Durock Piano vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Piano and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options that often stand out are the Durock Piano and the Bsun Taichi switches. The Durock Piano is celebrated for its unique blend of materials, which produces a delightful typing experience characterized by a gliding push feel and a deep, creamy sound signature. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a smooth, frictionless sensation while typing, making every keystroke a joy. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switches offer a different allure with their long-pole stem and extended springs, which ensure exceptional smoothness and stability, complemented by an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound that many typists find satisfying. While both switches cater to enthusiasts who appreciate linear feedback and a quiet typing experience, they each bring forth distinct qualities that may appeal to different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you the most.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
N/A
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Mystery material
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Durock Piano and the Bsun Taichi switches serve as a distinct point of comparison, particularly regarding their construction and resultant acoustic properties. The Durock Piano features a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which, despite lacking specific details, is noted for producing a uniquely satisfying and deep sound profile. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffer composition that contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim to provide pleasing auditory experiences, they navigate these objectives through contrasting material choices—one emphasizing depth and richness, while the other prioritizes clarity and resonance.
Examining the bottom housing materials further underscores the tonal differences between the two switches. The Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend on its bottom housing, mirroring the deep sound profile established by its upper counterpart. This compatibility underscores the cohesive acoustic performance of the Piano, maintaining a unified sound character. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi’s nylon bottom housing is traditionally recognized for its ability to absorb sound more effectively. Consequently, this results in a duller yet fuller sound experience beneath the fingers, presenting an entirely different auditory feel than the Piano. Here again, the differences in materials emphasize the unique auditory profiles—one blends sound depth with clarity, while the other pairs its softer, absorbing nature with a rounded tone.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housings in each switch leads to distinct sound characteristics. For the Durock Piano, both the top and bottom housings work in tandem to deliver a satisfying deep sound throughout the key press and release. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi yields a clear and resonant sound upon release, dictated by its polycarbonate upper housing, while the nylon bottom absorbs some sound on bottom out to create more rounded tonal quality. Although the switches differ in material usage and the resulting acoustic profiles, they both showcase how switching up materials can simultaneously yield different auditory results while providing satisfying typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in the actuation force, while the bottom out force for the Taichi remains unknown. The Durock Piano switch has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience, providing tactile feedback during each keystroke. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, suggesting that it is easier to press down, making it potentially ideal for users who favor prolonged typing sessions and gaming, as it reduces fatigue. Since the bottom out force for the Taichi is unspecified, we cannot make a direct comparison on that aspect; however, the Piano's heavier overall feel may suit those looking for more resistance, while the Taichi caters to users seeking a lighter touch. Overall, the Piano is the heavier option, providing a more substantial keystroke, while the Taichi offers a lighter actuation experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Piano linear switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Piano has a longer travel distance compared to the Taichi. For users who prefer a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Taichi might be more suitable as it provides quicker key presses, which can be advantageous for gaming. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth in their keystrokes may find the Piano's 4 mm travel distance preferable, offering a more traditional and hearty typing experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Piano is the option for those seeking depth, and the Taichi serves the needs of those favoring speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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.
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 Durock Piano linear switch is recognized for its deep, creamy sound signature that emphasizes a bassy tone, which offers a rich and immersive auditory experience during key presses. This deeper frequency range can create a warm ambiance when typing, setting it apart from other switch types. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi linear switch features an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, crafted through its unique design elements like a long-pole stem and extended springs. This results in a more pronounced and clearer sound upon bottoming out, making it suitable for users who enjoy a brighter auditory feedback when typing. Overall, while the Piano provides a more bass-heavy experience, the Taichi tends to offer a lighter and more airy sound, both creating distinct auditory personalities.
In terms of feel, the Durock Piano switches excel with their frictionless and silky characteristics. Users often describe the typing experience as extremely smooth and effortless, with minimal resistance during key presses. This ensures a fluid travel that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. Meanwhile, the feel characteristics of the Bsun Taichi switch are currently unknown. However, the long-pole and extended spring designs suggest that they may offer a different tactile experience, potentially leaning towards a snappier feel. Without specific descriptions of the Taichi’s feel, it’s difficult to provide a direct comparison, but the difference in design elements indicates a potential variance in the overall typing sensation.
In summary, both the Durock Piano and Bsun Taichi linear switches present unique attributes in sound and feel. The Piano is favored for its bassy and pleasant auditory feedback, combined with an exceptionally smooth typing experience, while the Taichi draws attention with its high-pitched sound and potentially different feel due to its distinct design. For those seeking a keyboard experience, whether you prefer the rich depth of the Piano or the enchanting high notes of the Taichi, you’ll find that each switch offers its own charm tailored to different typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Durock Piano linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you’re looking for a switch that provides a medium-heavy feel with a rich, deep sound, the Durock Piano is an excellent option. Its proprietary material blend creates a unique gliding push sensation, enhanced by a creamy and bassy audio profile that makes typing not only pleasurable but also satisfying. This switch is particularly suitable for users who appreciate a sturdy bottom-out force and a frictionless typing experience, allowing for smooth and rapid keystrokes without fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that offers a different kind of auditory feedback, you might lean towards the Bsun Taichi. Although the specifications around its bottom-out force are less defined, the unique long-pole design and extended springs aim to deliver a high-pitched sound during key presses, alongside unparalleled smoothness and stability. This switch may appeal more to gamers or those who enjoy a lighter action and a higher-pitched acoustic response. In summary, your ideal choice should reflect your typing preferences, sound requirements, and whether you prioritize a heavier, rich feel versus a lighter, more responsive one.
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