Bsun Pine vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the BSUN Pine, a tactile switch, and the Outemu Lotus, a linear switch. The BSUN Pine switches are renowned for their sharp tactile bump and long pole stem, which result in a distinct and quick bottom-out. This switch offers clear-cut feedback and fast action, making it a favorite among those who prefer direct and no-nonsense tactility. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus is a linear switch that lacks the prominent tactile bump of the Pine. While the Lotus does not have any standout features mentioned, it offers a smooth and consistent keystroke experience. If you value a pronounced tactile bump and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch may be the ideal choice for you. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Lotus, we can see that they both use nylon for their bottom housing. This means that typing on both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of the nylon, which absorbs more sound and creates a duller and rounder sound. However, the Pine uses polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile compared to the Lotus's nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound. This results in a difference in the sound profile between the two switches, with the Pine having a more clear and resonant sound, while the Lotus has a duller and rounder sound.
In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing is clear, allowing for the transmission of RGB lighting, making it ideal for users who want to incorporate lighting effects into their setup. On the other hand, the Lotus's nylon top housing is not transparent, so it does not have the same visual appeal when it comes to RGB customization. However, both switches share the same nylon bottom housing, which means they provide a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel, with the bottom housing having a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the keys.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Lotus comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The Pine offers a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate top housing, while the Lotus provides a deeper and fuller sound with its nylon top housing. Both switches offer a similar typing experience due to their shared nylon bottom housing, but the visual appeal and RGB customization options differ between the two. Ultimately, the decision will depend on whether you prioritize sound quality, aesthetics, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it is evident that the actuation force and bottom out force differ significantly between the two. The Pine has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Lotus has a lower actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. The Pine provides a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier forces, while the Lotus offers a lighter touch, perfect for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces, with the Pine being the heavier of the two switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Pine tactile switch is 3.4 mm, while the Outemu Lotus linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, with the Pine being slightly longer than the Lotus. The Pine is better suited for those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses, while the Lotus may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times due to its slightly shorter travel distance. In general, choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Outemu Lotus comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 Pine switch is known for a sharp and crisp click sound due to its tactile bump, while the Lotus switch is known for a smoother and quieter sound characteristic of linear switches. The sound of both switches can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of typing on the Pine switch, users often describe it as accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy, providing a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming but still distinct and satisfying. On the other hand, the feel of typing on the Lotus switch is not specified in the provided information, so it is recommended to try it out to determine its unique characteristics.
Overall, the BSUN Pine tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, making it a popular choice for those seeking direct and no-nonsense tactility. Its distinct feedback and fast action contribute to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have specific information provided about its feel or sound, so it is advisable to experiment with this switch to fully understand its qualities. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, and depending on the individual's typing style and preference for feedback, they can achieve similarly satisfying results with either switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the Outemu Lotus linear switch, it's important to take into account your preference for bottom out force and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a sharp tactile bump with distinct feedback, the Pine switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a smooth linear typing experience, the Lotus switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for tactility and typing feel.
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