Outemu Silver vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Outemu Silver and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often gravitate toward the unique characteristics of various models to elevate their typing experience. The Outemu Silver switch, known for its responsive linear action, provides a quick and smooth keystroke that can enhance gaming performance and typing speed. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch stands out for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and the meticulous design featuring a long-pole stem and extended springs, offering unparalleled smoothness and stability during use. While both switches provide linear feedback, they cater to different preferences; the Silver is ideal for users seeking swift and silent keystrokes, while the Taichi appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback and enhanced stability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
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
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
Both the Outemu Silver and Bsun Taichi employ polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness, high pitch, and crispness. This shared material choice contributes to a clear and resonant audio experience when typing, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness. Additionally, its translucency enhances aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is incorporated into the keyboard design. Users who enjoy vibrant lighting effects will find that both switches effectively allow for light diffusion, ensuring an eye-catching display.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches utilizes nylon, which brings a distinct balance to their overall auditory characteristics. Nylon's inherent properties create a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it effectively absorbs sound, contributing to a softer and more rounded bottom-out feel. While the polycarbonate top enhances the initial sound upon keystroke, the nylon bottom dampens and enriches the sound during the bottoming out phase, cultivating a unique tactile experience. This combination yields an overall typing sound that merges the crispness from the top and the warmth from the bottom, offering users a balanced auditory feedback.
Ultimately, despite utilizing the same materials for both their top and bottom housings, the qualitative differences in how these materials interact can yield varied typing experiences. The polycarbonate top focuses on providing a clear sound when releasing the keys, while the nylon bottom shapes the impact and depth during the keystroke. Therefore, while both switches yield sharp and deep sounds respectively, the interaction between their materials means users can enjoy a nuanced performance that emphasizes different aspects of sound and feel, depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing a key.
Weight
When comparing the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, a notable difference in actuation force is evident. The Outemu Silver has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Bsun Taichi is lighter, requiring only 40 grams to actuate. This means that users preferring a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Taichi more comfortable. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is unspecified, making direct comparison difficult. The Outemu Silver has a bottom out force of 65 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down. Therefore, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Silver may be the better option. In summary, while the Taichi offers a lighter actuation force, the lack of data on its bottom out force prevents a complete contrast with the Silver.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Outemu Silver has a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the more traditional standard and provides a greater depth for users who appreciate a substantial keypress. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This reduced distance may appeal to gamers or users seeking faster response times, offering a quicker actuation with less effort. Therefore, if you prefer a more engaged and tactile experience, the Outemu Silver is the better choice due to its longer travel distance, while the Bsun Taichi caters to those who favor efficiency and speed with its shorter 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 Silver 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 Silver linear switch lacks a notable characteristic, making it a relatively neutral choice in terms of auditory feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch is celebrated for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This design results in a more resonant and pleasant auditory experience when the switch is actuated, setting it apart from the relatively quiet nature of the Silver. However, it's important to consider that the overall sound profile can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and the keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have a specific defining quality presented, leaving its tactile experience somewhat ambiguous. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi linear switch promises unparalleled smoothness and stability, thanks to its carefully engineered design that includes walled stems. This thoughtful construction contributes to a very satisfying typing experience, with a sense of fluidity that many typists and gamers prefer. While the Silver may deliver a straightforward linear feel, the Taichi's particular design offers a more refined and enjoyable touch.
Overall, the Outemu Silver linear switch provides a straightforward, neutral option for those seeking a basic linear feel without specific sound characteristics. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch excels in both sound and feel, delivering a unique auditory profile and a smooth tactile experience due to its innovative design features. For newcomers, both switches will likely produce an enjoyable experience, but those who appreciate enhanced sound and feel may find the Taichi to be the superior choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, consider your specific typing or gaming needs. If you prefer a firmer actuation with a bottom-out force of 65 grams, the Outemu Silver may be a better fit for you, especially if you enjoy a more tactile feedback that can aid in typing accuracy. On the other hand, if you seek a switch renowned for its smoothness and a high-pitched sound that enhances auditory feedback, the Bsun Taichi should be your choice. With its unique long-pole stem and design features, the Taichi provides an experience that emphasizes fluidity in keystrokes, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or immersive gaming experiences where every keystroke counts. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences in terms of feel and sound, ensuring you find a switch that enhances your overall keyboard experience.