Outemu Dustproof Black vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and usage scenarios, and when comparing the Outemu Dustproof Black and the Bsun Taichi, distinct characteristics emerge. The Dustproof Black, a reliable linear switch, offers a straightforward typing experience favored by gamers and typists alike due to its smooth keystrokes and lack of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch sets itself apart with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and robust construction, providing not just smoothness but also a unique acoustic experience that some users find captivating. While the Dustproof Black focuses on a no-frills, performance-oriented typing experience, the Taichi emphasizes both sound and stability, potentially appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback alongside their typing. 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
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
80g
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 Dustproof Black and Bsun Taichi share a notable similarity in their top housing material, which is made of polycarbonate. Both keyboards leverage this material to create a sound profile that is characterized as sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. Due to polycarbonate's stiffness, the switches in both keyboards tend to produce a more resonant and clear audio signature, which is particularly beneficial for users who enjoy an enhanced acoustic experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting diffusion, ensuring that the visual aspect of these keyboards complements their auditory performance. Consequently, users looking for a vibrant and responsive switch experience will find that both models deliver similar results in terms of sound and aesthetics.
On the other hand, both the Dustproof Black and Bsun Taichi incorporate nylon for their bottom housing, emphasizing a full and rich auditory experience. Nylon, known for its softer composition compared to polycarbonate, aids in sound absorption, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile that contrasts with the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top. This dual-material approach enhances the overall typing experience: while the upper housing contributes to the clarity of the initial keystroke, the nylon bottom housing significantly influences the tactile feel and the bottom-out sound, creating a harmonious balance between the two materials. As such, regardless of the different characteristics of each housing type, both keyboards succeed in providing a satisfying auditory feedback loop for users.
In summary, the construction of the Outemu Dustproof Black and Bsun Taichi showcases both composite and differential approaches to sound engineering through their housing materials. The shared element of polycarbonate in the top housing provides a consistency in the sound profile, ensuring clarity and brightness when typing, while the nylon in the bottom housing amplifies and rounds out the overall auditory experience with a deeper tone. Users can expect a cohesive typing experience across both keyboards, capitalizing on the strengths of each material to achieve an optimal blend of auditory and tactile feedback. Overall, the thoughtful integration of these materials allows for a well-rounded keyboard performance in both models.
Weight
The Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation forces. The Dustproof Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, resulting in a more substantial typing experience ideal for users who prefer a firmer push feel. In contrast, the Taichi switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, which can enhance comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. However, information on the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unavailable, making it challenging to draw comparisons regarding that metric. The Dustproof Black also has a bottom out force of 80 grams, confirming its heavier overall feel. Consequently, users looking for a lighter, more comfortable typing experience would be better suited with the Bsun Taichi, while those who prefer a heavier and more tactile response should opt for the Outemu Dustproof Black.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it becomes clear that the Dustproof Black offers a greater travel distance at 4 mm, while the Taichi features a shorter distance of 3.6 mm. The 4 mm distance of the Dustproof Black aligns with the traditional standard for switches, providing a deeper and potentially more tactile feel that some users may prefer for a more deliberate keystroke. In contrast, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor shorter distances, often sought after by gamers for quicker response times. This makes the Dustproof Black the option for users who enjoy a more substantial keypress, whereas the Taichi may appeal to those wanting faster actuation and a more rapid typing experience. Overall, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preferences for either depth and feedback or speed and responsiveness.
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 Dustproof 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, the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch does not have a specific sound characteristic prominently noted, meaning it may produce a more muted or neutral acoustic profile during typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is celebrated for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This unique auditory feature is attributed to its long-pole stem, which contributes to a more pronounced acoustic experience, making it appealing for users who appreciate a certain musicality in their keystrokes. It’s worth noting that the sound produced by either switch can still vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction and keycap material used.
In terms of feel, while the specific tactile qualities of the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch are not highlighted, its designation as a linear switch suggests that it offers a smooth and consistent keystroke without any tactile bump or click. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is designed for unparalleled smoothness and stability, thanks to its extended springs and walled stems. This combination likely produces an exceptionally fluid typing experience, making every key press feel seamless. Thus, while both switches may deliver a linear experience, the Taichi is positioned as offering a superior sense of refinement due to its advanced construction features.
Overall, the Outemu Dustproof Black switch may not provide as distinctive sound or feel characteristics as the Bsun Taichi linear switch, which boasts a high-pitched acoustics and smooth typing experience. If you're looking for a more unique auditory profile and a feel that emphasizes smoothness and stability, the Taichi is clearly the stronger choice. However, if you're open to a more neutral sound profile and a standard linear feel that provides a good typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Black could still meet your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Dustproof Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your specific preferences and usage scenarios play a significant role. If you prefer a heavier switch with a bottom-out force of 80 grams that offers substantial tactile feedback and stability, the Dustproof Black may be your go-to option, especially for typing or gaming scenarios that require precision and intentional keystrokes. Its robust design also caters well to environments where dust resistance is a consideration. However, if you're looking for a switch that emphasizes smoothness and sound, the Bsun Taichi would be more suitable due to its unique long-pole stem and extended springs, delivering a satisfying high-pitched bottom-out sound. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback and a lightweight feel that enhances speed and rapid key presses, likely making it a favorite among gamers. Ultimately, your choice should align with your typing style, desired sound profile, and whether you value a heavier, more tactile experience versus a smoother, less resistant switch.
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