Outemu Gold vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Outemu Gold and the Bsun Taichi offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Outemu Gold is celebrated for its clicky feedback, providing an audible and tactile response that many typists appreciate for its satisfying sound and sensation while typing. This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a traditional typing experience and crave a more engaging interaction with their keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi is a linear switch renowned for its smoothness and stability, featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to its unique high-pitched bottom-out sound. This switch excels in delivering a quieter, uninterrupted keystroke, making it attractive for gamers and those who prefer a more stealthy typing experience. While both switches have their own merits depending on your typing or gaming needs, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 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 Gold and Bsun Taichi switches utilize the same housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing, which inherently leads to similarities in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The polycarbonate top housing on both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound profile. Furthermore, the translucency of the material not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches but also optimizes RGB lighting effectiveness. As both switches share this top housing material, users can expect consistent auditory clarity and visual vibrancy when integrated into lighting setups.
In contrast, the nylon bottom housing used in both the Outemu Gold and Bsun Taichi produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is characterized as a softer plastic compared to polycarbonate, which results in it absorbing sound more effectively, leading to a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. This difference in material properties highlights the role of the bottom housing in shaping the overall sound feel when typing. Since this is consistent across the two switches, users can appreciate the comparable dampening effect that the nylon housing contributes, which enhances the tactile experience of each switch when typing.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Outemu Gold and Bsun Taichi switches allows for a well-rounded performance that retains distinct sound characteristics influenced by each material. With both having polycarbonate tops, users will experience a clear and resonant sound during key releases, while the softer nylon bottoms ensure a cushioned bottom-out sound. Owing to their similar construction, users can easily transition between the two switches without drastically altering their typing feel or sound profile, allowing for a coherent and satisfying usage experience across both designs.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Outemu Gold has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Bsun Taichi is lighter at 40 grams. This lighter actuation force of the Taichi may appeal to individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience, making it suitable for lengthy typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, making it difficult to assess its resistance when fully pressed down compared to the Outemu Gold, which has a bottom out force of 60 grams. This bottom out force contributes to the tactile feedback and overall typing experience, with the Gold switch offering a more substantial feel due to its higher resistance. Thus, while the Outemu Gold provides a medium overall force with a noticeable bottoming out experience, the Taichi allows for a lighter actuation without a defined bottom out force, appealing to different preferences in switch weight and feedback.
Travel distance
The Outemu Gold clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence the typing experience, as the Outemu Gold offers a more substantial depth that can provide a satisfying tactile feedback, making it suitable for those who appreciate a hearty feel while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi's shorter travel distance caters to users who prioritize responsiveness and quick key presses, which are particularly favored by gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, if you prefer a more pronounced key feel, the longer 4 mm travel of the Outemu Gold is the better choice, while for those who appreciate a quicker action, the Bsun Taichi is the way to go.
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 Gold 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 Gold clicky switch offers a unique auditory experience that sets it apart. However, it lacks specific standout qualities that make it particularly memorable. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is the result of its long-pole stem and extended springs. This auditory profile enhances the typing experience, providing a distinctive and pleasant sound that many users find appealing. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps, which may enhance or dampen these unique auditory characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have a clearly defined tactile feedback quality that is commonly noted, but clicky switches typically provide that satisfying click that some users prefer. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi switch is designed for smoothness and stability, facilitated by its long-pole stem and walled stems. This combination contributes to an exceptionally smooth keystroke, making it ideal for users who favor a linear feel without the tactile bump or click characteristic of most clicky switches. Such differences in tactile feedback cater to varied preferences, with each switch providing a distinctly different experience.
Considering all the available information, while the Outemu Gold clicky switch may not stand out in sound and feel, it still offers its own experience that many users might appreciate, especially if they enjoy the traditional typing feedback of clicky switches. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch shines in its sound profile and the smooth experience it provides, appealing to those looking for a quieter, linear typing experience. Your choice between these switches ultimately depends on whether you prioritize audible feedback and tactile sensations.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Gold clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy tactile feedback and the distinct sound that clicky switches provide, the Outemu Gold is a solid choice, particularly for typing experiences that feel engaging due to its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams. This switch could be especially appealing if you spend significant time typing or gaming and appreciate auditory confirmation of key presses. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter typing experience, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is the way to go. Known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and exceptionally smooth action, it is ideal for those seeking a fluid key press without the distraction of a click. Ultimately, if you favor a satisfying sound profile and tactile feedback, select the Outemu Gold, whereas if you are looking for a seamless and quieter option, the Bsun Taichi linear switch would be more suited to you.