Cherry MX Black vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between the renowned Cherry MX Black and the intriguing Bsun Taichi. The Cherry MX Black is celebrated for its low-pitched, deep sound profile and a textured feel, coupled with a certain stiffness that caters well to typists who appreciate a firm keystroke. With Cherry's innovative Hyperglide tooling, these switches promise a smooth typing experience that can be quite satisfying for dedicated users. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch offers a distinct high-pitched bottom-out sound, complemented by features such as a long-pole stem and extended springs that enhance both smoothness and stability—a perfect match for gamers and fast-paced typists looking for responsive feedback. Both switches provide unique advantages, yet they cater to different typing preferences and experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Taichi switches, notable differences emerge between their top housings. The Cherry MX Black features a nylon top housing, a classic material known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's softer nature, which can absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi sports a polycarbonate top housing that is generally stiffer, resulting in a higher-pitched and crisper auditory experience when typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also contributes to its aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is taken into account, enhancing the switch's overall visual effect.
On the flip side, both the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Taichi utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This similarity means that both switches will deliver a similar sound profile when bottoming out due to the properties of nylon. The deeper and fuller sound associated with nylon comes into play here, as it provides a more rounded auditory impression during keystrokes. By having the same material for the bottom housing, users can expect a cohesive aural experience when pressing the keys, as the dampening qualities of nylon help to create a unified response despite the variations in the top housing materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housings of the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Taichi also dictate their distinct sound profiles, while their agreement on the bottom housing material offers a shared foundation. When pressing the keys, the sound produced during the bottoming out phase will have a similar quality for both switches due to the nylon’s sound-absorbing properties. However, the differences in the top materials will diverge the auditory experience—highlighting the importance of the top housing’s role in determining the overall sound profile when keying back up. Thus, while there's coherence in the bottom housing, the overall typing experience will ultimately reflect the unique contributions of each switch's top material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Cherry MX Black features a notably heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, making it a robust choice for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which can facilitate longer typing sessions and provide a more effortless keystroke experience. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable in the provided information, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis. Overall, the Cherry MX Black is the heavier option, appealing to users who favor a firmer tactile response, while the Bsun Taichi is the lighter choice, which may be better suited for those seeking comfort and reduced fatigue during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The MX Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it a more traditional option that provides a hearty depth when pressed. In contrast, the Taichi switch offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, which caters to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. While both switches serve distinct preferences—one for depth and the other for responsiveness—the MX Black’s longer travel distance generally provides a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize a deeper feel, the Cherry MX Black is the better choice, whereas the Bsun Taichi is suitable for those seeking a quicker 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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 we compare the sound profile of the Cherry MX Black switches to that of the Bsun Taichi linear switches, a distinct difference emerges. The MX Black offers a deep, low-pitched sound that creates a bass-heavy, mellow typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a subdued auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Taichi switches are recognized for their high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is due to the long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems that contribute to this unique auditory characteristic. This can create a more pronounced and tonal typing experience when bottoming out, giving those who enjoy a brighter sound a refreshing option. Overall, users will notice that while the MX Black is more bass-heavy, the Taichi's tonal qualities enhance the experience of tactile feedback.
In terms of feel, the Cherry MX Black switches provide a notably textured experience that can be classified as both textured and stiff. The textured quality means there's a noticeable friction when pressing the keys, which some users may prefer, while the stiffness requires a more significant amount of force to actuate or bottom out. This can provide a certain level of satisfaction for users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches do not have detailed descriptions regarding their feel, so it remains unclear how they compare in this aspect. As a result, the tactile experience of the Taichi switches is yet to be established, making them a bit of an unknown in the feel department.
In conclusion, while the Cherry MX Black switches are celebrated for their low-pitched sound and textured, stiff feel, the Bsun Taichi switches present an intriguing alternative with their high-pitched sound profile. The MX Black switches provide a familiar typing experience that caters to users who appreciate a deeper auditory sensation and a firmer tactile feedback. The Taichi's smoothness and stability suggest a potential for a delightful experience, though specifics on their feel remain undisclosed. Ultimately, for those who prioritize sound, the MX Black and Taichi offer distinct auditory experiences, while the familiarity and feedback of the MX Black provide a reliable choice for tactile preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Cherry MX Black and the Bsun Taichi linear switches, consider what aspects of typing pleasure are most important to you. If you prefer a substantial feel and enjoy the satisfaction of a heavier switch, the MX Black with its 80-gram bottom-out force offers a distinctive tactile experience. This can make it ideal for those who type forcefully or engage in gaming sessions that require precise keystrokes, as the textured surface adds an extra layer of feedback you can appreciate. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smoother and potentially quieter typing experience with a unique high-pitched sound profile, the Taichi switches might be the better choice. Their design focuses on delivering efficiency and fluidity, ensuring minimal friction with each press. Ultimately, if you thrive on tactile feedback and a solid bottoming out, go for the MX Black. But if you prefer an elegant experience with softer sound and smooth action, the Taichi will serve you well.
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