Cherry Nixie vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Cherry Nixie and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Cherry Nixie and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences among typists and gamers. The Cherry Nixie, a revered classic, is celebrated for its substantial heft and textured typing experience, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a more tactile and "thocky" feel. This switch benefits from Cherry's recent MX2A update, which incorporates modern materials and springs, ensuring durability alongside traditional charm. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi presents a sleek design characterized by its high-pitched bottom-out sound, smoothness, and stability thanks to its innovative long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering a polished and "clacky" sound profile that many find appealing for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your choice between the robust feel of the Cherry Nixie and the enchanting audio signature of the Bsun Taichi will greatly depend on your personal typing style and sound preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Cherry Nixie and the Bsun Taichi switches utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their typographical sound profiles. The Nixie's top housing is constructed from nylon, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound. This quality arises from nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a smoother and rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This distinction is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, leading to a clearer resonance. Therefore, while both switches may provide good acoustic quality, the Nixie leans towards a warmer sound signature, whereas the Taichi offers a bright, clear sound.
Interestingly, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which ensures that certain auditory qualities remain consistent across both models. This commonality means that the fundamental "feel" and bottom-out sound of both switches will share similar characteristics, given that the nylon will absorb sound and deliver a deeper and more rounded sound profile. The impact of this material choice is particularly notable when pressing down on the switches, where the nylon bottom housing's qualities govern the auditory feedback. Hence, while the top housings offer distinctive sound outputs, the bottom housings unify the acoustic performance of both the Nixie and Taichi in terms of the tactile experience they provide during key presses.
In summary, while the Cherry Nixie and Bsun Taichi switches vary in their top housing materials—nylon versus polycarbonate—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a cohesive lower sound profile in both switches. This means that, despite the contrasting auditory experiences brought about by their top housings, the fundamental characteristics imparted by their nylon bottoms ensure that users experience similar tactile feedback when typing. Ultimately, these differences in material choices allow enthusiasts to select switches based on personal preferences for sound profiles, while still maintaining a consistent typing feel and deeper sound resonance when engaging the keys.
Weight
When comparing the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the differences in actuation force are notable. The Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams, making it a heavier switch, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer push. In contrast, the Taichi features a much lighter actuation force of 40 grams, appealing to users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming activities. While the Nixie's bottom out force is measured at 80 grams, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, leaving a gap in direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Nixie’s heavier forces may be more suited to users who enjoy the feedback of a stronger keystroke, whereas the Taichi caters to those who prefer a lighter, more effortless keypress.
Travel distance
The Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Nixie measuring 4 mm and the Taichi measuring 3.6 mm. The Nixie, with its longer travel distance, offers a more traditional feel, which some users might prefer for its hearty depth, providing a tactile experience that doesn't feel overly abrupt. In contrast, the shorter 3.6 mm travel distance of the Taichi aligns with the current trend towards more responsive switches, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation times. Ultimately, if you prioritize a more responsive keypress, the Taichi would be the better choice, while those who enjoy a deeper feel might lean towards the Nixie. Thus, the Nixie is the shorter option for those who favor traditional depth, while the Taichi represents a more modern design with its reduced travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Cherry Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 Nixie switches offer a thocky auditory experience that’s deeply satisfying. Each key press generates a rich, resonant sound that can be likened to the thud of a soft knock, which many typists find comforting and emblematic of high-quality switches. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches produce a distinctly clacky sound, characterized by a sharp, crisp tone upon actuation. This lively, percussive sound can evoke a more pronounced feedback that some users prefer for its energetic feel. Ultimately, while both switches have unique sound profiles, the Nixie is for those who appreciate a deeper resonance, whereas the Taichi caters to those drawn to brighter, more vibrant auditory feedback.
Regarding the feel of the switches, the Nixie is recognized for its textured quality, offering a notable friction during typing. This texture can contribute to a more engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Taichi stands out with its polished smoothness, leading to a sleek and uninterrupted keystroke. The refined finish means users can expect minimal friction and a seamless typing journey, ideal for those who prioritize smooth key travel. Therefore, individuals seeking tactile engagement may favor the Nixie, while those desiring a sleek, effortless experience would lean towards the Taichi.
In conclusion, both the Cherry Nixie and Bsun Taichi linear switches present compelling options depending on personal preferences. The Nixie excels in delivering a rich, thocky sound paired with a textured typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a classic, tactile feel. Conversely, the Taichi offers a sharp, clacky auditory feedback along with a polished and smooth keystroke, perfect for those who favor a refined, frictionless touch. Ultimately, the choice between them hinges on whether one prioritizes a deeper sound and textured feedback or a brighter, smoother experience in their mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Cherry Nixie linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch will depend largely on your personal preferences and intended use. If you gravitate towards a more substantial typing experience with a pronounced thocky sound and don't mind a heavier keystroke, the Nixie might be the right fit for you. Its textured feel offers a unique sensation that can enhance tactile feedback, which is particularly valued by users who enjoy a classic, robust keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you're looking for a smoother, more refined typing experience that produces a bright, clacky sound, the Bsun Taichi switch would be a better choice. Its polished nature and the long-pole design allow for a smooth actuation that can be ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. Ultimately, it's all about what feels and sounds best to you, whether you prefer the weighty traditionalism of the Nixie or the sleek modernity of the Taichi.
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