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Outemu Ocean vs. Bsun Taichi

An in-depth look at the Outemu Ocean and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence your typing experience, and two notable options are the Outemu Ocean and the Bsun Taichi. The Outemu Ocean is a tactile switch that offers a distinct bump during each keystroke, providing feedback that many typists appreciate for accuracy and comfort. This switch is particularly appealing for those who prefer a more engaged typing experience, making it less likely to accidentally press keys. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi represents a linear switch, renowned for its smooth operation and an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. Featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi offers a fluid transition from keypress to release, making it ideal for gamers and those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on your personal preference for tactile feedback versus smooth actuation; 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

55g

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

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Spring

Stainless steel

Spring

21mm single-staged spring

Housing materials

The Outemu Ocean and Bsun Taichi keyboards utilize the same materials for their switch housings, employing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches showcase the benefits of polycarbonate as a top housing material, which includes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness, allowing for a clearer, more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the switches in both the Ocean and Taichi keyboards.

In contrast, while both keyboards incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, the resulting sound profiles differ significantly from the top housing's impact. Nylon is known for its softer, more absorbent nature, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. This means that while users may experience a bright and clear sound as they release a key (thanks to the polycarbonate top), they will also enjoy a smoother, rounder bottom-out sound when pressing down on a key—the qualities of the bottom housing that primarily impact the tactile experience and overall acoustics of the switch. Consequently, the combination of these materials allows the Ocean and Taichi keyboards to distinctly balance both high and low sound frequencies.

Ultimately, the use of identical housing materials in the Outemu Ocean and Bsun Taichi leads to similar foundational sound profiles and tactile feedback experiences. Users will benefit from a cohesive acoustic character, as the polycarbonate top complements the nylon bottom, blending the crisp high frequencies with rich lows. This synergy not only enhances the overall typing experience but also assures that each keyboard delivers consistently high performance and aesthetic appeal, making both options equally suitable for enthusiasts looking for quality mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the actuation force highlights a notable difference. The Ocean requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, while the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the Taichi switch will likely be more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, potentially reducing finger fatigue. Unfortunately, both switches have their bottom out forces listed as unavailable, making it impossible to compare this aspect directly. However, with the actuation forces differing, one could anticipate that the Ocean's tactile feedback might feel more pronounced due to the higher force required, making it appealing for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. In summary, for those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Bsun Taichi is the better option, while the Outemu Ocean may attract those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Ocean switch provides a deeper press, which can be more satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback while typing or gaming. In contrast, the Taichi switch's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm can allow for quicker keystrokes, making it appealing for gamers who prioritize responsiveness and speed. Therefore, if you are looking for a switch that feels robust and offers a traditional depth, the Outemu Ocean is the better choice, while the Bsun Taichi may be preferable for users who favor swifter actuation.

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 Ocean 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

The Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a definitive sound quality highlighted, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound. This characteristic is attributed to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, which contribute to a unique auditory experience when typing. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by either switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard board and keycap material chosen, meaning that even if the Ocean switch lacks specific sound qualities, it can still produce a satisfactory sound profile based on the components used alongside it.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Ocean tactile switch does not have a specified tactile feedback quality, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch is noted for its unparalleled smoothness and stability, thanks to its design features. This results in a remarkably fluid typing experience without any tactile bump to interrupt the keystrokes, which is a prominent trait for linear switches. With the Ocean's feel unspecified, it is difficult to make a direct comparison, but it may still deliver a comfortable typing experience depending on the user's preferences and the specific design of the switch.

In conclusion, while the Outemu Ocean tactile switch lacks defined qualities in both sound and feel, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is celebrated for its distinctive auditory characteristics and smooth typing experience. If you prioritize sound and smoothness, the Taichi is the clear choice, but the Outemu Ocean may still offer decent performance depending on the accompanying components. Ultimately, exploring both options will help you determine which switch aligns best with your personal typing style and preferences.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Ocean tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch depends greatly on your personal typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a tactile feel that provides noticeable feedback with every keystroke, the Outemu Ocean switch would be a suitable choice, especially for tasks such as typing where the physical sensation can enhance accuracy and engagement. On the other hand, if you lean towards a smoother, quieter experience with fluid motion and a delightful high-pitched sound upon bottoming out, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is likely to meet your needs. This switch excels in creating an effortless typing experience, which is particularly beneficial for gaming or extensive typing sessions where comfort and speed are paramount. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not just the tactile and auditory feedback you prefer but also the overall experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard.

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