Bsun Pine vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and KTT Purple Star both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Pine switch stands out with its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility favored by those who enjoy a pronounced typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Star switch boasts a smooth all-POM construction and a light 45g bottom-out, making it an ideal choice for those seeking comfort and ease during prolonged typing sessions. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Pine and the KTT Purple Star, we see that both switches have unique characteristics that affect sound profiles. The Pine's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Purple Star's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. The choice between these two materials would depend on the desired sound profile for a keyboard. However, both materials offer the benefit of allowing RGB lighting to shine through due to their translucency.
Moving on to the bottom housings, the Pine's nylon bottom housing results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Purple Star's POM bottom housing also creates a deep and muted sound. While the two switches use different materials for their bottom housings, they both offer a similar sound profile, focusing on delivering a more rounded and duller sound compared to the top housings.
Ultimately, the top and bottom housing materials of a switch play a significant role in the overall typing experience. The Bsun Pine and KTT Purple Star showcase how different materials can impact sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a sharper sound and POM offering a deeper tone. Despite the differences in materials between the top and bottom housings of these switches, both switches aim to deliver a quality typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing enhances the sound upon key release.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the KTT Purple Star linear switch which has an actuation force of 43 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams while the Purple Star only needs 50 grams. This makes the Pine switch heavier overall, with a medium-heavy feel, while the Purple Star is lighter with a more delicate touch. For those who prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out force, the Purple Star would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Pine switch provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, perfect for those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and typing style, with weight being a crucial factor to consider.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the KTT Purple Star linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them suitable for users who prioritize faster response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable to most users in terms of feel. However, if you have a preference for a slightly longer travel distance, the KTT Purple Star switch would be the choice with a slightly longer travel. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who prefer a more responsive typing or gaming experience.
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 KTT Purple Star comes in at $4.88 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 offer a unique experience with a distinctive click that provides auditory feedback with each keypress. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Star switches are known for their low-pitched sound profile, which delivers a mellow and bass-heavy tone that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer different sound characteristics that cater to individual preferences and can be further influenced by the keyboard and keycap combination used.
In terms of feel, the BSUN Pine switches are described as having an invigorating and sharp tactile bump that provides a pronounced feedback and a snappy typing feel. This intense tactility offers a responsive and immersive typing experience that may be preferred by users who enjoy a more intense keypress. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches are characterized by their mild and easy-to-press feel, offering gentle resistance and a light actuation force that makes typing effortless and comfortable. These switches provide a softer typing experience that may be suitable for users who prefer a more gentle keypress.
Overall, the BSUN Pine and KTT Purple Star switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. While the Pine switches provide sharp tactility and a more intense typing experience, the Purple Star switches offer a smooth and easy-to-press feel for a comfortable typing session. Depending on your typing style and preference for sound and feel, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience, allowing you to achieve similar results in different ways.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Pine tactile switch or the KTT Purple Star linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences. If you enjoy a sharp tactile bump with a medium-heavy bottom out force and a snappy, invigorating typing experience, then the Pine switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth typing experience with a light bottom out force and easy-to-press keys that are mild and easy on the fingers, then the Purple Star switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider how you like your switches to sound and feel, as well as your typing style and comfort level, in order to make the best decision for your needs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, so it's important to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences and typing habits.
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