Bsun Olive vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Bsun Olive and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Olive and the SP-Star Yanyu offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Bsun Olive is known for its tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy a satisfying typing experience with pronounced feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu is favored by those who prefer a more delicate typing experience, especially during extended typing sessions, thanks to its material blend that provides a crisp sound profile. Both switches have their own distinct characteristics and benefits, making them suitable for different preferences and needs. 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
43g
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
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Olive utilizes POM material for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is deep and relatively muted. This creates a unique and pleasing typing experience that may appeal to individuals looking for a quieter option. In contrast, the SP-Star Yanyu combines Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in its blend for both the top and bottom housing. This blend offers a sound profile that is bright but not overly sharp, providing a different typing experience compared to the Olive.
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Olive and the SP-Star Yanyu, it is clear that the top and bottom housings play a significant role in determining the overall sound profile of the switch. With the Olive utilizing POM for both housings, the deeper and muted sound is consistent throughout typing. Conversely, the Yanyu's blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE splits the qualities between the top and bottom, resulting in a more balanced sound experience with a touch of brightness. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can have a direct impact on the typing feel and sound of a switch.
While the Bsun Olive and the SP-Star Yanyu each offer a unique sound profile based on their housing materials, they both aim to provide a pleasant typing experience for users. The use of POM housing in the Olive creates a consistent deeper and muted sound, while the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu offers a brighter sound profile. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize creating a pleasing typing feel by utilizing distinct housing materials that cater to varying preferences in sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to individual preferences regarding sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the Olive also has a higher bottom out force of 65 grams, whereas the Yanyu has a bottom out force of 43 grams. This makes the Olive switch heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Yanyu switch is lighter in terms of bottom out force, making it easier to type on for longer periods of time. So, if you prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, the Yanyu switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more solid and heavier typing feel, the Olive switch would be more suitable.
Travel distance
The Bsun Olive tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4mm. In this case, the Olive has a shorter travel distance compared to the Yanyu. The 3.4mm distance of the Olive makes it a more suitable option for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Yanyu's 4mm travel distance provides a deeper press, which some may find more comfortable or satisfying. Both switches fall within the range of typical travel distances, with the Yanyu being slightly on the longer side. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
The SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 Olive tactile switch is best known for its resonant and deep sound, setting it apart from other switches on the market. The unique design and long pole stem of the Olive switches contribute to a pronounced tactile feedback and a sharp bottom-out, resulting in a satisfying auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. The Yanyu switch falls under the category of a neutral switch, providing a moderate sound profile suitable for most users, whether beginners or advanced typists.
When it comes to feel, the Olive switch is defined by its accented and invigorating qualities, offering a sharp and snappy tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience. The Olive switch provides a prominent amount of tactility without being overwhelming, creating an immersive typing sensation. In contrast, the Yanyu switch is described as mild and feathery, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced finger fatigue. The Yanyu switch falls in the safe, middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel, making it approachable to most users.
Overall, the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch offer different subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Olive switch provides a resonant and deep sound with sharp tactile feedback, while the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate typing experience with a crisp sound profile. Depending on individual preferences, users can choose between the pronounced tactility of the Olive switch or the gentle typing feel of the Yanyu switch to enhance their typing experience. Additionally, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing styles and preferences, ensuring a satisfying and personalized mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summarizing the comparison between the BSUN Olive tactile switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is clear that your choice between the two would depend on your preferences for typing experience and usage. If you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with pronounced tactile feedback and a deep, satisfying sound, the BSUN Olive would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a more delicate typing experience and a crisp sound profile, the SP-Star Yanyu would better suit your needs, especially for long typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific characteristics that align with your personal preferences and typing habits.
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