Bsun Pine vs. Outemu Tom
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Tom switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the BSUN Pine and the Outemu Tom can be a tough decision. The BSUN Pine switch is highly regarded for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing a satisfying typing experience for those who value direct feedback and fast action. On the other hand, the Outemu Tom offers a tactile typing experience as well, but lacks specific defining characteristics. While the Pine switch is categorized as 'Accented', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', and 'Snappy', the Tom switch falls into no specific category. Each switch has its own unique appeal and advantages, making them both viable options depending 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
55g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Tom are quite similar, as both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing. Polycarbonate is known for creating a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness, making it resonant and clear. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. In terms of sound quality, both the Pine and the Tom benefit from the properties of polycarbonate in their top housing, resulting in a noticeable difference in sound profile compared to switches with different housing materials.
While the top housing material is the same for both the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Tom, they differ in their bottom housing material. The Pine features a nylon bottom housing, while the Tom also utilizes nylon for its bottom housing. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics and resulting in a duller, rounder sound. With both switches utilizing nylon for their bottom housing, the typing experience and sound profile are likely to be quite similar between the two.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in the Bsun Pine and the Outemu Tom plays a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of the switches. While both switches share a polycarbonate top housing for a sharper and crisper sound, their use of nylon for the bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The split in housing materials between the top and bottom of the switches allows for a distinctive typing experience, where the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Ultimately, both switches offer unique sound profiles and typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
Comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch reveals that the Pine has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Tom's 55 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine is heavier at 65 grams compared to the Tom's unknown force. The Pine offers a medium-heavy typing experience with a noticeable difference in force required for actuation and bottoming out, while the Tom provides a lighter actuation force but lacks information on its bottom out force. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Tom may be more suitable, while those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Pine. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on individual preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is slightly longer than the Outemu Tom tactile switch with a travel distance of 3.3 mm. While the difference may seem minimal, it can have an impact on the typing experience. The Pine switch offers a slightly deeper travel distance, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. On the other hand, the Tom switch provides a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for a faster response time, such as gamers. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular for their quick, tactile feedback. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing style.
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 Tom 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
When it comes to sound, the BSUN Pine switches are known for their distinct and crisp sound with each keypress, attributed to their sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out. On the other hand, the sound of the Outemu Tom switches is not widely discussed or known, indicating that it may not have a unique sound profile that stands out among other switches.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the BSUN Pine switches are characterized by their accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy tactile feedback. This means that users can expect a medium tactile experience with a prominent amount of tactility, a firm actuation force, and a reactive feel that enhances the typing sensation. In contrast, information about the feel of the Outemu Tom switches is not available, suggesting that they may not provide the same level of tactile feedback and typing experience as the Pine switches.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch with a sharp and pronounced tactile bump, along with a unique typing experience that offers clear-cut feedback and fast action, the BSUN Pine tactile switches would be a great choice for you. While the subjective qualities of the Outemu Tom tactile switches are not well-documented, opting for the Pine switches would likely provide you with similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, when choosing between the two switches, consider your preference for tactile feedback and typing experience to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the Outemu Tom tactile switch, you should consider the type of typing experience you prefer. If you value a sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out with clear-cut feedback, the Pine switch is the way to go. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a specific bottom out force and characteristics that are not clearly defined, the Tom switch might be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the type of typing feel and performance you are seeking in your mechanical keyboard switch.
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