Haimu Orange Sea vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Taichi both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences while sharing the common trait of being linear switches. The Haimu Orange Sea is celebrated for its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a serene, distraction-free typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi dazzles with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which adds an auditory dimension to the typing experience, complemented by features like a long-pole stem and extended springs that promote unmatched smoothness and stability. While both switches cater to users who favor linear feedback, the choice boils down to whether you prefer a quieter, smoother experience with the Orange Sea or a more dynamic sound profile with the Taichi. 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
37g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Haimu Orange Sea and the Bsun Taichi share a commendable similarity in their choice of top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the polycarbonate, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows for a visually appealing aesthetic, particularly when RGB lighting is implemented. Both switches benefit from this design choice, delivering a vivid and illuminated experience that accentuates the modern appearance many users seek in mechanical keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials for both the Orange Sea and the Taichi are the same, incorporating nylon, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, leading to a sound that is rounder and less harsh. This dynamic creates a distinct auditory experience while typing, contrasting with the brighter tones emanating from the polycarbonate top. As a result, users can expect a rich tonal balance, where the bottom housing slightly dampens the sharper sounds from the top, creating an overall harmonious audio balance.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound experience of both switches, the interaction between the different housing materials plays a critical role. Because both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom, users in both cases can enjoy the respective benefits of each material. The top housing predominantly influences the sound released upon a key release, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel. As both switches share identical materials in each housing type, users can anticipate a similar acoustic character, marked by the clarity of polycarbonate and the warmth of nylon, delivering an engaging keyboard experience across both models.
Weight
The Haimu Orange Sea linear switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Bsun Taichi linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 40 grams. This difference in actuation force indicates that the Orange Sea switch may facilitate longer typing sessions with less finger fatigue, making it a suitable choice for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. In terms of bottom out force, the Orange Sea has a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a definitive feedback when the key is fully pressed down. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in the comparison. Therefore, while the Orange Sea is clearly the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out force, the lack of data for the Taichi means we can't draw any conclusions about its bottoming out characteristics. Ultimately, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may gravitate towards the Taichi area, while those seeking a lighter touch may opt for the Orange Sea switch.
Travel distance
Both the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either key, users will experience the same physical distance in the keystroke, resulting in similar tactile feedback during use. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect comparable performance and responsiveness, making either option suitable for those who prefer a balanced key press.
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 Haimu Orange Sea comes in at $2.79 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Haimu Orange Sea and Bsun Taichi linear switches, the Orange Sea is characterized by a neutral sound signature, allowing for a quieter typing experience, which can be ideal for shared workspaces or environments where noise matters. In contrast, the Taichi's high-pitched bottom-out sound provides a more pronounced auditory feedback, which some users find enchanting. This distinction highlights how the construction of the Taichi, featuring its long-pole stem and extended springs, affects its sound profile, whereas the Orange Sea maintains a more subdued acoustic presence. However, it's essential to remember that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and material, along with the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Haimu Orange Sea switches are best known for their impeccably smooth typing experience, which can enhance the overall comfort and enjoyment of extended typing sessions. This trait is particularly beneficial for typists seeking a fluid action without any scratchiness. On the other hand, the Taichi switches also favor smoothness, enhanced by their design elements such as the walled stems that contribute to stability during key presses. Both switches offer a smooth feel, delivering a satisfying performance, although the Taichi may provide an additional layer of stability due to its design characteristics, which can influence the typing experience.
In conclusion, the Haimu Orange Sea switches offer a neutral sound signature paired with an impressively smooth feel, making them a reliable choice for users prioritizing a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Alternatively, the Bsun Taichi switches provide a more distinct auditory feedback with their high-pitched bottom-out sound while still maintaining a smooth typing feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Orange Sea or the Taichi, you'll enjoy a satisfying linear switch experience, but your preference for sound will likely guide your decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Haimu Orange Sea linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you prefer a lighter key feel, which can enhance speed and reduce finger fatigue during prolonged use, the Orange Sea with its 45 grams bottom-out force is an excellent option. Its impeccably smooth typing feel and neutral sound signature make it suitable for both gaming and typing, allowing you to work or play without drawing too much attention to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you are someone who appreciates a more pronounced acoustic experience, the Bsun Taichi is designed for you. Although the bottom-out force stats for the Taichi switches are not available, their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound—thanks to the long-pole stem and extended spring—creates a delightful auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience. Furthermore, the Taichi's smooth feel and stability make it enjoyable for those who value performance in more nuanced ways. Ultimately, whether you're leaning towards the tactile comfort of the Haimu Orange Sea or the auditory allure of the Bsun Taichi, both switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing styles and preferences.