-quality typing experience for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Cherry MX Red linear switch or the Bsun Olive tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a slightly heftier feel, deeper sound profile, and responsive typing without any tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Red might be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a medium-heavy bottom out force, pronounced tactile feedback, a resonant and deep sound profile, and a unique typing experience that feels invigorating and sharp, the Bsun Olive switch could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing feel and sound profile that you find most comfortable and enjoyable.
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