Bsun Olive vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves torn between the tactile sensations of the Bsun Olive and the silky smoothness of the Bsun Taichi. The Olive switch is celebrated for its pronounced tactile feedback and deep, resonant sound, creating a satisfying auditory and haptic experience that many typists and gamers crave. Its medium weight ensures a lively interaction with every keystroke, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi switch stands out for its exceptionally smooth operation; equipped with a long-pole stem and extended springs, it offers an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience. This linear switch caters to users who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted flow, ideal for gaming and prolonged typing sessions. While both switches have their unique advantages—whether it's the tactile engagement of the Olive or the smooth precision of the Taichi—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Olive Tactile

Bsun Taichi Linear

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The Bsun Olive and Bsun Taichi feature distinct top housing materials that significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Olive employs a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which is known for creating a deeper, more muted sound profile. This characteristic results in a uniquely pleasing auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer a softer sound when typing. In contrast, the Taichi utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows it to resonate more clearly, making the experience more defined and vibrant. Aesthetically, the clear nature of the polycarbonate enhances RGB lighting effects, which can amplify the visual experience alongside the auditory.

The bottom housings of the two switches also diverge, with the Olive featuring a POM bottom housing and the Taichi utilizing nylon. The POM material in the Olive's bottom housing continues the theme of a muted sound, resulting in a deeper and more satisfying typing feel. This is complemented by the nylon used in the Taichi, which adds its classical touch by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics mean it absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a rounder and less harsh auditory response, which contrasts with the crisper sound of the Taichi's polycarbonate top. When combined, these materials produce a complex auditory experience that can vary in depth and clarity depending on the switch pressed.

Ultimately, when comparing the Bsun Olive and Bsun Taichi switches, it is essential to consider how the different materials affect the overall sound and feel during usage. The properties of each housing material work in tandem; for example, while the top housing affects the release sound when the key is released, the bottom housing governs the bottom-out sound and overall typing feedback. Thus, while the Olive's combination of POM for both top and bottom lends itself to a more muted sound, the Taichi, with its contrasting materials, provides a multi-layered auditory experience. This suggests that even with different top and bottom housing materials, one can achieve a diverse range of sound profiles and tactile responses by skillfully intertwining the properties of both housing types.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we can see notable differences in their actuation forces, but we lack complete information on the bottom out force for the Taichi switch. The Olive switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which classifies it as medium-heavy, while the Taichi switch is lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that the Taichi may be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottoming out, the Olive's bottom out force is 65 grams, indicating a definite tactile feedback with a heavier force required to fully press the key down. In contrast, the bottom out force of the Taichi remains unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding the overall feel when bottoming out. Overall, users seeking a more substantial typing experience might lean towards the Olive switch due to its heavier overall forces, while those who prioritize a lighter feel may favor the Taichi switch for its lower actuation force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it is evident that the Olive has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Taichi measures at 3.6 mm. This makes the Olive a more responsive option, which may appeal to gamers who appreciate quick key presses for faster response times. On the other hand, the Taichi, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a less abrupt feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on the user's preference for either a quicker reaction or a more substantial tactile experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Olive switches produce a resonant, deep sound that stands out, creating a satisfying auditory experience. Their construction utilizes all-POM housings to enhance this rich sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches generate a higher-pitched bottom-out sound, which is created through their long-pole stems and extended springs. Both switches offer distinctly different auditory experiences—an emphasis on the deep resonance with the Olives and the sharper, more elevated tones of the Taichi—demonstrating how sound can greatly influence user enjoyment.

When it comes to feel, the Olive switches are characterized by their medium tactile feedback, described as accentuated and invigorating. They provide a prominent tactile bump that is neither too overwhelming nor too subtle, ensuring that each keystroke feels engaging and reactive. The tactile feedback is sharp and snappy, making the typing experience immersive and responsive. In contrast, the Taichi switches are designed for smoothness and stability, a factor that is crucial for a linear switch. While their specific tactile characteristics are less outlined, the emphasis on smooth actuation suggests a more gliding typing experience compared to the pronounced feedback of the Olive switches.

In conclusion, the Bsun Olive and Bsun Taichi switches offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Olives are perfect for those who enjoy a deep sound and sharp tactile feedback, while the Taichi aims for a smooth and elevated acoustic profile. Overall, the sound and feel between the two switches diverge significantly, allowing users to select the switch whose characteristics align with their personal typing style and auditory preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Olive tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a pronounced tactile feedback with a satisfying auditory experience, the Olive is your best bet. Its medium-heavy actuation force and deep, resonant sound make it ideal for typists who appreciate a bit of resistance as they type; it offers invigorating and sharp tactile feedback that’s snappy and reactive, enhancing your overall typing experience. On the other hand, if smoothness and stability are paramount for you, and you prefer a more linear feel, the Taichi switch may be the better option. Although it lacks the tactile bump of the Olive, its enchanting high-pitched sound combined with its unparalleled smoothness proves to be delightful for those who favor a fluid keystroke action and rapid key presses. Ultimately, consider what you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard experience—be it the tactile feedback and sound of the Olive or the smooth, linear nature of the Taichi—to make the choice that best suits your typing needs.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Olive Tactile

$5.80

$4.70 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more