Bsun Olive vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on the balance between tactile feedback and smoothness. The Bsun Olive switches stand out as a tactile option known for their all-POM housings, delivering a resonant, deep sound that provides a distinctly satisfying auditory experience. With medium weight and pronounced tactile feedback, the Olive switches make each keystroke feel invigorating, sharp, and snappy, ideal for typists who enjoy a pronounced sensation with every press. In contrast, the HMX SU switches offer a smooth linear experience with their full PA12 housing and T5 stem, creating a subtle yet deep sound profile that is perfect for gamers or those seeking a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. While the Olives excel in tactile feedback and auditory delight, the SUs provide a fluid and seamless keystroke ideal for rapid, consistent input. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
T5
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the HMX SU reveals both similarities and distinctive characteristics that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Bsun Olive utilizes POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both its top and bottom housings, which is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound. This material offers a deeper, more muted sound while typing, enhancing the overall acoustic experience. In contrast, the HMX SU incorporates nylon for its top and bottom housings. Nylon is recognized for its classic qualities, enabling a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs sound effectively, leading to a rounder acoustic output. Despite the differences in material—POM versus nylon—both options aim to create a sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, indicating that users could expect a similar auditory experience from either switch if leveraged correctly.
While the Bsun Olive's POM construction emphasizes a muted sound, the HMX SU's nylon housing actively absorbs more sound, resulting in varying sound profiles. The unique properties of POM enable the Olive to produce a more distinct and noticeable sound signature, potentially leading to a more appealing result for users who prefer clarity and character in their typing feedback. On the other hand, the HMX SU's nylon housing offers a more classic feel, appealing to traditionalists who appreciate the softer sound profile that nylon provides. While both switches result in deeper sound profiles, the nuances between the two suggest that users may have different sensory preferences, impacting their choice of switch depending on their typing style and sound fidelity.
The tuning of the switches is closely tied to the materials used in their housings. In setups where the top and bottom housings differ, the feel and sound are influenced by the individual qualities bestowed by each material. The Olive’s consistent use of POM results in a cohesive sound experience, while the HMX SU’s nylon construction introduces a classic versatility not primarily found in the Olive. However, the underlying principle remains that both switches deliver satisfying results in terms of sound quality; they simply achieve it through different paths—one focusing on a distinctly muted character and the other leaning towards a rounded fuller resonance. Ultimately, while the materials contrast, both switches cater to users seeking an engaging and pronounced auditory experience.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch exhibit notable differences in their bottom out forces, despite sharing the same actuation force of 45 grams. The Olive switch has a bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy, while the SU switch has a significantly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that, although both switches require the same force to register a keystroke, the Olive switch demands more force to fully depress, providing a more substantial feel during typing. For users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions or gaming, the HMX SU linear switch may be a better choice, as its overall weight profile aligns with a lighter touch. Conversely, those who enjoy a heftier typing experience may gravitate towards the Bsun Olive, which offers a firmer resistance both at actuation and bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch, the Olive has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the SU has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Bsun Olive the shorter option, which may appeal to users seeking a quicker response time, particularly gamers who favor shorter travel distances for enhanced performance. Conversely, the HMX SU's greater travel distance can provide a more pronounced feedback experience, which some users might prefer for its depth and tactile feel. Overall, if users prioritize responsiveness, they might opt for the Olive, while those who appreciate a more deliberate keystroke might gravitate towards the SU.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU for $3.29.
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 switches produce a resonant and deep auditory profile that is quite distinct. This richness in sound is characterized by a pronounced resonance resulting from their all-POM housing, which contributes to a vibrant acoustic experience when typing. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switches emit a more subtle and relatively deep sound profile due to their full PA12 housing. The auditory experience of the SU is less impactful than that of the Olive, focusing on a more muted yet smooth sound that might appeal to those seeking a quieter typing environment. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the Olive’s dynamic sound might be better for users who appreciate audible feedback, whereas the SU is suited for those seeking a more understated auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the BSUN Olive switches are especially notable for their medium tactile feedback. They are described as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, creating a typing sensation that is both immersive and reactive. The pronounced tactile bump allows users to experience a distinct tactile response with each keypress, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the feel characteristics of the HMX SU linear switches are less defined in this context. While linear switches generally offer a smoother, uninterrupted keypress without tactile feedback, further details regarding the SU's specific tactile qualities remain unspecified. However, it can be inferred that their linear nature tends toward a soft and continuous feel rather than the pronounced tactile sensations found in the Olive.
In conclusion, the BSUN Olive and HMX SU switches provide two different experiences catered to varied typing preferences. The Olive is highlighted for its deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic and responsive typing experience. Conversely, the SU linear switches deliver a more subdued sound and a smoother feel, suitable for users who prefer a quieter key actuation without tactile bumps. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference regarding sound and typing dynamics, and individuals who prioritize a tactile experience may find the Olive more appealing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the HMX SU linear switch should align with your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for. If you appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback that delivers both an invigorating and snappy sensation, along with a satisfying auditory response, the Olive is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams, it offers a unique blend of sharpness and depth that caters to those who enjoy feeling a deliberate resistance as they type. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more fluid typing experience, the HMX SU linear switch would be more suitable. With a bottom-out force of only 50 grams, the SU allows for effortless key presses, which can be particularly appealing for extensive typing sessions or gaming where speed and smoothness are desired. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you seek a tactile and pronounced typing experience with the Bsun Olive, or the seamless and lighter touch of the HMX SU linear switch.
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