Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves weighing the benefits of tactile versus linear options. The Outemu Crystal Brown switches, renowned for their tactile feedback, provide a satisfying "bump" that can enhance typing accuracy and offer a more engaging experience for those who prefer a noticeable response. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches, celebrated for their smooth and whisper-like keystrokes, shine with a long-pole stem and advanced spring design, delivering an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound that appeals to gamers and typists seeking fluidity in their keystrokes. Each switch caters to different preferences; the Crystal Brown is ideal for users who enjoy tactile sensations during their typing, while the Taichi is better suited for those who value a seamless, linear experience without any interruptions. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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 Crystal Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches exhibit striking similarities in their housing materials, which play a crucial role in shaping their acoustic profiles. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for producing a higher-pitched and crisper sound quality. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, ensuring that typists experience a sharper sound upon key release. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is an aesthetic advantage, particularly for users who wish to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting; it allows for a vibrant glow to shine through, making both switches appealing for customizable setups.
At the bottom of each switch, both the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Bsun Taichi utilize nylon as their housing material. Nylon has long been celebrated in the keyboard community for its unique ability to deliver a deeper, fuller sound. Its softer nature means that it absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and rounded acoustic experience when typing. This characteristic deepens the overall sound of each switch, giving typists a satisfying tactile feedback as they engage with the keys. Both switches, therefore, share this vital element, leading to a richer and more immersive typing experience.
The combination of polycarbonate at the top and nylon at the bottom for both the Outemu Crystal Brown and Bsun Taichi means that users can expect a well-balanced auditory experience. Since the polycarbonate contributes to the sound profile upon releasing the key, while the nylon influences the sound and feel on bottoming out, the result is a harmonious interplay between the two materials. Consequently, whether users prefer the Crystal Brown or the Taichi, they can anticipate similar acoustic results, benefiting from the carefully engineered qualities of both housing materials. This structural synergy makes them excellent choices for anyone looking for a satisfying typing experience paired with aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces. The Crystal Brown requires an actuation force of 45 grams to trigger a keystroke, which positions it as a medium-light option suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Taichi's actuation force is lighter at 40 grams, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer minimal resistance. However, the bottom out force of the Taichi switch is unspecified, making it difficult to assess its overall performance in this aspect. The Crystal Brown has a defined bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer feel when the switch is fully pressed down. This heavier bottoming out could be favored by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Outemu Crystal Brown is the heavier option overall, while the Bsun Taichi is lighter in terms of actuation force, with an unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there is a notable difference in their travel distances. The Crystal Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Taichi the more responsive option, catering to gamers who favor quicker key presses, whereas the Crystal Brown offers a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Thus, if you are looking for a more immediate response, the Taichi would be the better choice with its shorter travel distance. Conversely, for those who enjoy the satisfaction of a deeper press, the Crystal Brown would likely be more appealing.
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 Crystal 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
The sound profile of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remains largely uncharacterized, which leaves a degree of mystery surrounding its acoustic qualities. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled design. While both switches will produce different auditory experiences when combined with various keyboards and keycaps, the Taichi clearly aims for an appealing sound signature, likely providing a more pronounced auditory feedback during key presses.
Focusing on the tactile feel of these switches, the Outemu Crystal Brown does not have any specific descriptions available about its tactile properties. This lack of information could suggest that it offers a more neutral or general typing experience. On the other hand, the Taichi switch is designed for smoothness and stability, which is indicative of a linear feel that might not provide tactile feedback but emphasizes a seamless key movement. Users preferring a smooth typing experience may find the Taichi to their liking, while those seeking tactile feedback may lean towards trying different switches.
In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch presents an unknown sound and feel, leaving it open to personal exploration for newcomers. The Bsun Taichi linear switch, however, is distinguished by its high-pitched sound and a focus on smooth key travel, making it a strong candidate for those who appreciate a fluid typing experience. For those venturing into the world of mechanical keyboards, trying each switch will reveal whether they prefer the Taichi’s linear smoothness or if the Crystal Brown has attributes that suit their typing style, with personal preference being the ultimate determining factor.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile feedback with a medium-light actuation force that provides a more pronounced response while typing or gaming, the Crystal Brown would be a suitable choice for you. It’s particularly advantageous if you prefer a balance between typing comfort and feedback without overwhelming noise. On the other hand, if you are looking for a smooth, linear feel paired with a unique auditory experience, the Bsun Taichi may be more your style. Its long-pole stem and extended springs contribute to a silky-smooth keystroke that can enhance your overall gaming or typing experience, especially if you enjoy the satisfying sound of bottoming out. Ultimately, it all comes down to whether you cherish tactile feedback or if you prefer a smoother, more linear action with captivating sound dynamics.