TTC Gold Brown vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Taichi each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences and experiences. The TTC Gold Brown is renowned for its balanced feel, providing a tactile feedback through a slight bump without overwhelming users with noise, making it an excellent choice for office settings or quiet environments. Its moderate weightiness contributes to a satisfying typing experience, delivering a rounded sound profile that sits between silence and audible clicks. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches are celebrated for their linear design, characterized by a high-pitched bottom-out sound and exceptional smoothness. With a long-pole stem and extended springs, these switches offer swift key presses and a consistent feel, making them ideal for gamers who prefer rapid key actuation without tactile interruptions. While the Gold Browns appeal to those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more muted sound, the Taichi switches cater to users seeking seamless keystrokes for high-paced gaming. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches utilize identical materials in their construction, with both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Consequently, the sound profile experienced during typing on either switch will be similar due to the properties of these materials. The use of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, dictates a sharper and crisper sound profile that enhances the overall resonance when pressing keys. Since both switches employ this material, users can expect a comparable auditory experience, especially when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate accentuates visual effects.
On the lower end, both switches incorporate nylon for the bottom housing, producing a notably different sound profile compared to that of the top housing. Nylon's softer properties result in a full-bodied and deeper sound, effectively absorbing more noise during key presses. The combination of these two housing materials provides a balanced auditory experience where the nylon absorbs and rounds out the sound produced by the sharper polycarbonate. In pressing the keys of either the Gold Brown or the Taichi, typists will feel a similar response due to the common characteristics imparted by the nylon material, enhancing overall typing satisfaction.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Brown and Bsun Taichi switches are made from the same housing materials, their sonic qualities are effectively split between the two components. The top polycarbonate housing contributes to a brighter, cleaner sound on key release, while the nylon bottom absorbs sound, creating a pleasing depth to the typing experience. Thus, irrespective of the switch chosen, users can expect a harmonious blend of crispness and warmth, allowing for a satisfying and consistent feel across both models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see a notable difference in actuation force while the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unspecified. The Gold Brown requires an actuation force of 55 grams, which provides a medium resistance that some typists appreciate for a balanced typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer less resistance during longer typing sessions or intense gaming marathons. The bottom out force for the Gold Brown is 63 grams, indicating that a firmer push is needed to fully depress the key. Since the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, we cannot directly compare this aspect. However, the Gold Brown's heavier characteristics may cater to those who enjoy a more substantial feel, whereas the Taichi is ideal for those seeking a lighter touch. Overall, if a lighter switch experience is preferred, the Bsun Taichi stands out, while the TTC Gold Brown provides a firmer, more tactile option.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the key, the Gold Brown offers a more significant depth, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a traditional feel. On the other hand, the Taichi's shorter travel distance aligns with the modern trend towards quicker response times, making it an attractive option for gamers who seek rapid activation. In summary, if you prioritize a hearty depth and tactile experience, the Gold Brown would be the preferred choice, while the Taichi offers a speedier response with its more compact travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Gold Brown switch offers a rounded, soft profile that makes it generally suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. Its neutral sound level—neither overly loud nor entirely silent—allows it to blend into most settings seamlessly, which can be especially appealing for users who need to maintain a quieter workspace. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch produces an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This unique auditory characteristic may appeal to enthusiasts seeking a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing, setting it apart from the Gold Brown’s more muted resonance.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Brown switches excel in providing a mild and buttery typing experience. They have an accentuated tactile bump that is neither overwhelming nor too subtle, making them feel approachable for both new and experienced users. The switch's smooth and polished nature enhances the keystroke, allowing for seamless typing without the distraction of excessive friction. In contrast, the feel of the Bsun Taichi linear switch is currently unknown, as there is insufficient data available to assess its tactile response or overall smoothness.
In conclusion, while the TTC Gold Brown switch presents a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience with its soft sound and smooth feel, the Bsun Taichi linear switch stands out with its distinctive high-pitched acoustics. However, without specific details on the feel of the Taichi switch, it is difficult to compare experiences fully. Users seeking a comfortable and adaptive switch may find the Gold Brown more appealing, especially for long typing sessions, while those interested in a more electrifying sound may gravitate toward the Taichi. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preferences regarding sound and feel, as each switch caters to different aspects of the typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your choice largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a balanced and moderate typing experience, the Gold Brown is an excellent choice. Its slight tactile bump combined with a medium bottom-out force can enhance your typing accuracy while still delivering a satisfying feedback, making it suitable for both work and leisure. Additionally, the rounded sound profile strikes a harmonious balance between too loud and too quiet, ensuring it won't disturb others around you. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that emphasizes smoothness and a pronounced auditory experience, the Taichi linear switch may be more appealing. Its long-pole stem design and enhanced stability offer a buttery smooth keystroke, perfect for fast typing or gaming, especially if you enjoy that high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. Ultimately, consider whether you prefer the tactile feedback and moderate sound of the Gold Brown or the sleek, auditory pleasure of the Taichi to make the most suitable choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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