Outemu Cream Blue vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Blue and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Cream Blue and the Bsun Taichi present contrasting experiences that cater to different preferences. The Cream Blue is a clicky switch, well-regarded for its tactile feedback and distinct auditory click, making it an ideal choice for typists who enjoy a more pronounced response with each keystroke, enhancing both typing speed and accuracy. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi is a linear switch, known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and its unique construction featuring a long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems that deliver exceptional smoothness and stability, appealing to gamers and users who prefer a quiet and uninterrupted typing experience without tactile bumps. Both switches cater to diverse requirements: the Cream Blue for those who relish a satisfying click and tactile feel, and the Taichi for individuals who prioritize smooth and quiet operation. 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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Cream Blue and the Bsun Taichi switches, one can observe a distinct difference in their top housings. The Cream Blue features a nylon top housing, known for its soft plastic properties that produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic arises from nylon's ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. In contrast, the Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is relatively stiffer. This provides a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the acoustics but also adds to the aesthetic appeal, especially for users keen on RGB lighting, which enhances the visual experience of the switch.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, leading to a shared auditory experience when it comes to the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. Since nylon is a classic switch housing material known for its sound absorption properties, both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound when the key is pressed down. This means that while the top housings differ significantly in terms of the sound profiles they create, the bottom housings anchor the overall typing experience in a similar acoustic realm. Therefore, when considering sound and feel during use, one could expect comparable auditory cues from both switches thanks to their nylon bottom housing.
Ultimately, the different sound profiles generated by the top housing materials lead to a nuanced typing experience for each switch. Users might find that while the Cream Blue provides a smoother, more muted sound during key presses, the Taichi offers sharper feedback due to its polycarbonate top. However, the shared nylon bottom housing contributes to a unifying element in the typing experience, ensuring that regardless of the contrasting top materials, both switches maintain a sense of familiarity and depth in sound as the key bottoms out. This interplay between the contrasting top and matching bottom housings showcases the thoughtful design considerations that go into crafting keyboard switches, balancing auditory and tactile preferences across different user needs.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Cream Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams and has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel ideal for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Taichi features a lighter actuation force at 40 grams, making it more suited for individuals seeking a gentler touch for prolonged typing sessions. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable, leaving a gap in understanding how it compares to the Cream Blue’s bottom out force. As a result, while the Cream Blue is the heavier switch due to higher actuation and bottom out forces, the Taichi’s lighter actuation may appeal to those who prioritize ease of keystrokes, thus enhancing typing comfort over extended periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Cream Blue features a travel distance of 4 mm, which places it on the traditional end of the spectrum, providing a more substantial feel when pressed. This extended distance may appeal to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, catering to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keystroke. This shorter distance can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster reaction times. Therefore, if you prefer a hearty depth, the Outemu Cream Blue would be the better choice, while those favoring responsiveness and speed might opt for the Bsun Taichi. Ultimately, the distinct travel distances indicate each switch's suitability for different preferences in typing and gaming experiences.
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 Cream Blue 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 comparing the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch to the Bsun Taichi linear switch in terms of sound, the Cream Blue is known for its distinct auditory feedback that features a pronounced click at the actuation point, allowing typists and gamers to enjoy a satisfying auditory response with each key press. This clicky sound can be quite engaging for users who appreciate an auditory confirmation of their inputs. In contrast, the Taichi boasts a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, which contribute to a smooth transition without the distinct click characteristic of the Cream Blue. This allows for a quieter typing experience, though the clarity of the bottom-out sound can resonate with those who prefer a more subdued yet enchanting sound profile.
Regarding feel, the Cream Blue is notable for its tactile bump at the actuation point, which provides a pronounced feedback that many typists find satisfying, particularly during fast-paced typing or gaming. This tactile feedback can help users maintain a rhythm when typing. Conversely, the Taichi linear switch is designed for a different experience, offering a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump. This results in a fluid key press that allows for rapid succession typing and is favored by those who appreciate a linear feel. The difference in tactile feedback between the two switches speaks to different preferences among users — some may favor the tactile nature of the Cream Blue, while others might prefer the uninterrupted glide of the Taichi.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Cream Blue provides an engaging click sound and tactile feedback that can enhance typing experience for those who enjoy auditory and tactile cues, the Bsun Taichi offers a smoother linear experience with a high-pitched bottom-out sound that appeals to users looking for a quieter and fluid option. Depending on your desired typing sound and feel, either switch could serve your needs well, but your personal preference will ultimately dictate which one to choose.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile and audible feedback while typing—characteristics that the Cream Blue excels at due to its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams—you’ll likely find it rewarding for both typing and gaming. Its clicky sound can enhance your experience, providing an engaging auditory signal that many typists cherish. However, if you prefer a smoother, more fluid typing experience without the click, the Bsun Taichi switch might be more fitting. Known for its long-pole design and remarkable stability, the Taichi enhances key presses with an enchanting high-pitched sound, offering a unique auditory element without the tactile distraction of clicking. Therefore, choose the Cream Blue if you want that satisfying feedback during typing sessions, and opt for the Bsun Taichi if you aim for a smooth and quieter experience. Your preferences will ultimately guide you in selecting the switch that best complements your mechanical keyboard experience.