Huano Elf vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Huano Elf and the Bsun Taichi both stand out in the realm of linear switches, each offering a unique typing experience that appeals to different user preferences. The Huano Elf is renowned for its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics and produces a rich, deep sound signature, coupled with a medium-light feel that provides a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi excels with its long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound alongside unparalleled smoothness and stability. While the Elf may appeal to those who prioritize a more resonant typing experience, the Taichi caters to users looking for a fluid keystroke with distinct 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

Huano Elf Linear

Bsun Taichi Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The housing materials utilized in the switches of the Huano Elf and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences due to their differences, particularly in the top housing. The Elf embraces polyketone (POK) as its top housing material, renowned for its smoothness with a coefficient of friction of 0.04. This contrasts with the Taichi’s use of polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. While both materials contribute to the switch's overall performance, the POK’s smooth characteristics lead to a clacky sound, whereas the polycarbonate top enhances clarity and resonance. Consequently, the auditory experience can be quite different: POK’s smoothness aims for a softer and deeper sound, while polycarbonate prioritizes a more pronounced acoustic presence, especially beneficial with RGB lighting features.

Looking at the bottom housings reveals a more comparable aspect between the two switches, as both the Elf and the Taichi utilize nylon. This classic material provides a shared auditory depth; nylon's softer plastic formulation absorbs sound effectively, leading to a fuller and rounder typing experience. In this case, the bottom housing's material plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes for both switches. Since the bottom housing influences the tactile feedback and lower-end sound profile when pressing down on the key, users will find that both the Elf and the Taichi exhibit a consistent depth and warmth thanks to their shared choice of nylon, creating a comforting typing experience.

Ultimately, while the Huano Elf and Bsun Taichi employ different materials for their top housings, resulting in contrasting auditory characteristics, they find common ground with their nylon bottom housings. Even though the top materials lead to differing sound profiles—smooth versus sharp—the nylon in both switches ensures a cohesive deeper tone and warmth during usage. Therefore, while distinct textures and melodies arise from the top housings, the consistent nylon bottom creates a comforting baseline that ties both switches together, demonstrating how varying materials can yield unique results while still providing a unified tactile experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation forces of the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Elf is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 42 grams, while the Taichi requires only 40 grams to actuate. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, making it difficult to draw specific comparisons in that regard. However, based on their actuation forces, users seeking a lighter typing experience may find the Taichi more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions due to its lower actuation force. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers might lean towards the Huano Elf. Overall, the differences in actuation forces imply varying user experiences, with the Taichi offering a lighter touch and the Elf providing a firmer push.

Travel distance

Both the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar response and feel when pressing down on either key, resulting in a consistent typing experience across both switches. With the same travel distance, enthusiasts and gamers alike can enjoy a comparable level of key actuation and feedback, making their choice largely a matter of personal preference regarding other switch characteristics rather than travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Huano Elf linear switch is characterized by a deep sound signature, complemented by its POK top housing which enhances acoustics. This design allows for a more resonant and enveloping audio experience during typing, producing a muted yet satisfying tonal quality. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibits an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound that is notably distinct. The combination of a long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems contributes to this higher pitch, which can contrast sharply with the Elf's deeper tones. It's important to note that the sound production from either switch can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction, plate material, and keycap design.

When considering the feel of each switch, the Elf offers a medium-light actuation force that results in a smooth and satisfying typing experience. This moderate resistance strikes a balance that many users find comfortable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Taichi switch is known for its unrivaled smoothness and stability, attributed to its specialized design elements. Although the exact feel may vary based on personal preference and typing style, the Taichi's design aims to deliver a particularly consistent and enjoyable experience, which could offer a slightly different tactile feedback compared to the Elf.

In summary, while both the Huano Elf and Bsun Taichi linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Elf’s deep sound and medium-light feel can appeal to those who enjoy a fuller, richer auditory experience, whereas the Taichi’s high-pitched sound paired with its superior smoothness is designed for users seeking an exceptionally fluid typing experience. Regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect high-quality performance, albeit with varying properties that may suit different typing styles and preferences.

Conclusion

To wrap up, your choice between the Huano Elf linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as your intended use case. If you prioritize a satisfying typing experience with a medium-light feel and enjoy deep acoustic signatures, the Huano Elf is an excellent choice; its POK top housing enhances the overall sound experience, making it well-suited for both typing and gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if smoothness and stability are your primary concerns, along with an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, then the Bsun Taichi would likely be your better option, thanks to its long-pole stem and specialized design features that cater to users who seek a more refined tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches have unique characteristics that may appeal to different users, so consider what aspects matter most to you in your typing experience before making your decision.

Mentioned in this article

Huano Elf Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more