Outemu Silent Grey vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Grey and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Outemu Silent Grey and the Bsun Taichi stand out as two distinct choices that cater to different typing preferences and environments. The Outemu Silent Grey switch is celebrated for delivering a quiet yet tactile experience, making it an excellent option for office settings or shared spaces where noise might be a concern. Its pronounced bump and smooth keystroke provide satisfying feedback, inviting users to enjoy a more engaging typing experience without disturbing those around them. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch offers a linear typing experience characterized by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its innovative long-pole stem and extended springs. This switch shines in scenarios where swift and uninterrupted keystrokes are paramount, particularly for gamers or fast typists who prefer smooth and consistent key travel. Both switches have their unique advantages, whether you’re seeking a quieter workspace or an exhilarating typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Silent Grey and the Bsun Taichi share a similar foundational design in their switch housings, employing polycarbonate for the top housing. This commonality lays the groundwork for a precise and resonant sound profile, characterized by a sharper and crisper auditory experience. As polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer material, both switches will exhibit enhanced clarity in sound when pressed, making them particularly well-suited for RGB lighting. The translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, accentuating the visual appeal of the switches while contributing to their high-pitched sound output.
In contrast to their identical polycarbonate tops, the Silent Grey and Taichi differ only in market branding, both featuring nylon for their bottom housing. This choice of material provides a deeper and richer sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than harder plastics like polycarbonate. Consequently, when typing, the Silent Grey and the Taichi offerings create a rounder and fuller auditory experience with each keystroke. The characteristics of the nylon bottom housing become especially prominent during bottom-out action, which enhances tactile feedback and further influences the overall sound produced during use.
Ultimately, while the top housing materials of the Outemu Silent Grey and Bsun Taichi are the same, leading to comparable sound characteristics, the nuanced differences arise from the overall layering of materials. Since both switches utilize matching materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect a harmonious blend of sharp, clear sounds from the polycarbonate tops combined with the deeper, fuller sounds from the nylon bottoms. This dual-material approach ensures a finely-tuned auditory experience, allowing typists to enjoy both the clarity of the higher range as well as the warmth of lower frequencies in their keystrokes.
Weight
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ significantly in terms of actuation force, with the Silent Grey requiring a heavier 50 grams to trigger a keystroke compared to the Taichi's lighter 40 grams. This suggests that users who prefer a gentler touch may favor the Taichi switch for extended typing sessions or gaming, as its lower actuation force can reduce finger fatigue. However, the bottom out force of the Taichi switch is unknown, making it difficult to fully compare how each switch feels when pressed down completely. The Silent Grey has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a firmer feel upon full depression, which some users might find satisfying for a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the Silent Grey is the heavier option, while the Taichi offers a lighter touch, making it better suited for those who prioritize a less strenuous feel during long usage.
Travel distance
The Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Silent Grey measuring 4 mm and the Taichi at 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Grey offers a longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced feedback and a deeper key press, which some users might find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Taichi’s shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm aligns with the trend of shorter switches that cater to gamers seeking quicker response times for actions, making it potentially more suitable for fast-paced gameplay. Ultimately, while both switches serve different preferences, those who favor depth and feedback might lean towards the Silent Grey, while those seeking rapid engagement may prefer the Taichi for its responsiveness.
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 Silent Grey 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 Silent Grey switches are designed for a quiet typing experience, which makes them ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. The pronounced tactile bump helps to provide feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switches produce a distinctly high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to their long-pole stem and extended springs. This sound characteristic delivers a satisfying auditory feedback for users who enjoy a bit of sound with their typing, but it may not be suitable for quiet environments.
When it comes to feel, the Silent Grey switches excel in providing a tactile response that is both pronounced and smooth, giving users a gratifying sensation as they register each keystroke. This makes them particularly appealing for typists who prefer a tactile feedback without excessive noise. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi switches are linear, offering a smooth keystroke without any tactile bump. This allows for seamless and fluid typing, which some users may prefer for gaming or fast-paced typing, where the focus is more on speed rather than tactile feedback.
In summary, if you're looking for a switch that balances quiet enjoyment with tactile feedback, the Outemu Silent Grey would be an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prioritize a smooth and fluid typing experience along with a distinct auditory characteristic, then the Bsun Taichi may be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and your choice will depend on whether you lean more towards a quiet, tactile experience or a smooth, sonorous linear feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your personal preferences and typing environment will play crucial roles. If you prefer a typing experience that is both tactile and quiet, the Outemu Silent Grey is an excellent choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 65 grams ensures that you can feel the satisfying bump at actuation without generating excess noise, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where sound might be a concern. Conversely, if you are looking for smoothness and you enjoy the sound of a crisp keystroke, the Bsun Taichi linear switch could be the better option for you. These switches are designed to provide an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, and their long-pole stem combined with extended springs allows for an exceptionally smooth keystroke, perfect for fast typists or gamers seeking speed without the interruption of tactile feedback. Ultimately, the decision comes down to whether you value a tactile response with quiet operation or a smooth, linear feel with an auditory feedback component.
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