Gateron Luciola vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Luciola and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Luciola and Bsun Taichi stand out as two compelling choices for enthusiasts who prefer linear feedback. The Gateron Luciola is not only visually striking with its glow-in-the-dark design, but it also offers a smooth and bouncy typing experience, characterized by a unique "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile that provides a fun auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi excels with its long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and impeccable stability. This makes the Taichi appealing for those seeking a quieter yet refined linear switch. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Luciola for those who appreciate a unique sensory experience with its eye-catching aesthetics, and the Taichi for users looking for unmatched smoothness and sound quality. 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
55g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Luciola and the Bsun Taichi switches offer distinct auditory experiences that showcase the nuances in sound profiles due to their differing compositions. The Luciola features a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which is specifically designed to produce a pointed, high-pitched sound that can be described as clacky and satisfying. In contrast, the Taichi’s top housing is made from polycarbonate, a material known for its rigidity and transparency, which also results in sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristics. While both switches share a propensity for generating elevated sound tones, the Luciola may provide a slightly more subdued clarity due to the unique attributes of its INK blend material.
The bottom housing components of these switches further diverge, influencing the overall sound and feel during typing. The Luciola utilizes the same proprietary INK blend in its bottom housing, thereby maintaining a consistently high-pitched acoustic experience. Conversely, the Taichi’s bottom housing is crafted from nylon, a soft plastic that absorbs sound more effectively, producing a deeper and fuller auditory feedback. This distinct use of nylon in the Taichi’s design provides a softer bottom-out feel, contrasting sharply with the Luciola's completely high-pitched sound across both housings. Consequently, the Taichi may create a greater contrast between the bottoming out and releasing sounds due to its dual-material approach.
When comparing the overall experiences these switches offer, it’s important to consider how the differing materials contribute to their sound profiles during usage. If both housings perform harmoniously, users might perceive a blend of characteristics from each. The clacky sound profile of the Luciola might exhibit similarities to the sharper notes of the Taichi in a medium that features RGB lighting, as polycarbonate enhances visual appeal. However, the Luciola's more consistent tonal quality, rooted in its proprietary INK blend for both housings, may lead to a more uniform auditory output, diverging from the deeper sound quality provided by the Taichi’s nylon. Ultimately, these material contrasts illustrate how the physical composition of each switch can have a pronounced impact on their sound and tactile sensations, leading to varied user experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we can observe notable differences. The Luciola features a moderate actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a balanced feel—a combination that provides a solid typing experience without being too taxing during extended use. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may appeal to those who favor a less strenuous typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable, preventing a complete comparison in that regard. As such, while the Luciola offers a heavier option with its 55/60 gram specification, the Taichi is lighter at 40 grams, catering to users who may prioritize comfort during long typing or gaming sessions. Without knowing the bottom out force for the Taichi, it is difficult to fully assess how its performance compares to that of the Luciola when pressed all the way down. Overall, the differences in actuation weight could guide potential users to choose a switch that matches their typing preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning users will experience the same amount of key travel when pressing down on either switch. This shared specification allows for a similar tactile feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming, giving users consistent results irrespective of their choice between the two models. Thus, there is no shorter or longer switch between them, as both provide an equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola switch has a unique character that combines several elements. It features a hollow sound reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken, which imparts a clacky and high-pitched auditory profile. This means that it produces a sharp and crisp sound when the keys are pressed, often complemented by a chirpy quality that adds a slight squeak. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch's sound characteristics remain unspecified, leaving it an unknown in this regard. It’s crucial to note that the final sound experience is influenced by various factors, including the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Luciola switch shines with a medium heft, resulting in a smooth and bouncy typing experience. Its snappy quality allows for a highly responsive keystroke, enhanced by the use of longer or dual-staged springs. Many users will appreciate the buttery and polished finish of these switches, promoting a seamless and refined typing sensation with reduced friction. Meanwhile, the feel characteristics of the Taichi switch are not detailed, making it difficult to compare them directly on this aspect.
In conclusion, the Gateron Luciola and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer distinctive features, particularly with the Luciola's sound and feel being well documented. While the Luciola provides an engaging auditory experience coupled with a responsive and smooth tactile feedback, we do not have sufficient details about the Taichi’s sound and feel to form a complete comparison. Therefore, if you lean toward a well-rounded typing experience highlighted by both auditory and tactile qualities, the Luciola stands out as an excellent option, while the Taichi remains an intriguing but less defined choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Gateron Luciola linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style should guide your choice. If you appreciate a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and enjoy a smooth, bouncy feel combined with a unique hollow sound profile reminiscent of a spray can, the Luciola may be the ideal choice for you. Its clacky, high-pitched sound and responsive, snappy action make it particularly appealing for gamers and typists looking for an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you seek unparalleled smoothness and stability with a more enchanting auditory experience, the Taichi switch, with its long-pole stem and extended springs, would be your best bet. Although the Taichi lacks a specific bottom-out force measurement, its design prioritizes smooth keystrokes, which can be a significant advantage for those who value consistency over variety in sound and feel. Therefore, consider what aspects of typing and sound are most important to you as you choose between these two distinct linear switches.
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