Bsun Olive vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly influence your typing experience, with the Bsun Olive and TTC Yunhai exemplifying the strengths of each category. The Bsun Olive, with its all-POM housing, is celebrated for its rich, resonant sound and prominent tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy a pronounced sensation during key presses. This medium-weight switch not only provides an invigorating auditory experience but also a satisfying bottom-out feel that typists often crave. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai offers a more subdued yet equally compelling experience, featuring a lighter actuation force that allows for smooth, effortless typing. Its deep, rounded sound profile appeals to those who prefer a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. Ultimately, the Olive caters to users seeking tactile feedback and a sharp response, while the Yunhai is preferable for typists who value a soft touch and smooth key presses. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive and TTC Yunhai both utilize distinct materials for their housing, resulting in varying acoustic characteristics. The Bsun Olive features POM (Polyoxymethylene) for both top and bottom housing, known for creating a uniquely pleasing sound profile that leans towards a deeper and muted tone. This consistency in material across the switch allows for a cohesive acoustic experience, as the properties of POM contribute to a satisfying bottom-out sound as well as a smooth key release. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai employs nylon for both its top and bottom housing. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Due to its softer plastic composition, nylon excels at absorbing sound, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience.
When examining the impact of these materials on typing feel and sound, a key distinction emerges. The Bsun Olive's POM housing, while consistently muted, still maintains its own unique sound signature that can enhance the overall typing experience through its tactile feedback. Each press will yield a sound that is less pronounced, but will feel refined and pleasant. Meanwhile, the TTC Yunhai's nylon housing imparts a different textural quality, allowing for a richer, fuller auditory feedback when typing. The softer nature of nylon not only deadens the sound further but might also offer a distinctly more cushioned feel, making it ideal for users seeking a quieter typing experience.
Ultimately, both switches exhibit complementary traits due to their individual housing materials, yet each brings forth its own sensory experiences. While the Olive's POM configuration retains a more consistent sound profile devoid of harshness, the Yunhai's nylon design provides a deeper and more immersive auditory feedback. If one were to mix and match these housings—utilizing POM for the top and nylon for the bottom, for instance—there would likely be a blending of characteristics. The end result would still offer notable aspects of both material qualities, driving towards a satisfying and unique sound and feel through the combination of POM's muted elegance and nylon's fuller sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Olive features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it medium-heavy, while the Yunhai offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Yunhai, as it allows for easier keystrokes, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Olive's heavier force provides a more substantial feel that some users may appreciate for its tactile feedback and resistance. Overall, the Olive is the heavier option, whereas the Yunhai is lighter, which influences user preference based on their typing comfort and style.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have different travel distances, with the Olive measuring 3.4 mm and the Yunhai at 3.6 mm. This makes the Olive the shorter option, providing a slightly more responsive experience that some gamers may prefer for faster key presses. In contrast, the Yunhai's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a deeper feel, which can be more satisfying for users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience when typing. While both switches fall below the traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, the Olive's shorter span may feel too abrupt for those who favor a more generous depth. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 switch produces a resonant, deep auditory profile that distinctly distinguishes it from other switches. This pleasing sound is enhanced by its all-POM housing, contributing to a full-bodied acoustic experience that complements its tactile nature. The TTC Yunhai switch, in contrast, delivers a deep, rounded sound profile, resulting in a softer auditory feedback that is more understated. It’s essential to note that the sound of both switches may be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap choices, which can affect the overall auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Olive switch stands out with its medium-weight tactile feedback characterized as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy. The pronounced tactile feedback is especially satisfying, providing a substantial bump that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle, making it a joy to type on. In comparison, the feel of the Yunhai switch is not explicitly described, but its incredibly light actuation force likely offers a gentler typing experience, emphasizing a more effortless and fluid response, which can be appealing for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing.
In summary, the Bsun Olive switch excels in producing a rich sound and offering a dynamic tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing experience. The TTC Yunhai switch, while featuring a lighter actuation and a deeper sound, positions itself as a viable alternative for those seeking a smoother, less tactile experience. While each switch has its unique attributes, both can deliver satisfying results depending on user preference; choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize auditory depth and tactile feedback or a lighter, more effortless feel while typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience and a heavier bottom-out force, the Bsun Olive switch may be your ideal pick. Its medium-heavy actuation (65 grams) provides a sense of stability during typing, while its distinct tactile feedback and satisfying auditory experience make each keystroke feel engaging and immersive. This is particularly advantageous if you tend to type for extended periods, as the robust feel of the Olive can enhance your overall typing satisfaction. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, uninterrupted keypress, the TTC Yunhai switch will likely be more to your liking. With a bottom-out force of just 50 grams, its gentle actuation provides an effortless typing experience, which is perfect for those who value speed and may find heavier switches tiring over time. Additionally, the rounded sound profile of the Yunhai complements the light touch, delivering a pleasant auditory experience without being overwhelming. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a tactile, feedback-rich interaction or a smooth, light keystroke, allowing you to tailor your keyboard experience to your individual needs.
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