Cherry MX Red vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, many enthusiasts often find themselves torn between the classic Cherry MX Red and the innovative Bsun Taichi. The Cherry MX Red, widely recognized for its slightly heftier feel and deeper sound profile, delivers a robust typing experience characterized by its satisfying auditory depth, making it a favorite among gamers and typists who appreciate a more substantial feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi boasts an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its unique long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems that promise unparalleled smoothness and stability. Both switches are categorized as linear, offering a seamless keypress without tactile bumps, but they cater to different preferences; the MX Red’s thocky and low-pitched characteristics appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional feel, while the Taichi attracts users who favor a lighter, more refined acoustic profile. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Nylon
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 Cherry MX Red and Bsun Taichi switches, notable differences emerge primarily from the materials used in their top housings. The Cherry MX Red features a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon construction absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a sound that is rounder and more subdued. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is equipped with a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffer nature enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly advantageous for users who prioritize a more articulate auditory feedback when typing. Thus, while both switches serve the same function, their sound characteristics vary significantly due to the different top housing materials.
On the other hand, both the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Taichi utilize nylon for their bottom housings, a similarity that significantly influences the overall auditory experience of each switch. The navigation of sound dynamics becomes an intriguing aspect to analyze here, as the nylon bottom housing in both switches is attributed to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This commonality ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel stay consistent across both switches when pressed. Consequently, while users will notice distinct differences in auditory feedback when releasing a key due to the contrasting top materials, the tactile experience during key presses will retain a similar quality owing to the shared nylon bottom housing.
In summary, the Cherry MX Red and Bsun Taichi switches exhibit a blend of contrasting and complementary qualities that reflect their design intent. The MX Red's nylon top and bottom housings produce a uniform sound profile characterized by warmth and depth, favoring users seeking a softer acoustic experience. In contrast, the Taichi’s polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity, while the nylon base maintains a wholesome depth, creating a unique sound blend that can cater to those preferring a sharper auditory cue. Together, these materials create distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences, and users can choose based on their preferences for sound and feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Red linear switch to the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Red requires a force of 45 grams to actuate a keystroke, while the Bsun Taichi has a slightly lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Bsun Taichi is better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. However, both switches do not have data available on their bottom out forces, making it difficult to draw a direct comparison on that aspect. Without this information, we can't determine how they feel when pressed fully down. In summary, the Cherry MX Red is the heavier option due to its higher actuation force, whereas the Bsun Taichi offers a lighter experience, appealing to those who value ease of use over a more substantial tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Cherry MX Red boasts a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for more depth and a hearty feel during key presses. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to gamers who favor quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. This shorter distance may feel more abrupt to some users, who might prefer the satisfying depth of the Cherry MX Red. Therefore, if you are seeking a more responsive typing experience, the Taichi is the way to go, while those who enjoy a fuller keypress should opt for the MX Red. Ultimately, the Cherry MX Red offers the longer travel distance, making it better suited for users who appreciate a deeper key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 Cherry MX Red switches are notable for their low-pitched, thocky auditory feedback. This robust sound profile delivers a satisfying deep thud when a key is pressed and released, creating a rich, resonant experience that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a high-pitched bottom-out sound attributed to its long-pole stem design. This enchanting sound might appeal to those who appreciate a brighter auditory feedback and a different dynamic in their typing experience. While the low-pitched and thocky nature of the MX Red provides a bass-heavy tone, the Taichi introduces a higher frequency that offers a distinct acoustic signature. It’s important to note that the overall sound also depends on the keyboard board and keycap materials, which can further influence the acoustic property of both switches.
In terms of feel, the MX Red is often characterized by a slightly textured typing experience. This texture introduces a noticeable friction during key presses, which can be desirable for users who appreciate tactile feedback, although some may prefer smoother switches. In contrast, the specification for the Taichi switches lacks specific descriptors concerning their feel, so it's unclear whether they exhibit a similar texture or provide a smoother experience. Due to the differences in design—particularly the extended springs and walled stems of the Taichi—typists might experience a different sensation when pressing down on the keys, although this remains to be explored further.
In conclusion, both the Cherry MX Red and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The MX Red provides a low-pitched, thocky sound and a textured feel, appealing to users who favor a deeper acoustic profile alongside a bit of friction in their typing. Conversely, the Taichi's high-pitched auditory feedback paired with its smoothness promises an entirely different interaction. While part of the appeal lies in their differences, users looking for a similar experience in responsiveness can find satisfaction in either switch, making it crucial to consider personal preference in sound and feel when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Cherry MX Red and the Bsun Taichi linear switches, consider your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you appreciate a classic switch known for its slightly heavier feel and a deeper, thocky sound, the Cherry MX Red would serve you well, offering a robust and satisfying typing experience. It's ideal for both gaming enthusiasts who enjoy tactile feedback and typists who value auditory depth in each keystroke. On the other hand, if you find smoothness and sound to be top priorities, especially with a unique high-pitched auditory experience, the Bsun Taichi might be your go-to option. Its design focuses on unparalleled smoothness and stability due to its long-pole stem and extended springs. Thus, choose the Cherry MX Red for a classic, solid experience or opt for the Bsun Taichi if you're after silky smoothness and an enchanting sound profile. Both switches have their distinct advantages; it's all about what aligns best with your typing style and sound preferences.
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