Gazzew LT vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gazzew LT and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience. The Gazzew LT and Bsun Taichi, both linear switches, offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gazzew LT, celebrated for its striking lilac hue, provides a rich auditory experience with its deep, resonant thockiness, delivering a sense of tactile satisfaction alongside an impressively smooth keystroke glide. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi shines with its high-pitched, crisp bottom-out sound, which is enhanced by its long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to an exceptionally stable and smooth typing experience. While the LTs appeal to those looking for a bassy, thocky feel, the Taichi caters to users who prioritize a lighter, more elevated auditory feedback. Each switch brings its own unique flair to the typing experience, making them suitable for different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gazzew LT and the Bsun Taichi represent distinct approaches to sound profile and aesthetic design in mechanical switches. The Gazzew LT features a proprietary plastic blend for its top housing, often referred to as "boba plastic," which is engineered for a softer feel and produces a rich and deep sound profile. This contrasts with the Taichi's polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound. While both materials serve the primary function of encasing the switch mechanism, their differing properties lead to notable variations in acoustic response. The translucency of the polycarbonate in the Taichi also gives it an advantage for RGB lighting setups, enhancing visual effects that are less pronounced in the LT due to its non-transparent housing.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the similarities and contrasts continue to unfold. The LT employs the same soft "boba plastic" as its bottom housing material, which aligns with the characteristics of its top housing, promoting a cohesive deep sound profile. In contrast, the Taichi bottom housing is made of nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound, thereby producing a duller and rounder audio experience. The fundamental sound produced by each switch is thus shaped not only by the materials used but also by how these materials interact with each other. For the Taichi, the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the bottom-out sound, offering a distinct auditory experience that diverges from the LT's more uniform sound.
In terms of overall performance, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback, albeit through different characteristics. The LT's cohesive blend of soft materials can result in a rich sound experience that pairs well with soft tactile feedback, while the Taichi's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a nuanced sound with clearer highs and mellower lows. This sonic distinction is essential to the typing experience, as the top housing primarily affects the sound upon releasing a key, whereas the bottom housing dictates the impact sound when the key bottoms out. Ultimately, while both switches can be tailored to provide enjoyable feedback, the choice between them will largely depend on user preference for softness versus clarity in sound profile.
Weight
Comparing the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch reveals notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Gazzew LT features a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a medium-heavy feel during typing, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, its actuation force is unspecified, making it difficult to gauge the overall responsiveness compared to the Taichi. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which can enhance comfort and reduce fatigue during extended typing sessions, but its bottom out force is unavailable. Consequently, while the Taichi offers a lightweight feel ideal for prolonged use, the LT may cater to those who enjoy a firmer push when bottoming out. Overall, the Gazzew LT is heavier in terms of bottom out force, while the Bsun Taichi is identified as lighter in actuation force, making them suitable for different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Gazzew LT has a travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Bsun Taichi measures 3.6 mm. This difference indicates that the Gazzew LT is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi's longer travel distance of 3.6 mm may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress, providing a smoother transition that some may find more comfortable. Ultimately, if you opt for the Gazzew LT, you'll experience a more immediate response, whereas selecting the Bsun Taichi will result in a deeper keystroke, catering to different preferences in typing feel and actuation.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
The Gazzew LT linear switch produces a sound that is characterized by a deep, resonant thockiness, giving it a rich auditory profile. This switch achieves a bassy tone that resonates beautifully during key presses, making it pleasant and satisfying to type on. The low-pitched nature of the sound contributes to its overall depth, almost creating an auditory symphony with every keystroke. In contrast, while details about the sound of the Bsun Taichi switch are less defined, it is noted for delivering a high-pitched bottom-out sound. This sonic difference suggests that the Taichi might not provide the same deep, rich tones as the LT, instead favoring a brighter and possibly less warm character.
When it comes to feel, the Gazzew LT switches are recognized for their seamless glide with each keystroke, though specific tactile feedback descriptions are not provided. This glide likely contributes to a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience, enticing users who prefer linear switches. The Bsun Taichi, while lacking detailed descriptions in terms of tactile feedback, is engineered with a long-pole stem along with extended springs and walled stems. This construction indicates a goal of enhancing smoothness and stability, appealing to users who prioritize a consistent keystroke feel.
In summary, the Gazzew LT and the Bsun Taichi linear switches offer distinctly different auditory experiences, with the LT providing a deep and thocky sound while the Taichi leans toward a high-pitched profile. In terms of feel, the LT boasts a smooth glide, whereas the Taichi's design features may suggest a focus on stability and smoothness. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and typing dynamics, as either switch could perform well depending on the specific setup and aesthetic you aim for.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gazzew LT linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, you should consider your preferences regarding sound, typing experience, and actuation force. If you enjoy a deeper, more resonant sound profile that combines a "thocky" auditory experience with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Gazzew LT is an excellent choice. This switch will provide a satisfying feedback experience, as it seamlessly glides through keystrokes while delivering a rich sound that many enthusiasts appreciate for both typing and gaming. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother typing experience and a lighter switch feel, you'll want to lean towards the Bsun Taichi. With its unique long-pole design and emphasis on smoothness and stability, this switch offers a high-pitched sound profile and an overall more airy auditory experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize the thocky depth of the LT or the enchanting high-pitched response of the Taichi, as both switches cater to different tactile and auditory preferences.