Bsun Olive vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Olive and SP-Star Duck both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The BSUN Olive switches are renowned for their all-POM housings, delivering a deep, resonant sound that sets them apart. With a medium weight and pronounced tactile feedback, typing on the Olive switches offers a satisfyingly sharp bottom-out experience. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches provide a more subtle tactile typing experience, with a gentler tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. While the Olive switches are categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Duck switches fall under 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own appeal depending on what you prioritize in a 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
58g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the SP-Star Duck, we can see that both switches feature POM top housings for a deeper, more muted sound profile. Despite this similarity, the Duck's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the plastic. This difference in sound profile can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with the Duck providing a more pronounced and clear sound compared to the Olive.
On the other hand, when looking at the bottom housings of these switches, both the Olive and the Duck feature POM and polycarbonate materials respectively. The POM bottom housing in the Olive creates a similar deep and muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate bottom housing in the Duck offers a sharper and crisper sound experience. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the overall feel and sound of the switch when typing, with the Duck likely providing a more defined bottom-out sound compared to the Olive.
When considering how the top and bottom housing materials interact in a switch, it becomes clear that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of qualities highlights the importance of both top and bottom housing materials in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience of a switch like the Bsun Olive or the SP-Star Duck.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is clear that the Olive is slightly heavier in both aspects. The Olive has an actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Duck's unknown actuation force. The bottom out force of the Olive is 65 grams, while the Duck has a bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that the Olive requires slightly more force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out compared to the Duck, making it a slightly heavier option. Both switches fall in the medium range of tactile switches, but the Olive provides a slightly more substantial typing experience due to the higher actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being better for longer typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Duck has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Olive switch would be the better choice. Gamers, in particular, tend to favor shorter travel distances for faster response times. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a deeper and more substantial keypress may prefer the Duck switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Both options fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Olive being on the shorter end and the Duck on the longer end. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 switch is characterized by a resonant, deep sound, providing a unique auditory experience during typing. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile, perfect for those seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. Both switches offer different sound qualities, catering to individual preferences and typing needs.
When it comes to feel, the Olive switch is known for its accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback, providing a tactile sensation that is distinct yet not overwhelming. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a mild, buttery, and polished feel, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience. These qualities highlight the differences in tactile feedback and typing sensation between the two switches, appealing to different preferences in terms of feel.
In conclusion, the BSUN Olive and SP-Star Duck switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile feelings, catering to different preferences in keyboard switches. The Olive excels in providing a resonant sound and invigorating tactile feedback, while the Duck focuses on a clean sound profile and a smooth typing experience. Whether you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a deep sound or a subtle typing experience with a clean sound, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences in sound and feel when using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a distinctive sound and feel, the Bsun Olive switch would be a great choice for you. The pronounced tactile feedback and sharp bottom-out, combined with a resonant sound profile, provide a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the SP-Star Duck switch would be more suitable. The gentle tactility and clean sound profile make it perfect for a variety of typing environments. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for tactile feedback and sound profile when choosing between these two switches.
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