Bsun Pine vs. Gateron Melodic
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Melodic switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options are the BSUN Pine and the Gateron Melodic. The BSUN Pine switch is a tactile switch known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, making it a favorite for those who prefer direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic is a clicky switch that reinvigorates the category with advancements like smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems, ensuring users can enjoy the classic clicky sound and tactile feedback with added smoothness. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Melodic switch is categorized as 'Buttery', 'Resonant', 'Invigorating', and 'Crunchy'. Each switch offers a unique typing experience, but ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences. 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
60g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and the Gateron Melodic both feature polycarbonate top housings, which create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate being a relatively stiffer plastic, leading to a more clear and resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. However, while both switches share this commonality in their top housings, the differences lie in their bottom housings. The Pine utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the Melodic's nylon bottom housing that also absorbs more sound but creates a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of sound profile, both the Bsun Pine and the Gateron Melodic share the same characteristics when it comes to their polycarbonate top housings. This means that users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on either switch, with a sharper and crisper sound. However, where they differ is in the material used for their bottom housings. The Pine's nylon bottom housing creates a deeper sound profile, while the Melodic's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound but results in a duller sound. This contrast in bottom housing materials can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it's important to note that the qualities of each material are split between the top and bottom housings of the switch. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the differences between the Pine's nylon bottom housing and the Melodic's nylon bottom housing will be most noticeable when actually typing on the switches, with each offering a unique sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, there are noticeable differences. The Bsun Pine has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 60 grams, which is considered a medium force. This means that the Bsun Pine requires a slightly lighter touch to actuate the key compared to the Gateron Melodic, but ultimately requires a heavier force to fully bottom out. While the Pine offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force, the Melodic provides a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force. Depending on personal preferences, some individuals may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Melodic for longer typing sessions, while others may favor the heavier bottom out force of the Pine for a more satisfying keystroke feel. Ultimately, both switches offer unique benefits, and the choice between the two will come down to individual typing preferences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Pine has a shorter travel distance compared to the Melodic. The 3.4 mm of the Pine provides a faster response time, making it ideal for gamers who prefer quicker key presses. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Melodic offers a deeper key press experience, which some may find more satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Pine being slightly shorter and the Melodic being a bit longer. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for either a faster, shallower key press or a deeper, more deliberate one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Pine switch offers a sharp and distinct click with a quick bottom-out, providing a clean and direct auditory experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is known for its resonant and crunchy sound profile, delivering a higher-pitched click reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. Depending on personal preference and typing environment, users may find the Pine switch to be more straightforward and immediate in sound, while the Melodic switch offers a more immersive and textured auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Pine switch is characterized by its accentuated and invigorating tactile feedback, offering a sharp and snappy typing sensation with a prominent tactile bump. This results in a highly responsive and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Melodic switch is described as buttery and invigorating, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke with pronounced feedback. Both switches offer a satisfying tactile feel, with the Pine switch emphasizing a sharper and more pronounced tactility, while the Melodic switch focuses on a smoother and more uniform typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Gateron Melodic clicky switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel, both switches excel in providing an engaging and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer a sharp and direct tactile feedback with a quick bottom-out like the Pine switch, or a smoother and more resonant click like the Melodic switch, you can expect a high-quality performance from either option. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking to achieve.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the Gateron Melodic clicky switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Pine switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a classic clicky sound and smooth typing experience with a medium bottom out force, the Melodic switch might suit your needs better. Keep in mind the sound and feel characteristics described for each switch to help you make an informed decision based on your preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique typing experiences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing preferences.
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