Outemu Milk Tea vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Milk Tea and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. On one hand, the Outemu Milk Tea switch, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a satisfying bump that provides users with tactile feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced response with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch is a linear switch known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, crafted with a long-pole stem and extended springs that contribute to an incredibly smooth and stable typing experience. While the Milk Tea is perfect for typists who thrive on feedback and precision, the Taichi appeals to gamers and those who prefer fluid, uninterrupted keystrokes. 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
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Milk Tea and the Bsun Taichi, notable distinctions arise in their top housings. The Milk Tea employs a newer material that delivers a very bright sound signature, characterized by resonant clacks when typing. In contrast, the Taichi’s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer molecular structure. Despite these differences, both housings have the ability to create a clear and resonant sound experience, albeit with varied tonal characteristics. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Taichi also enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is utilized, showcasing its utility in both form and function.
On the other hand, both the Milk Tea and Taichi switches share a commonality in their bottom housing material, which is nylon. This classic housing material is celebrated for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, amplified by nylon’s softer plastic nature, which tends to absorb sound rather than enhance it. The impact of the nylon bottom housing is prevalent in the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches, creating a cohesive auditory experience regardless of the top housing. As such, the bottom housings of these switches contribute significantly to their overall acoustics, allowing users to enjoy a rich and rounded typing sound.
Ultimately, while the Milk Tea and Bsun Taichi showcase contrasting qualities in their top housing materials—with the Milk Tea providing a brighter sound versus the Taichi's crisper tone—their shared commitment to nylon for the bottom housing results in comparable sound profiles at the base. This blending of materials highlights the importance of the individual contributions of both the top and bottom housings in defining the overall typing experience. By leveraging the benefits of nylon in the bottom housing, both switches can ensure a rich auditory performance, creating a unique balance between high-pitched clarity and a resonant bottom-out sound.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the actuation forces present a subtle contrast, with the Milk Tea requiring a force of 45 grams while the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This difference suggests that typists may find the Taichi to have a smoother, less strenuous typing experience, making it more suitable for prolonged use, such as during extended work hours or gaming sessions. Both switches have unknown bottom out forces, meaning it is challenging to compare how they feel when pressed all the way down. Overall, the Outemu Milk Tea is the heavier option, while the Bsun Taichi leans towards a lighter feel, inviting typists who favor a more subdued actuation force to consider the latter for comfort in extended usage.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Outemu Milk Tea has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Milk Tea switch offers a longer travel distance, catering to users who may appreciate a more pronounced feedback when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Taichi switch, at 3.6 mm, may appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, if you prefer a deeper feedback from your switch, the Outemu Milk Tea is the better choice, whereas the Bsun Taichi would be more suitable for individuals who favor a more responsive feel.
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 Tea 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 Tea switch does not have a widely recognized characteristic, making its auditory profile somewhat unknown. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is renowned for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This distinct sound is a result of its unique design, including a long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, all of which contribute to an auditory experience that is smooth and stable, enhancing the overall typing experience. It's important to note that the sound of any switch can vary based on various factors such as the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, but the Taichi's sound signature is particularly noted.
In terms of tactile feel, the Outemu Milk Tea switch is also not specifically known for any defining qualities, leaving its sensation largely undetermined. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch is characterized by its smooth operation, which is a hallmark of linear switches. This smoothness is enhanced by the switch's extended springs and long-pole design, allowing for seamless presses without tactile bumps. Users can expect a consistent and fluid keystroke experience with the Taichi, which is appealing for gamers and typists alike who prefer a linear feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Milk Tea switch lacks distinctive sound and feel characteristics, the Bsun Taichi linear switch stands out with its remarkable high-pitched auditory feedback and exceptionally smooth keystrokes. If a well-defined sound and feel are important for your mechanical keyboard experience, the Taichi is the clear choice; however, if you seek a more neutral switch without specific traits, the Milk Tea may still offer a satisfactory performance. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch better suits your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that provides a distinct bump for each keystroke but prefer a smoother, quieter experience, the Milk Tea switch might be your go-to option. It's particularly suited for typing tasks where you desire a bit of reassurance without excessive noise, making it a solid choice for an office or shared environment. On the other hand, if you seek a fluid experience with a high-pitched sound that adds a unique auditory character to your typing, the Bsun Taichi switch stands out. Its smoothness and stability, thanks to the long-pole stem and extended springs, are perfect for gaming or fast-paced tasks where you might appreciate the sensation of speed and responsiveness. Ultimately, consider your usage scenario and tactile preferences to make the best choice that will enhance your typing enjoyment.