Gateron Melodic vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Melodic and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly impact your typing experience. On one hand, the Gateron Melodic stands out as a clicky switch that rejuvenates the beloved clicky category with its smooth factory lubing and dual-railed stems. This switch offers a delightful auditory and tactile experience, characterized by its buttery, resonant, invigorating, and crunchy feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy the nostalgic sound of clicks while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi presents a contrasting linear experience, designed for those who prefer a smoother, quieter keystroke without a tactile bump or click. Its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems promote exceptional smoothness and stability, appealing to gamers and typists who favor swift key presses without auditory distractions. Choosing between these two switches ultimately boils down to personal preference—whether you lean towards the satisfying auditory feedback of the Melodic or the seamless flow of the Taichi. 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
60g
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
Yes
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Melodic and the Bsun Taichi switches, it is noteworthy that both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of material is vital in shaping the acoustic profile of the switches. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Its translucency is particularly advantageous for users who prefer to incorporate RGB lighting, as it effectively diffuses light, creating an appealing visual effect. As such, users of the Melodic and Taichi switches can expect a similar auditory experience when it comes to the top housing, enhancing the clarity and resonance during usage.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Melodic and Taichi switches are both made from nylon, a material known for its softer properties compared to polycarbonate. The nylon bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound, as it absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them. This quality creates a duller and rounder sound profile, providing a counterbalance to the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. While typing on either switch, users will appreciate the depth added by the nylon bottom, which creates a contrast to the bright notes of the polycarbonate top. As a result, both switches offer a unique combination of sound profiles that cater to diverse preferences.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both the Melodic and Taichi creates a well-rounded typing experience. While both switches feature the same materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—they utilize these materials in a way that accentuates their individual characteristics. The rigidity of polycarbonate in the top contributes to a crisp sound during key releases, while the nylon bottom softens the impact and delivers a richer, resonant auditory experience when bottoming out. Consequently, users can achieve a harmonious balance of sound profiles from both switches, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts seeking versatile acoustic responses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see clear differences that could influence a user's typing experience. The Melodic switch has an unknown actuation force but features a bottom out force of 60 grams, which can be considered medium. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press, but its bottom out force is unknown. This means that while the Bsun Taichi is lighter in terms of actuation force, allowing for prolonged use without fatigue, the Gateron Melodic may provide a firmer feel at the bottom, catering to those who prefer a more substantial push. Therefore, if you're looking for a quicker response and lighter tactile feedback, the Taichi would be a better choice, while those desiring a medium resistance at the bottom may prefer the Melodic.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Melodic switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi switch features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This places the Melodic in the realm of traditional switch designs, providing a more substantial tactile experience with a greater depth that some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Taichi caters to those who prefer a quicker response, often favored by gamers for its enhanced speed and efficiency over the keyboard. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference: if you desire a more pronounced keystroke, the Gateron Melodic is the way to go, whereas the Bsun Taichi is better suited for those who value swift and snappy key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Melodic has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Melodic for $6.00.
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 Melodic switch offers a resonant and crunchy auditory experience, producing a delightful higher-pitched click that many typists find satisfying. This clicky profile is characterized by a clean and sharp sound, making typing feel engaging and lively. The combination of sounds can evoke imagery of stepping on crisp autumn leaves, adding to the overall enjoyment. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch's sound characteristics remain unknown, leaving it to one’s imagination and speculation. However, it’s important to remember that a switch's sound is influenced by various factors like the keyboard's build and keycap materials, which can either enhance or alter the auditory experience.
In the realm of feel, the Melodic presents a buttery and invigorating typing sensation. The buttery quality translates to a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, coupled with pronounced feedback that makes each press feel snappy and reactive. This combination ensures a uniform typing sensation while still providing a satisfying tactile response. The feel of the Taichi switch is also unknown; thus, any comparison in this aspect cannot be made at this time.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Melodic clicky switch captivates with its engaging sound and well-rounded tactile feel, the characteristics of the Bsun Taichi linear switch remain a mystery. Those seeking an evocative auditory experience and satisfying tactile feedback may find the Melodic to be a superior choice. Depending on your priorities, the distinct qualities of the Melodic could influence your decision, while comprehensive insights into the Taichi will be necessary for a full comparison.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Melodic clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you enjoy an engaging auditory feedback with a tactile sensation, the Gateron Melodic is the ideal switch for you. Its clicky sounds, combined with smooth operation due to advancements like factory lubing, make it a fantastic option for both typing and gaming. You'll appreciate the resonant and crunchy sound profile that adds a delightful noise dimension to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch that offers a smoother, quieter typing experience with less tactile feedback, the Bsun Taichi is worth considering. Although its specifications might lack detail, its design focuses on stability and whisper-soft keystrokes, which can enhance your productivity during long typing sessions. Ultimately, choose the Melodic if you're after a lively and tactile experience, while the Taichi caters to those who value smoothness and understated elegance in their keystrokes.
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