Bsun Olive vs. Kailh Sage
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the Kailh Sage switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Olive, a tactile switch, to the Kailh Sage, a clicky switch, it's important to consider the unique features of each. The Olive stands out for its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it a satisfying option for those who enjoy a tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Sage offers a heavy weight and sharp clickiness that adds a distinct clicky typing experience. While the Olive is categorized as accented, invigorating, sharp, snappy, the Sage falls into the invigorating, sharp, crunchy category. The decision on which switch to choose ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's delve 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
The Bsun Olive and the Kailh Sage both offer unique sound profiles due to their differing housing materials. The Olive features a POM top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Sage utilizes a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This contrast highlights how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall sound experience of a keyboard switch.
In terms of aesthetics, the Bsun Olive's POM housing provides a solid, opaque look, while the Kailh Sage's polycarbonate top housing offers a translucent quality that is ideal for RGB lighting effects. The clear nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant lighting to shine through, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. This difference in housing material showcases how design choices such as transparency can play a role in the overall aesthetic of a keyboard switch.
While the Bsun Olive and Kailh Sage have distinct housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles, they both prioritize creating a pleasant typing experience. Whether it's the deep and muted sound of POM housing in the Olive or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Sage, both switches aim to provide users with a satisfying typing feel. Despite the differences in housing materials, users can expect a high level of tactile and auditory feedback from both switches, making them popular choices among keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch are quite different. The Olive has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Sage, where the actuation force is unknown. However, the Sage has a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams, while the Olive has a bottom out force of 65 grams. When it comes to weight, some may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Olive for longer typing sessions or gaming, while others may enjoy the heavier bottom out force of the Sage for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Kailh Sage clicky switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular among gamers for faster response times. The Olive has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Sage, which may be preferred by those who prioritize quick key presses. On the other hand, the Sage offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth to each press, which some users may find more comfortable. Overall, both switches offer similar characteristics in terms of travel distance, so you can expect to get similar results regardless of which one you choose.
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 Sage 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is known for its resonant, deep sound that is unique due to its POM housings and long pole stem design. On the other hand, the Kailh Sage clicky switch is described as having a heavy and sharp clickiness, giving a distinct crunchy typing experience. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Olive providing a deep and satisfying auditory feedback, while the Sage offers a crisp and sharp clicky sound. Ultimately, the sound preference would depend on individual taste and the overall setup of the keyboard.
In terms of feel, both the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch are described as invigorating and sharp, offering pronounced feedback and a snappy typing experience. The Olive switch features a prominent tactile feedback that is neither overwhelming nor subtle, while the Sage switch is known for its high feedback intensity and a distinct tactile bump with each keypress. Both switches are designed to provide a tactile typing sensation that is immersive and responsive, making them suitable choices for those who prefer a tactile typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Olive switch stands out for its deep and resonant sound, along with a tangible tactile feedback, while the Sage switch provides a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy and sharp feel. Depending on individual preferences for sound and key feel, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to different tastes. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prefer a deeper tactile feedback or a sharp clicky sound in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the Kailh Sage clicky switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a deep, resonant sound with pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, the Olive switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a distinct clicky typing experience with a heavy weight and sharp clickiness, the Sage switch could be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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