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TTC Iron vs. Bsun Taichi

An in-depth look at the TTC Iron and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Iron and the Bsun Taichi both offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The TTC Iron, known for its light actuation and pronounced clacky sound, provides an enjoyable sensory feedback with each keystroke, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate a vibrant auditory experience alongside buttery smooth travel for fatigue-free typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi, with its extended springs and long-pole stem, delivers a high-pitched bottom-out sound that is both enchanting and satisfying, prioritizing smoothness and stability for those who value precision in their typing. Both switches excel in their own right, making them suitable for different user preferences. 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

41g

Actuation force

40g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

N/A

Pre-travel

1.40 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.80 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

POM

Stem material

POM

Top housing material

POM

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

POM

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Spring

21mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the TTC Iron and the Bsun Taichi switches, distinct differences emerge that influence their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The TTC Iron employs a Polyoxymethylene (POM) top housing, which is noted for creating a muted and deeper sound profile. This characteristic enables a pleasing auditory experience that can soften the harshness often associated with keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a more resonant sound, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate clearer auditory feedback, especially in configurations featuring RGB lighting due to its translucent nature.

When it comes to the bottom housing, the TTC Iron again uses POM, mirroring the sound qualities of its top housing, resulting in a cohesive and uniform auditory experience. The muted and deeper sound profile is enhanced by POM's characteristics, which creates a smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi opts for nylon as its bottom housing material, offering a classic approach that results in a fuller and rounder sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a deeper auditory landscape. This divergence in materials highlights how the overall sound and feel of each switch can significantly differ, depending on the specific materials chosen for the bottom housing.

Ultimately, the interaction between top and bottom housings in each switch leads to distinct sound dynamics. Given the TTC Iron's use of POM in both housing sections, users can expect a more harmonized sound and feel, as both components contribute similarly to the overall auditory output. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi's combination of polycarbonate and nylon leads to a splitting of sound characteristics between the two materials. The polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and sharpness during key releases, while the nylon bottom provides a more subdued and rich feel during key presses. This interplay results in unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, illustrating the importance of material choice in mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it becomes evident that they cater to slightly different preferences in terms of actuation force. The Iron switch has an actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which indicates it provides a light tactile experience overall. In contrast, the Taichi switch boasts a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams; however, its bottom out force is unspecified, leaving uncertainty about how it feels when fully depressed. As such, the Iron switch is confirmed to feel a bit heavier due to its known bottom out force of 50 grams. For users who prioritize extended typing sessions or gaming, the lighter feel of the Taichi may be appealing, but the lack of bottom out data makes it challenging to truly compare performance under full key depression. Ultimately, if users prefer a more substantial typing experience, the TTC Iron's heavier bottom out force makes it the more robust option.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The TTC Iron features a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Taichi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Iron the longer option by 0.2 mm, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial press for a hearty feel. On the other hand, the Taichi's shorter distance may cater to gamers or users seeking quicker response times for a more reactive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference: if you value depth and a more tactile feedback, the TTC Iron would be the preferable option; however, if you opt for snappier keystrokes, the Bsun Taichi may be more to your liking.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

The TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.

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

The sound profile of the TTC Iron linear switch is characterized by a pronounced clacky resonance that provides a crisp and bright auditory feedback with each keystroke. This percussive quality offers an appealing aural satisfaction, enhancing the overall typing experience, especially for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch features a high-pitched bottom-out sound attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This enchanting sound contributes to a distinctive auditory character that may appeal to those seeking a unique and engaging typing experience. While the Iron offers a sharper clack, the Taichi's sound may be perceived as more delicate and refined, though personal preferences will dictate which sound is more pleasurable to an individual user.

When considering the feel of these switches, the TTC Iron linear is designed for an easy-to-press experience, featuring a lightweight actuation force that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. This allows for a gentle and comfortable feedback, making it an ideal choice for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Additionally, its mild characteristics offer a balanced feel that is approachable for most users. In comparison, the feel of the Bsun Taichi switch remains unknown within the available context. Thus, a direct comparison in terms of tactile feedback is not possible. However, the Taichi is built for smoothness and stability, suggesting a potential ease of operation that could be comparable to the Iron.

In summary, while the TTC Iron linear switch is praised for its clacky sound signature and easy-to-press feel, the Bsun Taichi linear switch stands out for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. Both switches have their unique qualities that may cater to different preferences, though users can generally expect a satisfying typing experience with either option. The Iron's light actuation and mild overall characteristics make it a comfortable choice, while the Taichi's unknown feel should be explored further by those interested in the smoothness it promises.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the choice between the TTC Iron linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately boils down to your preferences for sound and tactile experience. If you favor a light keypress with a delightful clacky sound that provides a stimulating auditory experience, the TTC Iron is your ideal pick. Its easy-to-press nature makes it well-suited for long typing sessions without causing finger fatigue, making it a fantastic option for both casual users and typing enthusiasts. On the other hand, if you seek an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience with an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi will appeal to you. Its design features, including a long-pole stem and extended springs, aim for unparalleled smoothness, which can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. Ultimately, your preferences in sound profile and key feel will guide your decision; embrace the Iron for its clacky joy and effortless actuation, or choose the Taichi for its remarkable smoothness and stability.

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