Gateron CM vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different options to discover which one aligns with their typing style and preferences. The Gateron CM switch stands out for its full nylon housing, which diverges from traditional polycarbonate materials, offering a rich and deep sound profile that many typists adore. Its impeccably factory-lubed mechanism and lengthened, dual-staged spring provide a buttery, thocky feel, resulting in smooth, graceful keystrokes that evoke a bouncing sensation with every press. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch captivates users with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering an experience marked by unparalleled smoothness and stability. Both switches have their unique appeal: the CMs are perfect for those seeking a polished, low-pitched experience, while the Taichi switches are ideal for users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Bsun Taichi, the most notable difference lies in the top housing. The Gateron CM utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a typing experience that is softer and more muted due to nylon's ability to absorb sound. On the other hand, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. This distinction is significant for typists who value the acoustics of their switches, as the nylon in the CM leans towards a more subdued auditory experience, while the polycarbonate of the Taichi leans towards clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective for setups utilizing RGB lighting.
In contrast, both switches share a common ground when it comes to their bottom housing, which contributes significantly to the overall sound and feel during typing. Both the Gateron CM and the Bsun Taichi utilize nylon in their bottom housing, which results in a cohesive auditory characteristic: a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer properties are consistent across both designs, absorbing sound and creating a rounded bottom-out experience. This similarity ensures that, irrespective of the differences in the top housing materials, users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and tactile feeling when engaging with either switch.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in these switches plays a critical role in determining the overall typing experience. While the Gateron CM's nylon top housing produces a muted and warmer sound, the Bsun Taichi’s polycarbonate top housing introduces a clearer and more resonant auditory experience. Nonetheless, the shared nylon bottom housing in both models harmonizes the acoustic properties, balancing the sound profile between the two switches. As a result, while they present distinct characteristics in their top housing, users will still experience similarities in the typing feedback thanks to their identical bottom housing materials, demonstrating how nuanced material selections can affect switch performance and user satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge, influencing user preference for lighter or heavier switches. The Gateron CM has an actuation force of 55 grams, which is classified as medium-heavy, while the Bsun Taichi features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Taichi would be more suitable for those who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue, making it ideal for both office work and extended gaming. However, while the CM's bottom out force is recorded at 63.5 grams, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is currently unavailable. As a result, we cannot directly compare how far down the Taichi switch requires force to bottom out. Nonetheless, with the discernible difference in actuation forces, the Gateron CM is the heavier option compared to the Taichi, which may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial feel during their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key using either switch, users will experience an identical keypress depth, resulting in a similar typing feel and feedback. Since both switches exhibit the same travel distance, one can expect comparable performance regarding actuation and bottoming out, which can be especially important for those looking for consistency in their typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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 CM linear switch sets itself apart with a bassy and thocky character. Each keystroke rolls through a rich, low-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a deep "thud" that provides auditory satisfaction with every press. This is attributed to its full nylon housing, which contributes to a deeper sound signature, further enhanced by the careful factory lubrication. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch lacks a detailed sound description, leaving its auditory qualities somewhat ambiguous. While the CM promises a deep and engaging sound experience, the Taichi's sound profile remains unknown, leaving potential users to explore or experiment with how the switch might sound when paired with various boards and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the CM linear switch shines with its exceptionally smooth tactile response, described as buttery and creamy. The factory lube and polished finish allow for fluid keystrokes that glide effortlessly, minimizing friction and enhancing the overall typing experience. The CM features a unique bouncy sensation due to its lengthened, dual-staged spring, providing an enjoyable tactile experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch does not have specific descriptors regarding its feel, leaving potential users in the dark about the tactile qualities and smoothness they might expect. The absence of such details makes it difficult to compare directly, highlighting that users may need to rely on personal testing to gauge the Taichi's performance.
In conclusion, the Gateron CM linear switch stands out in both sound and feel, offering a rich auditory experience and a smooth, effortless typing journey, thanks to its thoughtful design and factory lubrication. The Taichi, while intriguing, presents a challenge with limited information on its sound and feel characteristics, potentially making it a gamble for newcomers who rely heavily on specifications. For those weighing their options, opting for the CM will likely result in a more predictable and enjoyable typing experience, whereas the Taichi remains an unknown that may surprise or disappoint.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch should largely depend on your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you favor a medium-heavy bottom-out force and enjoy an experience characterized by rich, bassy sounds and an effortlessly smooth keystroke, the Gateron CM is an excellent choice. Its full nylon housing and specialized factory lube ensure that every press feels polished and frictionless, providing a delightful tactile sensation that can enhance your typing experience significantly. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more vibrant, high-pitched auditory response without a defined bottom-out force—allowing for quick, responsive typing—the Bsun Taichi switch could be more suited to your style. Its unique design promotes stability and smoothness, offering an appealing alternative for those who prioritize sound and a different feel. Ultimately, whether you gravitate toward the deeper responsiveness of the Gateron CM or the airy acoustics of the Bsun Taichi, aligning your choice with your typing habits and preferences will lead to a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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