Outemu Black vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Black and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Black and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking that perfect typing experience. The Outemu Black is renowned for its reliability and straightforward performance, making it an excellent choice for users who value consistency and durability in their typing sessions. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi is celebrated for its unique features, including a long-pole stem and extended springs, which contribute to a smooth operation and a captivating high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. While both switches are linear in nature, catering to those who prefer a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps, the Taichi stands out with its emphasis on auditory feedback and enhanced stability. 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
65g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
82g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Black and Bsun Taichi keyboards both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which notably influences their acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. This is because polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances sound clarity, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate a more resonant auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate plays a significant role in the aesthetic appeal of the switches, particularly for users who prefer RGB lighting. This shared material in the top housing ensures that both the Black and Taichi will deliver a similar sound outcome when key presses are released, giving them a unique edge in illuminated environments.
In contrast, both the Outemu Black and Bsun Taichi incorporate nylon in their bottom housings. Nylon is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile, due to its comparatively softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound than harder materials. This means that when users type on switches that utilize nylon in the bottom housing, they will experience a duller and rounder sound signature. As both keyboards employ nylon in the bottom section of their switches, they will similarly reflect this characteristic, ensuring that the one can expect a consistent and rich auditory experience during key presses across both switch types.
When considering the overall performance of each switch, it is essential to understand how the combination of housing materials impacts sound and feel. Since both the Outemu Black and Bsun Taichi share the same top and bottom housing materials, users can expect a harmonious balance in sound profiles that derive from their respective characteristics. While the top polycarbonate housing contributes to the crispness heard during key release, the nylon bottom housing offers a warmth that rounds out the auditory experience during key presses. This blended approach results in a cohesive typing experience across both switches, making them an excellent choice for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a combination of clarity and depth in sound.
Weight
The Outemu Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation forces. The Outemu Black has a heavier actuation force of 65 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 82 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In comparison, the Bsun Taichi features a significantly lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which may provide a more comfortable typing option, especially for prolonged use in work or gaming scenarios. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, leaving a gap in understanding its overall force dynamic. Consequently, while the Outemu Black is the heavier option, appealing to those who value a stronger push feel, the Bsun Taichi presents a lighter alternative, which may be favored for extended sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Outemu Black features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the most traditional travel distance and provides a deeper typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, reflecting a growing trend toward more responsive switches favored by gamers. While both switches are linear in nature, the Outemu Black's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial key press, whereas the Taichi's shorter distance caters to users looking for quicker actuation and faster response times. If you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Taichi may be the preferable choice, while the Outemu Black will likely satisfy those who enjoy a heartier 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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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 it comes to sound characteristics, the Outemu Black linear switch does not have a notable sound profile to highlight; it typically delivers a more muted and subtle auditory experience compared to other switch types. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is celebrated for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem design and carefully engineered components. This creates a more pronounced acoustic feedback when bottoming out, which can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more resonant sound. However, it's important to note that the overall sound can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard's construction and the selected keycaps, which may influence both switches.
As for the tactile feel, the Outemu Black switch is noted for its smooth linear action, providing an unbroken keystroke experience without the tactile bumps found in other switch types. This can be appealing for users who prioritize seamless key presses, especially in fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios. The Bsun Taichi switch also emphasizes smoothness, owing to its unique design enhancements that promote stability and fluidity during typing. With its extended springs and specialized walled stem, the Taichi aims for an unparalleled sensation of smoothness, potentially offering a more enjoyable typing experience while retaining the linear switch's absence of tactile feedback.
In summary, if you are considering these two switches, the Outemu Black offers a straightforward, muted linear experience, while the Bsun Taichi switch elevates the auditory aspect with its high-pitched sound and promises a remarkably smooth feel. Ultimately, both switches cater to linear switch aficionados but with distinct sound profiles and enhancements that may appeal to different preferences within the community. Depending on your priorities—whether they lie in a quiet typing environment or a more dynamic sound experience—you can expect to achieve satisfying results from either option.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your choice should hinge on both your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a switch with a heavier actuation force, the Outemu Black, with its 82-gram bottom-out force, would be a suitable option. It's especially favorable for typists who desire tactile feedback and a more deliberate typing experience, as the weight can reduce accidental key presses. On the other hand, if you are looking for something that offers a unique acoustic profile paired with smoothness and stability, the Bsun Taichi switch can be a delightful choice. It features an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, enhancing your gaming and typing experience with auditory satisfaction. If a lighter touch and seamless feel are important to you, the Taichi's design with long-pole stems and extended springs can provide that effortless gliding sensation on each keystroke. In essence, your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding force, sound, and overall typing feel.
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