TTC Gold Red vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Gold Red and Bsun Taichi are both intriguing linear options that cater to distinct typing preferences. The TTC Gold Red switch is celebrated for its buttery smooth typing experience and a light-medium resistance, offering a subtle yet snappy sound profile that enhances the aesthetic of any keyboard without overwhelming it. It’s perfect for users who desire a polished feel with a thocky and low-pitched resonance. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi captivates with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs that provide exceptional smoothness and stability. This switch is tailored for those seeking an auditory highlight and a dynamic typing experience. Both switches have their unique charm, attracting different types of users based on their sound and feel preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 Red and the Bsun Taichi switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which significantly impacts the auditory experience produced by each switch. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, enhances the clarity of sound, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper profile that many typists find appealing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only amplifies sound quality but also allows for visually striking RGB lighting effects. As both switches share this material for the top housing, users can expect similar auditory experiences in terms of resonance and brightness, particularly with backlighting in play.
In contrast, both the Gold Red and Taichi switches favor nylon for their bottom housings, which alters the sound profile considerably compared to the top housing. Nylon is considerably softer than polycarbonate, thereby absorbing more sound and producing a deeper, fuller auditory experience. When typing on these switches, the softness of the nylon housing and its ability to dampen sound allows for a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound, contributing to a subtle, overall sonic profile. As both switches share this same material for the bottom housing, the result is consistency in dampening qualities and the deepened effect that typists may find pleasurable.
Ultimately, while the TTC Gold Red and Bsun Taichi differ in the materials used for the top and bottom housings, the overall auditory characteristics of the switches can be seen as complementary rather than contradictory. The combination of polycarbonate and nylon between the two designs means that users will likely experience a harmonious blend of sounds—crisp and resonant on the stroke down and deep and muffled on the release. Thus, while each housing material distinctly influences the keys, both the Gold Red and Taichi switches are engineered to deliver enjoyable and satisfying typing experiences, driven by their shared attributes of polycarbonate and nylon.
Weight
The TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation forces, while the bottom out force for the Taichi is currently unknown. The Gold Red switch has an actuation force of 43 grams, which provides a light typing experience, making it suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming due to reduced finger fatigue. In contrast, the Taichi switch features a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, suggesting it may enhance comfort even further for users who prefer a lighter touch. However, since the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unspecified, we can't make a direct comparison in that regard. The Gold Red's bottom out force is 50 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon reaching the bottom of the switch stroke. Therefore, while the Gold Red provides a more defined tactile feedback at the bottom, the Taichi's unknown bottom out force prevents a comprehensive assessment of its overall feel. In summary, while both switches cater to users who prefer lighter actuation forces, the Gold Red’s identifiable bottom out force offers a sense of structure that the Taichi lacks due to its missing specification.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TTC Gold Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Gold Red features a travel distance of 4 mm, whereas the Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that users seeking a more traditional, deeper feel might prefer the Gold Red switch, as its 4 mm travel can provide a more substantial keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, which is often desirable for gamers looking for efficiency. Thus, if you prioritize a responsive feel, the Taichi would be the ideal choice, while the Gold Red may be preferable for those who enjoy a more pronounced and hearty keystroke.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red 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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the TTC Gold Red linear switch has a notable thocky sound profile, characterized by a deep and rich tone that produces a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. This switch maintains a low-pitched resonance that is both mellow and suitable for shared environments, making it a versatile option for home or office use. In contrast, while specific sound descriptors for the Bsun Taichi switch are not provided, it is known to produce an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This suggests that the Taichi could deliver a more pronounced and distinct acoustic experience compared to the Gold Red, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback while typing.
When evaluating feel, the Gold Red switch excels in providing a mild and silky typing experience. It is designed to offer gentle resistance that makes for an approachable and pleasant tactile response, appealing to both beginners and seasoned typists alike. The polished finish of the Gold Red further enhances this smoothness, reducing friction and allowing for fluid key travel. The absence of specific feel descriptors for the Bsun Taichi switches leaves a gap in understanding its tactile characteristics; however, the emphasis on stability and smoothness with its construction might suggest that it could provide a comparable experience in terms of feel, though the exact details remain undisclosed.
In summary, both the TTC Gold Red and Bsun Taichi linear switches present unique attributes that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Gold Red is celebrated for its thocky, low-pitched sound combined with a silky, polished typing experience, making it a balanced choice for users seeking moderate auditory and tactile engagement. On the other hand, while information about the Taichi’s feel is lacking, its distinct high-pitched sound and engineered design for smoothness could attract those looking for a more spirited acoustic feedback. Depending on personal taste, either switch can deliver enjoyable results, and similarities in smooth performance may be found in both, particularly if the Taichi matches the coveted smoothness promised by its design.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the TTC Gold Red and the Bsun Taichi linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the context in which you plan to use them. If you prefer a light actuation force with a buttery smooth typing experience and a snappy yet subtle sound profile, the TTC Gold Red is a great option. Its low pitch and mild yet silky feel make it ideal for both office environments and home use, allowing for uninterrupted typing sessions without annoying those around you. On the other hand, if you're seeking a unique and enchanting typing experience highlighted by a high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi could be your go-to option—especially for those who enjoy a switch that combines smoothness with character. It's perfect for users who appreciate an expressive sound and feel, perhaps for gaming or for those who don't mind a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. Thus, consider the context of your usage: for a versatile, smooth, and discreet choice, the Gold Red is preferable, while the Taichi shines if you desire a distinctive, enjoyable auditory experience alongside its smooth action.
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