KTT Mallo vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the KTT Mallo and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on one's personal preferences and typing style. The KTT Mallo, a tactile switch, is celebrated for its subtlety, offering a gentle tactile bump that provides just enough feedback for typists without being intrusive. Its medium-light typing feel and neutral sound signature make it a versatile option for those who seek a balanced experience in various environments. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi, a linear switch, boasts a smooth and stable performance, enhanced by its long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to a pronounced high-pitched bottom-out sound. This makes the Taichi a great choice for gamers and people who value a seamless and uninterrupted keystroke experience. While the Mallo is ideal for those who desire tactile feedback and a refined typing feel, the Taichi is perfect for users looking for speed and smoothness, particularly in fast-paced scenarios. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
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
Both the KTT Mallo and Bsun Taichi feature a top housing made of polycarbonate, which yields remarkably similar acoustic properties. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, allowing for a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality can enhance the overall typing experience while ensuring that RGB lighting effectively shines through the translucence of the material. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect a consistent performance in terms of sound clarity and brightness when the RGB lighting is activated. This shared characteristic is particularly favorable for enthusiasts who prioritize both aesthetics and auditory feedback in their keyboard switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. Due to nylon's softer composition, it tends to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics, yielding a rounder and more muted auditory experience. As a result, while both the KTT Mallo and Bsun Taichi offer a crisp upper register from their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottom housings allow for a richer sound on the bottom-out and key-release stages of key presses. This duality of materials in both switches provides a well-rounded acoustic experience that blends clarity and depth.
Ultimately, while the KTT Mallo and Bsun Taichi share similarities in their top housing material, the differences in their sound profiles stem from the distinct characteristics imparted by their nylon bottoms. The crispness of the polycarbonate paired with the deep resonance of nylon creates a balanced auditory experience. For users, this combination means that both switches will perform similarly in terms of top-out sound and clarity but will diverge in how they feel and sound at the bottom-out point, giving users a nuanced typing experience regardless of their choice between the two.
Weight
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present differing characteristics when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Mallo has a bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a medium-light resistance felt when fully pressed down. However, its actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to compare that specific aspect with the Taichi, which has an actuation force of 40 grams. This actuation force suggests that the Taichi requires a relatively lighter touch to register a keystroke, potentially offering a more comfortable typing experience during extended usage. Conversely, the Mallo's lack of a specified actuation force means its key feel upon actuation is undetermined. Both switches lack a defined bottom out force for the Taichi, but the Mallo's known bottom out force indicates it will provide a more substantial feedback when fully pressed. Overall, if one seeks a more tactile and potentially heavier feel, the Mallo may be more appealing, while the lighter actuation of the Taichi could cater to those preferring less resistance during typing.
Travel distance
The KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have differing travel distances, with the Mallo measuring 4 mm and the Taichi at 3.6 mm. This makes the Mallo the longer option, providing a deeper keystroke experience, which some users may prefer for its more pronounced feedback during typing. In contrast, the Taichi's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance could appeal to gamers or individuals seeking faster response times, as shorter travel distances are often favored for their quick actuation. While both switches provide an engaging user experience, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference for either a more substantial feel or a snappier action.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 KTT Mallo switches is characterized as neutral and subdued. This means that they produce a moderate sound level that won't disrupt your surroundings, making them suitable for both beginners and advanced typists alike. The subdued nature ensures that the keystrokes are not overly loud, which is advantageous in shared environments, such as offices or libraries. In contrast, while specific details about the sound of the Bsun Taichi linear switches are not provided, it is known that they feature a high-pitched bottom-out sound, which suggests a more pronounced auditory experience. Consequently, users seeking a quieter typing experience may prefer the Mallo switches, while those who enjoy a more vibrant sound signature may lean towards the Taichi.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the KTT Mallo switches are designed to provide a feathery and mild typing experience, making them gentle on the fingers during extended use. The subtle tactile feedback, produced through a stepped design, offers a nuanced response without being invasive. This balanced combination reduces finger fatigue, ideal for tasks that require prolonged typing. On the other hand, details regarding the tactile feel of the Bsun Taichi linear switches are not available. However, linear switches generally deliver a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, appealing to those who prefer an uninterrupted typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the KTT Mallo and Bsun Taichi switches have distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Mallo switches excel in providing a balanced auditory and tactile experience, making them versatile for various environments. The Taichi switches, while noted for their unique auditory profile, lack detailed descriptions for their tactile sensation. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize a subdued sound and gentle feel, like with the Mallo, or a lively auditory note, as seen with the Taichi.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the KTT Mallo tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a balanced typing experience, the Mallo is your go-to option. Its medium-light force and gentle tactile feedback make it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, offering comfort and reducing finger fatigue, whether you're typing for work, playing games, or studying. Additionally, its neutral and subdued sound profile ensures it remains versatile, suitable for both quiet environments and shared spaces. On the other hand, if you're drawn to smoothness and a unique auditory experience, the Taichi switch might be more appealing for you. While details about its force characteristics are unavailable, its design focuses on delivering an enchanting high-pitched sound and incredible stability, appealing particularly to those who appreciate auditory feedback while gaming or during fast-paced typing. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: tactile feedback and comfort with the Mallo, or smoothness and sound with the Taichi.
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