Outemu Lime (V3) vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Lime (V3) and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When deliberating between mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Lime and the Bsun Taichi present two distinct yet compelling options that cater to different typing experiences. The Outemu Lime is celebrated for its lightweight design and subtly tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a gentle touch while typing, allowing for extended writing sessions without fatigue. Its muted sound profile adds to its appeal, providing a more discreet environment for use in shared spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is designed for enthusiasts who crave a smooth and satisfying key press, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs that deliver an exhilarating high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. This linear switch offers an uninterrupted, fluid keystroke that may appeal especially to gamers and fast typists looking for speed and responsiveness. Both switches boast their own unique benefits, catering to a range of preferences from tactile feedback to linear efficiency. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
35g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Lime and the Bsun Taichi switches, significant differences arise in their top housings. The Lime features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to nylon's softer composition, which absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a sound that is both duller and rounder. In contrast, the Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which serves to create a sharper, more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature allows for greater clarity and higher-pitched tones, making it particularly appealing for users wishing to highlight the RGB backlighting with its translucent quality. Thus, while both switches have distinct aesthetic and acoustic characteristics, the Lime promotes a warmer sound, while the Taichi leans towards clarity.
Switching to the bottom housing, both the Lime and Taichi are equipped with nylon bottoms. This alignment in material choice leads to similar acoustic properties, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to the deeper and rounder sound profile typically associated with this material. The inherent softness of nylon helps absorb sound when typing, mitigating harsher notes that might otherwise be produced. This commonality reveals that while the top housings diverge substantially in their ability to influence sound, the bottom housings unify the experience by providing similar acoustic characteristics. Therefore, users can expect a consistent and satisfying typing feel from both switches, despite the differences found in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the interplay of the different housing materials in the Outemu Lime and Bsun Taichi switches leads to a diverse typing experience. While the nylon top housing of the Lime invokes a deeper sound profile, the polycarbonate top housing of the Taichi allows for sharper and crisper acoustics. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent tactile feedback and is instrumental in creating that signature dampened sound feel. Users interested in a fuller auditory experience may gravitate towards the Lime, while those seeking clarity and vibrancy may prefer the Taichi. Regardless of choice, the bottom housing's shared quality assures that the essence of a satisfying typing experience remains constant across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces, though the bottom-out force for the Taichi is unavailable. The Outemu Lime features a relatively light actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a higher actuation force of 40 grams, suggesting that it may provide a more substantial typing experience. Without a specified bottom-out force for the Taichi, we cannot draw a direct comparison for that metric, but it is clear that the Lime's overall force characteristics lean towards a lighter feel, while the Taichi may appeal to users who prefer a bit more resistance with their keystrokes. Thus, if you prioritize a softer touch for comfort during extended use, the Outemu Lime would be the better option; however, for those who prefer a stronger push, the Taichi might be more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Lime features a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Taichi measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Lime offers a shorter travel distance, which can appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for more rapid key presses. In contrast, the Taichi, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a responsive switch, the Outemu Lime would be the better choice, but if you prefer a deeper key press, the Bsun Taichi would likely be more satisfying.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 per 10 switches.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Lime is noted for its neutral and muted qualities. It produces a softer, quieter sound that minimizes the typical clack associated with mechanical switches, making it an excellent choice for those in shared or quiet environments. In contrast, the Taichi switch, while not extensively documented, is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which implies a more pronounced acoustic presence. The difference in sound characteristics suggests that the Lime would be better suited for a workplace or home office where noise reduction is a priority, whereas the Taichi may cater to users who appreciate a more dynamic auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Lime excels with a mild, feathery touch that emphasizes comfort and minimal exertion. This makes it ideal for lengthy typing sessions, as it lessens finger fatigue due to its light actuation and gentle resistance. Additional descriptors like subtle and polished further enhance its profile, indicating a smooth typing experience without the harshness found in heavier switches. The Taichi's tactile feedback is not specified, making it challenging to directly compare tactile sensations. However, linear switches generally lack the tactile bump characteristic of the Lime, leading to a smoother, uninterrupted key travel, which may appeal to users who prefer swift and seamless pressing.
In summary, the Outemu Lime tactile switch offers a muted sound and a comfortable, lightweight feel, making it a great option for those who prioritize a quiet and gentle typing experience. The Bsun Taichi linear switch, while potentially more acoustically vibrant, may cater to a different audience that enjoys a smoother typing sensation. Ultimately, while both switches provide unique advantages, they cater to distinct preferences, whether in sound, feel, or the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Lime tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and use cases. If you appreciate a lightweight typing experience with a gentle tactile bump, the Outemu Lime is an excellent choice, particularly for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount. The neutral and muted characteristics of the Lime make it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in shared workspaces, where minimizing noise is key. Conversely, if you prioritize smoothness and enjoy an audible bottom-out sound while typing, the Bsun Taichi switch might appeal to you. Its unique design enhances stability and smoothness, catering to enthusiasts who relish a more dynamic typing experience. Therefore, consider your typing style and the setting in which you'll use your keyboard to make the best decision between these two distinctive switches.
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