Outemu Silent Ocean vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silent Ocean and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of their options to determine the best fit for their typing style or gaming needs. The Outemu Silent Ocean and the Bsun Taichi both fall into the category of linear switches, but they offer distinctly different experiences. The Silent Ocean is celebrated for its smooth keystrokes and quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a distraction-free environment, whether for work or gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, coupled with a long-pole stem and extended springs, which promise unparalleled smoothness and stability—qualities that appeal to users seeking an engaging auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches offer a linear experience characterized by a lack of tactile bump, their unique traits cater to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
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 Silent Ocean and Bsun Taichi both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar auditory experience. This material choice inherently creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, thanks in part to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but also makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. As a result, users of both switches can expect a bright and resonant sound when key presses are released, regardless of performance variations that might arise from the bottom housing materials.
In contrast, both the Silent Ocean and Taichi feature nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a distinctly different character to the sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer texture absorbs vibrations more effectively, creating a deeper and fuller sound upon bottoming out. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing means that both switches will deliver a rounded sound experience, contrasting nicely with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This synergy between the two materials crafts a well-rounded auditory profile, where the nuances of each housing's properties complement each other to produce a distinct typing sensation.
Ultimately, while the Outemu Silent Ocean and Bsun Taichi share similarities in their choice of materials, the combination of polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms results in a unique interplay of sound qualities. The polycarbonate tops ensure a clear and resonant release sound, whereas the nylon bottoms contribute a full-bodied response upon keystroke compression. Users can expect a level of acoustic harmony in their typing experience, where the strengths of each material are effectively utilized to produce a well-balanced auditory profile across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference exists in their actuation forces, with the Silent Ocean requiring 45 grams to activate and the Taichi requiring a lighter 40 grams. This means that users looking for a more effortless typing experience may prefer the Taichi switch, especially for extended use during work or gaming sessions. However, the Silent Ocean provides a slightly heavier push, which may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel while typing. As for the bottom out forces, the Silent Ocean has a definitive measurement of 65 grams, indicating how much pressure is needed to press the switch all the way down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unavailable, leaving it unclear how it compares in this regard. If both switches had a bottom out force of 65 grams, one could expect similar results in terms of overall feel when bottoming out, but with the Taichi lacking this data, a direct comparison cannot be made. Ultimately, the Silent Ocean is the heavier option, while the Taichi is the lighter, providing a difference in feedback and comfort levels for diverse typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Silent Ocean features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you opt for the Silent Ocean, you will experience a deeper keypress, which can provide a more reassuring tactile feedback that some users prefer, especially for typists or those who enjoy a heftier feel during use. Conversely, the Taichi's 3.6 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it a more suitable choice for gamers seeking rapid keystrokes and faster performance. In summary, the Silent Ocean is the longer option, providing greater depth, while the Taichi, with its shorter distance, delivers a more responsive experience.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch does not have a specific characteristic known for its auditory output, leaving room for personal interpretation based on the surrounding components. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is acclaimed for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems. This combination ensures a satisfying auditory feedback that enriches the typing experience, although it’s essential to note that the sound produced by any switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.
Regarding the feel, the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch lacks a renowned tactile quality, which makes it harder to provide a definitive description of its touch sensations. Meanwhile, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is designed for unparalleled smoothness and stability, thanks to its engineering details. The combination of the long-pole stem and extended springs delivers an exceptionally fluid keystroke, promoting a pleasant typing experience for users seeking a comfortable and responsive feel.
In conclusion, while the Outemu Silent Ocean may not be particularly distinguished in sound and feel, the Bsun Taichi linear switch stands out with its high-pitched acoustic profile and smooth operation. Both switches offer unique qualities, and while one may yield similar results in terms of sound and tactile feedback, the Taichi's specific attributes provide a more enriched typing experience. As such, your choice may hinge on what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences in terms of feel, sound, and the typing experience you desire. If you prefer a medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams that delivers a solid and firm feel with a quieter operation, then the Silent Ocean switch is your best bet. Its design makes it an excellent option for both typing and gaming, especially in shared spaces where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, if you seek a switch that provides a unique auditory experience with its high-pitched bottom-out sound and an exceptionally smooth action due to its long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi switch could be the right choice for you. This switch is perfect for those who enjoy a more tactile and responsive typing experience and love the added auditory feedback. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you value a quieter environment or an enhanced, noisy feedback experience as you type.
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