Outemu Blue Jade vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Blue Jade and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Blue Jade and the Bsun Taichi each offer unique features that cater to different typing preferences. The Blue Jade is celebrated for its tactile, clicky feedback, making it ideal for those who enjoy an audible response while typing, which can enhance the overall typing experience and provide a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is a linear switch renowned for its smooth operation and enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs, offering a quieter typing experience that is perfect for gamers and typists who prioritize fluidity over tactile feedback. While both switches bring distinct advantages to the table—clicky satisfaction versus advanced smoothness and stability—it's essential to explore their characteristics further to determine which switch aligns best with your individual typing style and preferences. 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
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Bsun Taichi, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Blue Jade utilizes a nylon top housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound waves, contributing to a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, which is stiffer and produces a sharper, crisper sound profile. This difference in sound quality stems from the inherent material properties; while nylon tends to create a softer and more muted sound, polycarbonate lends itself to a clearer and more resonant tone. Thus, while both switches offer unique auditory experiences, the choice between these materials significantly influences the sound characteristics of each switch.
On the other hand, both the Blue Jade and Taichi share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both utilize nylon in this area. This consistency in material results in a similar sound quality characteristic of deeper and fuller tones when bottoming out a keypress. Since the bottom housing has a more pronounced impact on the bottom-out feel and sound, users will likely experience a consistency in this aspect across both switches. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that, regardless of the different top housing materials, both switches can deliver an intimate connection through their tactile feedback, enhancing the typing experience.
Ultimately, the divergent materials used in the top housings of the Outemu Blue Jade and the Bsun Taichi gives rise to distinct auditory characteristics that would appeal to different user preferences. While one may favor the deeper, muffled sounds produced by nylon in the Blue Jade, others might prefer the sharp, clear resonance from the Taichi's polycarbonate housing, especially when enhanced by RGB lighting due to its natural translucency. Nevertheless, the overlap in the use of nylon for the bottom housings ensures that both switches provide a consistent foundation that shapes the fundamental typing experience, allowing users to achieve favorable results regardless of their chosen switch.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Blue Jade features an actuation force of 50 grams, making it a medium-heavy option, while the Taichi is lighter at 40 grams, which may be preferred by users looking for a switch that feels less strenuous over long typing or gaming sessions. The bottom out force of the Blue Jade is 65 grams, indicating a more substantial feel when fully pressed down, whereas the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable. This lack of information about the Taichi's bottom out force means we cannot draw a direct comparison in this aspect. Users looking for a heavier switch experience would likely favor the Blue Jade, while those seeking a lighter touch might opt for the Taichi, provided they are comfortable with the unknowns of its bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Blue Jade features a travel distance of 4 mm, which is aligned with traditional longer switch designs, offering a more pronounced and deep keystroke experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi boasts a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to users who prefer quicker response times and a more immediate tactile feedback, which is often favored by gamers. Therefore, if you appreciate a hearty keystroke with significant depth, the Blue Jade would be the better choice due to its longer travel distance. Conversely, if you lean towards a snappier and more responsive typing experience, the Taichi's shorter travel distance would suit your preferences better.
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 Blue Jade 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
The Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch does not have any specific sound characteristics noted, which leaves its auditory profile somewhat ambiguous. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is renowned for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This results in a distinctive auditory feedback that makes typing on the Taichi a more engaging experience, although it's essential to remember that the sound of any switch can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the information about the Blue Jade is not explicitly provided, making it challenging to gauge its tactile response or resistance. However, the Taichi switch is designed for smoothness and stability, given the engineered features like the long-pole stem and walled stems. These characteristics contribute to a consistent actuation with minimal scratchiness, resulting in a pleasant linear typing experience. Without details on the feel of the Blue Jade, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison; if they were to be similar, one could expect a smooth typing experience with both.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch stands out with its notable high-pitched sound and smooth tactile experience, the qualities of the Outemu Blue Jade remain unclear. If you're leaning towards a clicky feedback with the Blue Jade, it would be a different tactile experience compared to the more fluid and stable Taichi. As both switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, your choice will depend on whether you value the clicky sound of the Blue Jade or the smoothness and enchanting sound of the Taichi.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate tactile feedback along with an audible click, the Blue Jade might be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams offers a satisfying resistance that can enhance both typing accuracy and enjoyment, making it perfect for those who enjoy the classic clicky experience. However, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience without the distinctive click, the Taichi switch would be a better fit. Known for its enchanting high-pitched sound and unparalleled smoothness, it provides a silky feel that can make long typing sessions feel more comfortable and less fatiguing. Thus, consider your typing habits and acoustic preferences when deciding; the Blue Jade shines in environments where feedback and sound enhance productivity, while the Taichi excels in creating a serene, unobtrusive workspace.