Outemu Dustproof Red vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Dustproof Red 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 Dustproof Red and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Outemu Dustproof Red, a linear switch, is celebrated for its smooth keypress without any tactile bumps or click sounds, making it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prefer a quieter, uninterrupted typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi also features a linear design but is distinguished by its high-pitched bottom-out sound, which adds a unique auditory feedback to the typing experience. This switch is engineered with a long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, promoting unparalleled smoothness and stability, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a bit of acoustic flair alongside their tactile performance. Both switches provide a seamless experience for users, yet they cater to different sensibilities—whether you value a silent operation or enjoy a touch of sound in your keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Red and Bsun Taichi both feature polycarbonate top housings, which contributes to a distinguishing sound profile characteristic of these switches. Polycarbonate, as a material, is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when a key is pressed. This quality allows both switches to produce a clear and resonant audio experience, especially important for users who engage in activities where sound clarity is paramount, such as gaming or typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them particularly compatible with RGB lighting. This shared material choice means that users can expect a similar auditory performance when letting go of the keys on both models, as well as an appealing visual effect from any backlighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Outemu Dustproof Red and Bsun Taichi are both made from nylon, a classic material that lends itself to a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon enables it to absorb sound more effectively than its harder counterparts, resulting in a more subdued and rounded acoustic character when the key bottoms out. This material choice ensures that users experience a pleasant tactile feedback while typing or gaming, accentuating the keyboard's sound signature. Given that both models implement nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect similar depth in auditory results during key presses, allowing for a consistent typing experience between the two switches.
While the Dustproof Red and Taichi share matching materials for both top and bottom housings, the interplay of polycarbonate and nylon means the overall sound profile is a blend of sharpness and depth. The polycarbonate top contributes brightness and clarity as keys are released, while the nylon bottom absorbs sound to create a rounder tone upon bottoming out. This harmonization results in a cohesive auditory experience across both models, with the materials effectively complementing one another. Users will find that, despite any differences in design or branding, the sound and feel produced by both the Outemu Dustproof Red and Bsun Taichi keyboards will share a striking similarity, creating a seamless transition in sound dynamics when switching between the two.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are some notable differences in their actuation forces that affect the typing experience. The Dustproof Red has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that users who favor a lighter switch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons may prefer the Taichi. The bottom out force for the Dustproof Red is 60 grams, indicating a medium resistance when fully pressed, providing a substantial feeling for those who enjoy a firmer response. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable, making it difficult to compare this aspect directly; however, it's possible that it may be similar to or lighter than the Dustproof Red's 60 grams. Overall, if you prefer a lighter switch with an easier actuation, the Bsun Taichi may be the better option, whereas the Outemu Dustproof Red offers a heavier and more tactile experience for those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the contrast in feel and responsiveness between the two switches. The Dustproof Red, with its 4 mm distance, offers a more traditional typing experience that provides a hearty depth, making it preferred by users who appreciate a noticeable key press. In contrast, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those who favor quicker response times, as gamers often do, making it a suitable choice for fast-paced environments. Ultimately, if you lean towards responsiveness, the Bsun Taichi is the better option, while the Outemu Dustproof Red is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
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 Red 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 Red linear switch does not have a specific characterization that stands out, making it somewhat ambiguous in its auditory profile. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is celebrated for its distinctive high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is the result of its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems. This acoustic design not only enhances the auditory experience but contributes to a unique transition of sound from keypress to bottom out, adding an engaging dimension to typing or gaming.
Regarding the feel, the Dustproof Red lacks detailed descriptions of its tactile experience, leaving it open to interpretation. On the other hand, the Taichi switch is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness and stability, offering a fluid travel experience that many users find pleasurable. The combination of the long-pole stem and well-engineered spring contributes to a consistent actuation without any noticeable bumps, making it ideal for those seeking a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch may leave certain qualities to be desired, the Bsun Taichi switch shines with both its acoustic charm and tactile smoothness. For enthusiasts looking for a switch that offers distinct sound and feel, the Taichi is likely to provide an elevated experience, whereas the Dustproof Red may be more understated and less memorable. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preference, as both switches cater to different aspects of the mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound. If you appreciate a balanced typing experience with a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, the Dustproof Red is an excellent choice. It's a great option if you’re looking for a straightforward, reliable switch that maintains a satisfying tactile response while typing or gaming, resulting in a pleasant, linear feel with minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to distinctive auditory feedback and superior smoothness, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is likely more suited to your taste. Not only do these switches deliver an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, but they’re also engineered with a long-pole stem and extended springs that enhance both stability and smoothness. This makes them a wonderful choice for those who desire an enjoyable typing experience accentuated by sound as much as feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what aspects resonate most with your typing style and sound preference.