HMX Hibiscus vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly enhance your typing experience, and two popular linear options, the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Taichi, offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The HMX Hibiscus, celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force, provides an incredibly smooth and crisp typing feel that many users find irresistible. Its satisfying clack and pop sound signature adds an engaging auditory element, making every keystroke enjoyable. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi boasts a unique design featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This switch also emphasizes stability and smoothness, making it a favorite among those who prioritize a more robust tactile experience. Both switches have their merits, whether you seek an airy, lively typing sensation or a more controlled, stable feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
T3
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Taichi, one of the most striking differences lies in their top housing materials. The Hibiscus utilizes nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its softness and sound-dampening properties. This softness allows the Hibiscus to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and clarity. Typing on the Taichi elicits a sharper, more resonant sound profile, creating a high-pitched and crisper acoustic feedback. This distinction significantly affects the overall typing experience—those who prefer a mellow, warm sound would lean toward the Hibiscus, while users seeking clarity and brightness might favor the Taichi.
Despite the differing materials of their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are the same, with both featuring nylon. This commonality means that both the Hibiscus and the Taichi will exhibit similar sound qualities in the sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience, providing a cohesive sense of sound across both switches, especially when engaged fully. Thus, while the top housings create divergent sound profiles, the shared nylon bottom housing offers a grounding connection in the acoustic characteristics of each switch.
The differences in the top housing materials also highlight how the distinct designs influence the overall tactile feedback felt during typing. The Taichi’s polycarbonate top allows for a more immediate and articulated sound when releasing a key, making it ideal for users looking for a more dynamic feedback experience. In contrast, the Hibiscus provides a softer, more rounded release sound, resulting in a gentler experience. Given that both switches share the same bottom housing material, users can still expect a semblance of consistency in the bottoming-out experience, regardless of the chosen top housing. This means even with their differing top materials creating unique sound profiles, the essence of typing—shaped by the nylon bottom—remains similar, bridging the gap between these two distinctive switches.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch to the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation forces, but the bottom out force of the Taichi is unknown. The Hibiscus has a slightly heavier actuation force of 42 grams compared to the lighter 40 grams of the Taichi. This indicates that the Hibiscus requires a bit more pressure to register a keypress, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, since the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable, we cannot make a direct comparison in that aspect. The Hibiscus has a bottom out force of 48 grams, which adds to its overall heavier feel. Therefore, if you're inclined towards a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming, the Taichi would be the better option if its bottom out characteristics align similarly. Conversely, for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more weighted typing experience, the Hibiscus would be more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the HMX Hibiscus linear switch with the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference in travel distance becomes apparent. The Hibiscus has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Taichi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Hibiscus is the shorter option, providing a more responsive keystroke that can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Taichi, with its 3.6 mm travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes, offering a less abrupt feel. Both switches cater to varying preferences, but the choice ultimately depends on whether a user favors speed and responsiveness or a more substantial typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus for $2.99.
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 HMX Hibiscus linear switch boasts a satisfyingly clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which can create an enjoyable auditory experience while typing. The Bsun Taichi linear switch, on the other hand, is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, a result of its long-pole stem and extended springs. While both switches offer a captivating sound profile, the Hibiscus leans more towards a crisp clarity, whereas the Taichi delivers a more melodious pitch upon bottoming out. However, keep in mind that the overall sound produced by either switch can be influenced by various factors, including the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the HMX Hibiscus switch is renowned for its unparalleled smoothness, providing an effortlessly fluid typing experience that elevates the overall comfort during extended use. Similarly, the Bsun Taichi switch is crafted to ensure smoothness and stability through its design features like walled stems, which contribute to a plush typing sensation. Both switches promise a pleasurable physical experience, showing that users can expect a consistent, pleasant feel regardless of whether they choose the Hibiscus or the Taichi.
In conclusion, both the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Taichi linear switches present unique auditory and tactile characteristics that can enhance your typing experience. While the Hibiscus offers a more crisp sound with remarkable smoothness, the Taichi provides an enchanting pitch and similarly pleasant feel. Ultimately, either choice will yield a delightful typing experience, making them great options for newcomers to mechanical keyboards. Experimenting with different keyboards and setups will further allow you to explore and personalize the sound, feel, and overall experience to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the HMX Hibiscus and the Bsun Taichi linear switches, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and the type of sound you enjoy. If you prefer a lighter touch and a typing experience that emphasizes smoothness coupled with an engaging, clacky sound, the Hibiscus switches are an excellent choice. Their ultra-light actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, making them ideal for long typing sessions or for those who enjoy a more tactile feedback. However, if you are seeking a unique auditory experience that features a high-pitched bottom-out sound, alongside a focus on stability with less emphasis on actuation force details, then the Taichi switches might suit your needs better. They offer a distinctive sound profile and a thoughtfully crafted design that ensures smoothness and reliability. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lighter, more responsive touch or a specific sound character paired with robust stability in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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