Bsun Pine vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, you are essentially deciding between a sharp tactile experience and lightning-fast responsiveness. The Bsun Pine switches are lauded for their distinct tactile bump and swift bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility that appeals to many users. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch boasts unparalleled speed and minimal spring resistance, making it a top choice for gamers seeking instant trigger response. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Speed Silver both utilize different materials for their housing, with the Pine featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing, while the MX Speed Silver uses a nylon material for both the top and bottom housings. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a clear and resonant sound. On the other hand, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to nylon's softer properties that absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.
While both switches share the use of nylon for their bottom housing, the Pine's nylon bottom housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, similar to its top housing. Conversely, the MX Speed Silver's nylon bottom housing provides a duller and rounder sound, as seen in its top housing as well. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for different qualities to be felt when typing on the switch - the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influencing the sound when releasing a key.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those interested in using RGB lighting due to its translucency. This feature adds a visually pleasing element to the switch, enhancing the overall look of the setup. Conversely, the MX Speed Silver's nylon top housing, while not translucent, offers a classic look that may appeal to those who prefer a more traditional design. Regardless of their differences, both switches provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, catering to varying preferences amongst mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, it is clear that the MX Speed Silver is the lighter of the two with an actuation force of 30 grams compared to the Pine's 45 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Pine at 65 grams is heavier than the MX Speed Silver, which does not have a specified bottom out force. The Pine offers a medium-heavy typing experience, making it suitable for those who prefer a substantial push feel, while the MX Speed Silver provides a lighter touch, ideal for longer typing sessions or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of distance traveled. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get similar results in terms of key press feel and actuation point, making them both suitable options for those looking for a specific travel distance in their mechanical keyboard switches.
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 Cherry MX Speed Silver has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Speed Silver for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Pine switch is known for its unique and distinct clicky sound due to its sharp tactile bump and long pole stem. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is described as producing a thocky and low-pitched sound, characteristic of its linear action and low spring resistance. Both switches offer different sound profiles, with the Pine providing a more pronounced click compared to the softer thock of the MX Speed Silver.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Pine switch is renowned for its invigorating and sharp tactile feedback, offering a satisfying typing experience with a noticeable tactile bump. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch, on the other hand, is described as having a textured feel, which may refer to a subtle friction during key presses. While the Pine switch offers a snappy and accentuated tactile response, the MX Speed Silver provides a smoother typing experience with its linear action and low resistance.
Overall, the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Pine switch provides a sharper and more pronounced tactile feedback with a distinct click sound, making it a favorite among those who seek a tactile typing experience. In contrast, the MX Speed Silver switch focuses on maximum speed and rapid response, catering to gamers and users who prioritize quick keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Pine switch offering a more tactile and clicky feel, while the MX Speed Silver provides a smoother and faster keystroke for competitive gaming.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your priorities. If you value a sharp tactile bump, fast action, and clear-cut feedback for a direct typing experience, the Pine switch may be for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize rapid response, low spring resistance, and instant triggering for gaming where speed is crucial, the MX Speed Silver switch could be the better choice. Both switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel, so ultimately, your decision should align with your specific preferences and use case.
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