Outemu Brown vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, users often deliberate between options like the Outemu Brown and the Bsun Taichi, each catering to distinct preferences. The Outemu Brown is recognized for its tactile feedback, making it an ideal choice for typists who appreciate a responsive feel without the audible click often found in other tactile switches. Its balanced actuation force offers a satisfying experience that enhances both typing and gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch is celebrated for its linear characteristics, providing a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance and a distinct high-pitched bottom-out sound that some users find gratifying. This switch is particularly favored by gamers seeking rapid keypresses without the distraction of tactile bumps or clicks. While the Brown switch lends itself well to a more traditional typing experience, the Taichi excels in delivering seamless performance and auditory pleasure during intense gameplay. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your individual needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
53g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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 Brown and Bsun Taichi both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housings, leading to several similarities in sound profile and aesthetics. Polycarbonate is a stiff plastic known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This shared material quality means that both switches will offer a clear and resonant sound profile, making them particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications where clear visibility of illumination is desired. The translucency of polycarbonate enhances the overall aesthetic, allowing for a vibrant display of colored lights, which is a common feature sought after by keyboard enthusiasts. Consequently, users of either switch can expect similar acoustic results when considering the top housing alone.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both the Brown and Taichi switches is made from nylon, which introduces a contrasting tonal quality that balances the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. Nylon is recognized for its softer characteristics, allowing it to absorb sound more efficiently than harder plastics. As a result, switches utilizing nylon in their bottom housings provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination of materials showcases how nylon mitigates the sharper tones from the polycarbonate top housing, creating a unique auditory experience that can appeal to various typing preferences. The impact of the nylon material is particularly felt during bottom-out actions, where it enriches the overall sound and feel.
Ultimately, this interchangeability of housing materials between the Outemu Brown and Bsun Taichi creates a well-rounded acoustic profile. While both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom, they effectively leverage the strengths of each material to deliver balanced auditory feedback. The polycarbonate top ensures a lively sound upon release, while the nylon bottom enriches the sound during key presses. This synergy allows users to enjoy a comprehensive typing experience whether they interact with one switch or the other, as the character of the sound produced ultimately hinges on the combination of both housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Brown requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 53 grams, while the Bsun Taichi has a lighter actuation force of just 40 grams. This means that users who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming may find the Taichi switch more appealing, as it allows for less effort during long sessions. In terms of bottom-out force, the Outemu Brown has a definitive measurement of 65 grams, indicating a substantial resistance when pressing the key all the way down. Unfortunately, the bottom-out force for the Bsun Taichi is not available, which makes it difficult to directly compare this aspect. However, given that the Brown is the heavier option in both actuation and bottom-out forces, those who enjoy a more forceful typing experience should lean towards the Outemu Brown, whereas those who favor a lighter touch might be more inclined to try the Taichi switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there is a notable difference: the Brown switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi switch measures at 3.6 mm. This means that the Outemu Brown offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced actuation feel which some users may prefer for its depth and tactile feedback. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance may be more appealing to gamers or users who value quicker responses and a snappier feel. If you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Taichi might be the better choice; however, if you appreciate a deeper key press, the Brown would be ideal.
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 Brown 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, the Outemu Brown tactile switch is relatively quiet, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. The tactile bump is felt but not overly loud, allowing for a less disruptive atmosphere, which is suitable for both office environments and shared spaces. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch delivers a distinctive high-pitched bottom-out sound due to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This design choice results in a more pronounced auditory feedback when bottoming out, which can be satisfying for users who enjoy an audible response from their switches. However, keep in mind that the overall sound experience can vary depending on the keyboard build and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Outemu Brown switch provides a tactile bump that is noticeable but not aggressive, offering a balanced typing experience for users who enjoy feedback without the sharpness of clicky switches. This makes it a solid choice for both typing and gaming, as the tactile feedback can enhance accuracy without being overly distracting. Meanwhile, the Bsun Taichi switch emphasizes a smooth, linear action, which is characterized by fluid keystrokes from top to bottom. The long-pole design and walled stems contribute to an exceptionally smooth feel, making the Taichi suitable for rapid typing and gaming.
In summary, if you prioritize a quiet yet tactile typing experience, the Outemu Brown would be a suitable selection. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth feel with a more pronounced sound when bottoming out, the Bsun Taichi linear switch may be the better choice. Each switch offers different subjective qualities that cater to various preferences, so your ideal switch will depend on whether you value sound feedback or the smoothness of keystrokes more in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your choice should reflect your typing or gaming preferences. If you appreciate a tactile feedback sensation while typing, which can enhance your typing accuracy and provide satisfying feedback, the Outemu Brown would be your best bet. It offers a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance and a noticeable bump upon each keystroke. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter experience and enjoy the feel of a linear switch, the Bsun Taichi would be ideal for you. Known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and unparalleled smoothness due to its long-pole stem and extended springs, this switch is perfect for gamers and typists seeking speed and fluidity without tactile interruptions. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences for tactile feedback and sound when making your decision, allowing you to choose a switch that enhances your keyboard experience.
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