KTT Orange vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the KTT Orange and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves drawn to distinct characteristics that influence their typing experience. The KTT Orange switch is celebrated for its bouncy feel, thanks to its 22mm long spring, and offers a frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched sound profile. This switch, built with a polycarbonate milky top housing and a vivid orange nylon bottom, provides users with a smooth, refined key travel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter and more fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch is known for its polished construction and high-pitched bottom-out sound. Featuring an extended spring and a long-pole stem, it offers a delightful clacky feedback that can energize your typing or gaming sessions. While both switches are linear and provide their unique advantages—smoothness for the KTT Orange and auditory feedback for the Bsun Taichi—your choice will likely hinge on personal preferences for typing feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
46g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The KTT Orange and Bsun Taichi keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to certain similarities in their acoustic profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, more pronounced sound. This material's inherent properties allow for a clear and resonant audio experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a high-pitched and crisp sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the appeal of RGB lighting, allowing for an illuminated effect that is visually striking. This shared characteristic in their top housings means users of both keyboards can expect similar sound profiles when engaging with the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly between the two models. The KTT Orange utilizes polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which continues the trend of creating a clear and crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate throughout both the top and bottom housings results in a cohesive feel and sound, with the sharper notes dominating both the bottom-out sound and the release. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi features a nylon bottom housing, which inherently provides a fuller and rounder sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a distinctly different acoustic experience at the point of depressed keys, resulting in a duller tone compared to the sharper sound produced by the Orange.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in each keyboard influences the auditory experience and tactile feedback that users receive. While both keyboards offer a crisp response and attractive aesthetics through their polycarbonate top housings, the KTT Orange consistently offers that sharper, clearer quality through both the top and bottom since both are made of the same material. The Bsun Taichi, with its unique nylon bottom housing, introduces a contrasting depth in sound that some users may prefer. Thus, while the top housing across both keyboards provides similar visual and acoustic characteristics, the bottom housing choices define their unique sound profiles, leading to distinctive typing experiences on each model.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are distinct differences in their actuation forces. The KTT Orange switch requires an actuation force of 46 grams, while the Bsun Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of just 40 grams. This difference may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions, making the Taichi potentially more comfortable for prolonged use. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unknown, while the Orange switch has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while the Taichi switch is lighter in terms of actuation, its overall performance in bottoming out cannot be assessed, leaving an important aspect of its feel in question. Therefore, users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the KTT Orange due to its defined bottom out force despite its slightly heavier actuation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we can see that the KTT Orange features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Taichi has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response, the KTT Orange is the shorter option, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prefer rapid actuations. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi’s greater travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a tactile experience that contrasts with the abruptness sometimes associated with shorter travel distances. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, those seeking responsiveness should opt for the KTT Orange, whereas those who favor a more traditional feel might gravitate towards the Bsun Taichi.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 KTT Orange switch produces a low-pitched sound profile that offers a bass-heavy and mellow tone, making it a quieter yet pleasant choice for typing and gaming. This contrasts sharply with the Bsun Taichi switch, which emits a high-pitched, clacky sound that is characterized as sharp, crisp, and percussive. The Taichi's sound can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback and those who prefer a more lively typing experience. It's essential to keep in mind that the overall sound of either switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction, materials, and even the keycaps used, so users may find a degree of variability based on their specific setups.
In terms of feel, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy sensation, akin to a spring, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. The smooth, frictionless travel adds to the overall experience, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. In comparison, the Bsun Taichi switch presents a polished feel that delivers a similarly refined tactile experience, closely associated with a smooth and stable keypress due to its long-pole stem and careful design. Both switches emphasize smoothness, though the Orange distinguishes itself with a more lively bounciness, while the Taichi leans toward a polished sophistication that many users will find appealing.
In summary, both the KTT Orange and Bsun Taichi linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. Users seeking a subdued sound may prefer the bouncy low-pitch of the Orange, while those desiring a more pronounced auditory feedback will likely gravitate toward the crisp clackiness of the Taichi. Despite their differences, both switches offer exceptional smoothness in key travel, ensuring that users can enjoy a refined typing experience no matter which switch they choose. Ultimately, the decision boils down to personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Orange linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing or gaming style. If you lean towards a medium-light force and enjoy a bouncier typing feel with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Orange switches would likely be ideal for you. Their excellent factory-lubing ensures a smooth, frictionless experience, making them great for long typing sessions and providing a lively response that can help reduce fatigue. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more pronounced, clacky sound and an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out noise, the Bsun Taichi switches may be your best bet. With their polished feel and extended springs, they can provide an ultra-smooth and stable typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing or gaming. Thus, assess your personal preferences regarding sound and feel to determine which switch will elevate your keyboard experience.
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