Bsun Olive vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the BSUN Olive and the Kailh Plum. The BSUN Olive switches are revered for their resonant and deep sound, thanks to their all-POM housings. With medium-weight and pronounced tactile feedback, these switches offer a satisfying tactile feel and auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switches are known for their unique heaviness without a significant tactile bump, providing a different typing experience compared to traditional tactile switches. While the Plum switches offer a more neutral and enjoyable sound profile, the Olive switches deliver a sharp and snappy typing experience. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the Kailh Plum, we see a stark contrast in the sound profiles they produce. The Olive's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Plum's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users, as some may prefer a softer and more subdued sound, while others may enjoy the clear and resonant sound of polycarbonate.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Olive's POM material provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. However, the Plum's nylon bottom housing offers a softer and more absorbent quality, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can also influence the typing experience, with nylon providing a more subtle and muted sound compared to the fuller sound produced by POM.
While the Bsun Olive and Kailh Plum differ in their top and bottom housing materials, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The split qualities between the top and bottom housing materials provide 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. Whether you prefer the deeper, muted sound of POM or the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer distinctive qualities that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, we see that the Olive has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Plum's unknown actuation force. However, both switches have a similar bottom out force of 65 grams for the Olive and 70 grams for the Plum, making them both medium-heavy in terms of pressure required. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly lighter typing experience with the Olive, while the Plum may provide a slightly stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired amount of force required for a satisfactory typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Plum tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Plum switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for some users who prefer a greater depth when pressing down on the keys. Ultimately, the difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant enough to drastically impact the overall typing or gaming experience, and users can expect similar results in terms of responsiveness and feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for its resonant, deep sound, setting it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable and not overwhelming. Both switches provide a unique auditory experience that can be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps being used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is characterized by its accentuated tactile feedback, invigorating feel, sharp tactile bump, and snappy responsiveness. These qualities provide a satisfying and immersive typing sensation for the user. In contrast, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a mild typing experience with a stepped feel that features two stages of tactility. This makes the Plum switch approachable to most users and offers a more gentle typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. While the Olive switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback and a deep, resonant sound, the Plum switch offers a neutral sound profile and a mild, stepped feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches are capable of providing a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different nuances in sound and tactility.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a deep, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, the Olive switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a neutral sound profile and a more gentle typing experience with a moderate actuation force, the Plum switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on how you want your typing experience to feel and sound, whether you prefer a more invigorating and sharp tactile feedback or a mild and stepped typing sensation. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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