Outemu Purple vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Purple and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Outemu Purple and the Bsun Taichi mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often consider the distinct characteristics that suit their typing or gaming preferences. The Outemu Purple, a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump that engages typists with feedback at the actuation point, making it a strong choice for those who enjoy a more engaged typing experience and prefer to feel their keystrokes. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi, a linear switch, offers a smooth keystroke with no tactile feedback, resulting in a quieter experience that many gamers favor for rapid key presses and a less distracting sound profile. While the Taichi switches are celebrated for their unique high-pitched bottom-out sound—thanks to a long-pole stem and extended springs—the Purple offers a more traditional tactile feedback. Each switch has its own strengths that cater to different preferences, but let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
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
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 Purple and the Bsun Taichi keyboards share a remarkable similarity in the materials used for their switch housings, both employing polycarbonate in the top housing. This choice of polycarbonate contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The stiffness of polycarbonate facilitates a clearer and more resonant sound, enhancing the auditory experience when keys are pressed. Notably, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for setups intending to utilize RGB lighting, allowing the colors to shine through effectively. Consequently, users of both keyboards can expect a consistency in the brightness and vibrancy of their backlighting, resulting in similar aesthetic outcomes.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Outemu Purple and Bsun Taichi opts for nylon, which marks a significant contrast in sound characteristics compared to polycarbonate. Nylon is recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and dampens acoustics, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This combination of the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top allows both keyboards to merge the crispness of the top housing with the richness of the bottom housing, effectively balancing sound as users engage with the switches. Therefore, both keyboards will produce a harmonious sound profile, albeit with distinct characteristics at different stages of key presses.
In summary, while the Outemu Purple and Bsun Taichi utilize identical materials in both their top and bottom housings, they exhibit complementary sound qualities that contribute to an overall satisfying typing experience. The combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom creates a multi-dimensional sound profile, where the crispness from the top emerges during key releases, and the fullness from the bottom resonates during key presses. As a result, users can appreciate a nuanced auditory experience that draws on the strengths of both materials, offering both clarity and depth, and ensuring comparable performance across the two keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find that the actuation forces differ significantly, with the Purple requiring 50 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Taichi is designed to actuate with a lighter force of 40 grams. This means that typists or gamers who prefer a lighter touch would likely find the Taichi more comfortable for extended use, reducing fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. On the contrary, those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier actuation of the Purple switch. Unfortunately, both switches have unknown bottom out forces, which leaves an essential comparison incomplete. However, if both switches had the same bottom out force, users could expect to achieve similar results when bottoming out. In summary, the Outemu Purple is the heavier option while the Bsun Taichi provides a lighter feel, catering to different preferences based on user comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
The Outemu Purple tactile 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 appeal to different preferences among users. The Purple switch, with its longer travel, offers a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some individuals may find preferable for a satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Taichi switch's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm caters to those who prioritize responsiveness, making it particularly appealing for gamers seeking quick actuation. Thus, if you appreciate a more substantial keypress, lean towards the Outemu Purple, but if you prefer a snappier response, the Bsun Taichi would be the better choice.
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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Outemu Purple tactile switch is largely characterized by its relatively discreet auditory feedback, which makes it a good option for those who prefer a quieter typing experience or work in shared spaces where noise could be an issue. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch stands out for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which is a result of its long-pole stem and extended springs. This design not only enhances the auditory presence but also adds to the overall experience, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound from their keystrokes.
When it comes to feel, the Outemu Purple is typically known for its tactile feedback, providing a noticeable bump at the actuation point that can enhance typing accuracy and overall engagement with the keyboard. This makes it a favored choice for users who appreciate a tactile response while typing or gaming. The Bsun Taichi switch, however, offers a smooth linear feel that lacks the tactile bump, prioritizing fluidity in key presses. This design aims to deliver an uninterrupted experience, allowing users to glide easily from key to key without the interruption of tactile feedback.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. If you prefer a balance of tactile feedback with a quieter sound, the Outemu Purple might be your best bet. On the other hand, if your priority is a pronounced auditory experience and a smooth typing feel, the Bsun Taichi could be the ideal choice. Ultimately, both switches can provide satisfying experiences, but their distinctive qualities mean that users will have to decide based on their own typing or gaming habits and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Purple tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a tactile feel with noticeable feedback during your key presses, the Outemu Purple might be the right fit, especially if you appreciate the satisfaction that comes with a clearly defined actuation point. This can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for tasks that require precision, like typing or coding. Conversely, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted keypress experience, the Bsun Taichi linear switch should be your go-to. Its long-pole design and extended springs provide a uniquely smooth action that many gamers and typists find appealing, particularly for rapid key presses in gaming scenarios. Additionally, if the sound profile matters to you, the Taichi switch offers a distinctive high-pitched bottom-out sound that adds personality to your setup, whereas the Purple may remain quieter and more subdued in this regard. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your priorities—whether you seek tactile feedback for productivity or a smooth linear action for gaming—so select wisely based on your personal preferences.
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