Cherry MX Speed Silver vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options among gamers and typists alike are the Cherry MX Speed Silver and the Bsun Taichi. The Cherry MX Speed Silver switch is celebrated for its rapid response time, characterized by a linear action and low spring resistance, allowing for instant triggering—making it a favored choice for competitive gamers who thrive on precision and quick reflexes. With its full-height design, this switch also produces a textured and thocky feel that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch offers a unique auditory experience with its high-pitched bottom-out sound, enhanced by a long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to a smooth, stable keystroke. While the Taichi may appeal more to those who prioritize a satisfying sound profile and smooth action, the Speed Silver is undoubtedly geared towards speed and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
The Cherry MX Speed Silver and Bsun Taichi switches feature distinct housing materials that significantly influence their sound profiles during typing. The MX Speed Silver employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. This is attributed to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi switch utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which lends itself to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. The stiffer characteristics of polycarbonate contribute to a brighter auditory experience, making strokes more pronounced. Consequently, while the MX Speed Silver creates a warm sound signature, the Bsun Taichi is more inclined towards a rich and clear sound, especially beneficial for users who prefer accentuated keystrokes.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches converge on a familiar material: nylon. The MX Speed Silver incorporates a nylon bottom housing that similarly fosters a fuller and deeper sound profile, mirroring the material used in its top housing. The Bsun Taichi also adopts a nylon bottom housing, yielding the same acoustic benefits. This uniformity suggests that for the bottom-out sound and feel, both switches will provide comparable experiences, characterized by a muted, softer impact. Consequently, although their top housings differ in material and resultant sound, both switches will have a consistent auditory feedback associated with the nylon bottom, ensuring that users still enjoy a cohesive sound experience at the key's base.
Overall, the contrasting materials between the MX Speed Silver and Bsun Taichi's top housings underscore a distinction in the quality of auditory feedback, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a familiar grounding in sound perception during keystrokes. Users seeking a richer, more enveloping sound may lean toward the MX Speed Silver, while those who favor a crisper and clearer auditory profile will find the Taichi's polycarbonate top housing appealing. Regardless of the differences, the unified nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver satisfying tactile response and sound quality during typing, culminating in a two-fold experience governed by their respective materials.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cherry MX Speed Silver requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Bsun Taichi's lighter 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Taichi to be more comfortable. However, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, so a direct comparison in that category isn't possible. Without specific bottom out force information, it’s unclear how the typing experience differs when pressing the keys all the way down. Despite this, the difference in actuation force indicates that the Bsun Taichi is a better option for those who prefer a softer touch, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver may appeal to users who enjoy a slightly firmer keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it becomes clear that they cater to different preferences. The Cherry MX Speed Silver boasts a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, might prefer the shorter distance of the MX Speed Silver, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, the Taichi’s longer travel distance can provide a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a deeper keystroke and potentially more tactile feedback. Therefore, for those seeking a more immediate response, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is the better choice, while the Bsun Taichi is best suited for those who appreciate a fuller keystroke experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry MX Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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 the sound profile, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offers a distinct thocky and low-pitched sound, delivering a deep and satisfying auditory experience characterized by a rich thud when the keys are activated. This can create an engaging and immersive typing or gaming environment, particularly for users who appreciate a more bass-heavy tone. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch's sound characteristics remain unknown; however, the auditory experience could vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combinations used, which also play significant roles in determining overall sound quality.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the MX Speed Silver is noted for its textured sensation, which introduces a noticeable friction while typing. This texture can be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feedback during their interactions. In contrast, no specific feel characteristics are available for the Bsun Taichi switch, leaving a gap in understanding what tactile experience it offers. Given the diverse preferences among users, either switch may provide an ideal feel depending on individual styling.
In summary, while the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch is clearly defined in terms of both sound and feel—with its deep, thocky sound and textured feel—the Bsun Taichi's characteristics regarding sound and feel remain uncertain. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, it’s essential to focus on personal preferences and even consider testing various switches to achieve the best results, as subjective qualities can vastly influence the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between Cherry MX Speed Silver and Bsun Taichi linear switches largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you're primarily a gamer looking for rapid response times, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is your best bet. Its design prioritizes speed with low spring resistance, making it exceptionally responsive, which can give you an edge in fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. Additionally, if you enjoy a thocky sound signature, this switch will provide that deep and satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and stable typing experience coupled with a unique auditory signature, the Bsun Taichi switches might be more appealing to you. Their innovative long-pole stem and extended springs deliver unparalleled smoothness, while the enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound adds a distinctive flair. The Taichi's design can also provide a quieter environment, which is beneficial in office settings or during focused work. Ultimately, consider whether you lean towards speed and responsiveness or smoothness and sound when making your choice, as both of these switches offer their own unique strengths tailored to different user experiences.
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