Outemu Milk Blue vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk 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 Milk Blue and the Bsun Taichi each offer distinct characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Milk Blue is celebrated for its clicky feedback, making it an excellent choice for typists who enjoy a tactile and auditory response with each keystroke, enhancing their overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi presents a linear switch option, renowned for its smooth and uninterrupted key press, allowing for rapid keystrokes without the clicky sound, which can be especially appealing to gamers who prioritize speed and fluidity in their gameplay. While the Milk Blue provides a satisfying "click" that many find addictive, the Taichi boasts a high-pitched bottom-out sound and stability that can elevate any typing experience. 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
N/A
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
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
Both the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Taichi feature top housings made from polycarbonate, which offers a range of acoustic and aesthetic benefits. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's inherent stiffness. This characteristic enhances the clarity and resonance of the keys when pressed, making both switches excellent choices for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it an optimal choice for RGB lighting applications, as it allows light to diffuse beautifully through the housing, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch in custom setups.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are crafted from nylon, a common choice in mechanical keyboard construction. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller audio profile when typing. This material choice lends itself to a rounder and more subdued bottom-out sound, which contrasts effectively with the crisper sound produced by the polycarbonate top housing. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the tactile feedback and sound upon bottoming out, users can expect a cozy and muted experience with both models that complements the sharper notes from the top housings.
In essence, while the Outemu Milk Blue and the Bsun Taichi utilize different properties for their top and bottom housing materials, the synergy created by combining polycarbonate and nylon in their designs leads to similar results. Users will notice that the polycarbonate top contributes to the brightness and clarity of the sound, while the nylon bottom softens the overall acoustic profile, resulting in a strategic interplay that elevates the user experience. Thus, even though the housing materials differ in their individual sound characteristics, both switches provide a cohesive and satisfying typing experience by balancing the qualities of each material.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we notice a distinction in their actuation forces. The Milk Blue requires an actuation force of 50 grams, while the Taichi necessitates a lighter 40 grams. This suggests that the Taichi switch may be more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for extended use without fatigue, making it ideal for work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Blue, with its heavier actuation force, might appeal to users looking for a more substantial push sensation during typing. Both switches, however, have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, leaving that aspect of their comparison inconclusive. Overall, if you're drawn to a heavier switch feel, the Milk Blue is the better choice, whereas the Taichi caters to those who desire a lighter keystroke.
Travel distance
The Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, making it the longer option compared to the Bsun Taichi linear switch, which features a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm highlights the Milk Blue's more traditional feel, offering a deeper key press that some users may find more satisfying and substantial. In contrast, the Taichi switch’s shorter 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive typing experience. Ultimately, your preference for either switch will depend on whether you value the deeper actuation of the Milk Blue or the snappier feel of the Taichi.
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 Milk 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 it comes to sound, the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch doesn't have a well-defined acoustic profile, making it less intriguing in that regard compared to other switches. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is celebrated for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, a characteristic made possible by its long-pole stem and specially designed extended springs. This gives it a distinctive auditory experience that can enhance typing satisfaction, although it's important to remember that the ultimate sound output will also rely on the specific keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Milk Blue lacks a specific description, leaving much of its tactile feedback to personal interpretation. Conversely, the Taichi switch is noted for its unparalleled smoothness and stability, providing a consistent and enjoyable user experience that many enthusiasts find desirable. The long-pole stem contributes to this fluidity, making the typing experience feel seamless and refined.
In summary, while the Outemu Milk Blue does not stand out in sound or feel, the Bsun Taichi linear switch excels in both categories, offering a unique auditory experience and exceptional tactile quality. If sound and feel are paramount in your typing experience, the Taichi would be the better choice, while the Milk Blue may not provide as engaging or distinctive an experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Outemu Milk Blue clicky switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the kind of experience you're seeking from your mechanical keyboard. If you enjoy an auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience, the Milk Blue is an ideal option due to its clicky nature, which can provide satisfying tactile and auditory cues with every keystroke. This makes it a great choice for typists who appreciate a traditional mechanical feel, especially when typing long documents or engaging in coding. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a quieter experience, the Bsun Taichi linear switch may be the better choice for you. Its smooth travel and subdued sound profile make it suitable for gaming or working in environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prefer a pronounced, tactile response or a more fluid typing experience without auditory distractions, helping you to create the perfect keyboard setup tailored to your needs.