Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to tactile versus linear preferences. The Gateron Beer tactile switch offers a unique typing experience that mirrors the effervescent character of a Tsingtao beer, featuring a lightweight design with stepped tactility that provides a distinct, subtle feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a lively and engaging typing experience, complemented by its characteristic clacky sound signature. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch prioritizes smoothness and stability, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering an enchanting high-pitched sound on bottom-out. This switch is ideal for users who prefer a fluid and uninterrupted keystroke without tactile bumps, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks. Both switches cater to different typing styles and preferences, allowing users to tailor their keyboard experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Beer Tactile

Bsun Taichi Linear

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Beer and the Bsun Taichi both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's inherent stiffness ensures clear acoustics that resonate well when the switch is engaged. This design decision benefits RGB lighting enthusiasts as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual aesthetics, allowing for a dynamic light show through the keycaps. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a comparable auditory experience from the top housing, with the bright and clean sound quality resulting from this material choice.

In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Taichi diverge significantly, as the Beer employs a polycarbonate material while the Taichi opts for nylon. The nylon used in the Taichi's bottom housing is a softer plastic, which results in a notably deeper and fuller sound profile compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. This softer material absorbs more sound energy, leading to a more rounded and muted acoustic signature when a key is pressed. On the other hand, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer retains that sharper and crisper sound typical of stiffer plastics. This fundamental difference means that while the top housings of both switches deliver a similar sound experience, the bottom housings will produce different auditory responses that affect the overall feel when typing.

Overall, the combination of materials used in the Gateron Beer and Bsun Taichi leads to distinct yet interrelated experiences. While the top housings of both switches deliver that characteristic high-pitched sound due to their shared polycarbonate construction, the bottom housings create divergent acoustic profiles. This division creates a unique interaction with each keypress, where the dominant sound characteristics of each switch become a mixture of the two materials used. As a result, users will find both switches offering rich sound profiles, albeit with nuanced differences influenced by their respective bottom housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch with the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we observe notable differences in their actuation forces. The Beer switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Taichi requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This difference in actuation force can influence the typing experience; the Beer’s lighter force allows for easier keystrokes, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons without fatigue. However, it’s important to note that the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unknown, while the Beer's bottom out force is 50 grams, confirming that it feels a bit more solid when fully pressed down. This contrast could lead to a more tactile experience with the Beer at its bottom out point, while the lack of information for the Taichi leaves some ambiguity regarding its overall weight and coping when bottoming out. In summary, those who favor a lighter and perhaps more comfortable switch should lean towards the Gateron Beer, while those who might enjoy a slightly stronger actuation should consider the Bsun Taichi.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Beer switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Taichi switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Taichi switch offers a deeper experience, which may be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Beer switch's shorter travel distance can cater to gamers or users looking for quicker response times, as shorter distances often allow for faster actuation. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Gateron Beer would be the better choice, while the Bsun Taichi would appeal to those who favor a more pronounced keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Beer tactile switch is characterized by its clacky acoustic profile, which produces a sharp and snappy sound upon activation. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound gives a delightful auditory feedback, making each keypress feel vibrant and engaging. Conversely, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch is noted for having a high-pitched bottom-out sound, the specifics of its sound signature beyond that are less clearly defined. Both switches have their unique audio personalities, with the Beer providing a more pronounced auditory experience, whereas the Taichi leans towards a subtler linear sound, although environmental factors such as the keyboard chassis and keycap choice will influence the overall sound produced.

In the realm of feel, the Beer switch is recognized for its gentle ease of actuation and a distinct stepped tactility. This means that it requires minimal force to push down, allowing for a comfortable and effortless typing experience, ideal for long sessions. The stepped tactile feedback offers a nuanced sensation as the key is engaged, allowing typists to better control their keystrokes without excessive effort. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Bsun Taichi linear switch in terms of feel remain unspecified. Without this information, it's challenging to draw a definitive comparison; however, if the Taichi is crafted for smoothness and stability, it might provide a different tactile experience altogether, potentially favoring users who prefer a consistent keypress without tactile feedback.

In conclusion, the Gateron Beer tactile switch and Bsun Taichi linear switch cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Beer shines with its clacky sound and comfortable stepped tactility, making it a great choice for those who enjoy an engaging and responsive typing experience. While the Taichi's auditory and tactile qualities remain less detailed, its linear nature and purported smoothness may appeal to users looking for a more straightforward keypress. Ultimately, each switch brings its own unique characteristics, and depending on your typing style and audio preferences, you can achieve satisfying results with either option.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use cases. If you enjoy a light, tactile feel and appreciate the auditory feedback of a sharp, clacky sound, then the Beer switch is likely your best option. Its gentle resistance makes it ideal for extended typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue and enhances comfort. The stepped tactility also allows you to experience a mild but noticeable feedback without overwhelming your fingers, making it suitable for both typing and casual gaming. On the other hand, if you find yourself leaning towards a smoother, quieter experience with potentially unknown bottom-out force, the Taichi linear switch may be more appealing. It features a long-pole stem and extended springs designed to deliver unparalleled smoothness, perfect for those who prioritize a seamless key press without tactile interruptions. Regardless of your choice, both switches offer unique characteristics that can significantly enhance your keyboard experience; it simply depends on whether you favor the tactile engagement of the Beer or the silky smoothness of the Taichi.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Beer Tactile

$6.00

$4.59 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more