Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence your typing experience, and the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Taichi exemplify two distinct options tailored for different preferences. The Aliaz switches, designed for quiet environments, boast a medium-heavy weight that delivers a satisfying tactile feedback without the intrusive noise, making them an ideal choice for professionals in an office setting or anyone who values a serene typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches prioritize smoothness and acoustic pleasure, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that create a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, perfect for gamers and typists who revel in a fluid and responsive keystroke. While both switches offer compelling advantages, tailoring to specific environments and user preferences, it’s essential to explore their characteristics in greater detail to determine which switch aligns best with your personal typing style. Let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Taichi switches, an immediate similarity is found in their top housings, as both utilize polycarbonate as their material of choice. This design feature is significant because polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which promotes a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate accentuates the aesthetic appeal, especially when integrated with RGB lighting. Both switches benefit from this material's ability to create a clear and resonant sound, offering users a similar auditory experience during typing. Therefore, if you're seeking a crisper keystroke sound, both switches deliver comparable results in this regard.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Aliaz is also made from polycarbonate, while the Taichi employs nylon. This variance is crucial as it influences the overall acoustic profile and tactile feel of the switches. The Aliaz retains the sharper sound profile throughout, given that both its top and bottom housings are made of polycarbonate. Conversely, the Taichi's nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper and fuller sound. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches may deliver similar results in the upper register of sound, the Taichi will offer a distinctively different resonance at the bottom of the stroke.
The combined effects of the different materials used in the bottom housings lead to contrasting typing experiences between the two switches. While the clear and resonant sound of the Aliaz is consistent from key press to release, the Taichi's nylon bottom, with its sound-absorbing qualities, creates a more mellow sound as you key down. The overall feel will also differ; the Aliaz will retain a firmer push due to its polycarbonate holdings, whereas the Taichi provides a softer response indicative of its nylon composition. Ultimately, these differences in bottom housing materials ensure that typists will experience unique sound profiles and tactile sensations that reflect the inherent qualities of each switch's construction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Aliaz has an actuation force of 60 grams, indicating a heavier key press that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press and potentially more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. While the bottom out force for the Taichi is not specified, the Aliaz has a bottom out force of 75 grams, which further emphasizes its heavier feel. Thus, if you're looking for a lighter switch with less resistance, the Bsun Taichi would be the better choice, whereas the Gateron Aliaz caters to those who favor a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ significantly, with the Aliaz offering a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Aliaz the longer travel option, appealing to those who prefer a deeper key press, which can provide a more satisfying feel and feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Taichi may attract gamers or users seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. While both switches serve different preferences—one favoring a more pronounced depth and the other emphasizing speed—the Aliaz offers a standard travel distance that many traditional keyboard users may appreciate for its hearty feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Bsun Taichi has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taichi for $2.25.
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 Gateron Aliaz switches excel in providing a muted auditory experience, making them ideal for quiet environments such as offices. The subdued sound profile minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for distraction-free typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches are recognized for their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This distinct characteristic stems from their long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to an audible keystroke that might provide a satisfying soundscape, albeit potentially louder than the Aliaz. Thus, while the Aliaz promotes stealthy operation, the Taichi offers a more expressive acoustic experience.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switches shine with their silky and polished characteristics. They deliver a smooth and refined typing experience that minimizes resistance, allowing for effortless keypresses and comfortable extended use. This sensation is often enhanced by the materials used and possibly factory lubing, which results in reduced friction on key travel. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Taichi switches are currently unspecified, so their exact feel remains unknown. However, given their design focused on smoothness and stability, one might expect a different, potentially less tactile experience compared to the Aliaz.
Overall, the Gateron Aliaz and Bsun Taichi switches cater to different preferences and environments. The Aliaz is suited for users seeking a quiet, tactile typing experience with a silky, polished feel, while the Taichi targets those who may appreciate a more pronounced sound and smooth operation in their keystrokes. Both switches present unique benefits, and ultimately, the choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound reduction or a more audibly gratifying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Aliaz tactile switches and Bsun Taichi linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific typing environment and personal preferences. If you work in a quiet office setting or want to minimize noise during use, the Aliaz is an excellent choice due to its muted sound profile and medium-heavy resistance, providing a tactile feedback that feels substantial without being overly loud. The silky and polished nature of the Aliaz enhances your typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate smooth keystrokes with a noticeable feedback on actuation. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch is perfect for those who prioritize a more immersive and fluid typing experience, particularly in personal setups where sound is less of a concern. Its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and the extended spring design promise an incredibly smooth action that could appeal to gamers and typing enthusiasts looking for a dynamic feel. In essence, if you value a quiet, feedback-oriented experience, go for the Aliaz, but if you’re drawn to smoothness and sound with a fun twist, the Taichi will serve you well.
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