Durock Sea Glass vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Durock Sea Glass and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Sea Glass and the Bsun Taichi stand out as two intriguing options within the linear switch category. The Sea Glass switches are celebrated for their captivating pastel colors and a typing experience that feels remarkably light and airy, thanks to their unique material blend. They offer a 62g bottom-out force, providing gentle resistance while delivering an exceptionally smooth and frictionless feel. The distinctive hollow sound signature of the Sea Glass adds character to each keystroke, making it an appealing choice for users who appreciate both aesthetics and tactile experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches are designed for those who favor a slightly more pronounced auditory feedback, featuring a high-pitched bottom-out sound that complements their reliable performance. Crafted with a long-pole stem and extended springs, the Taichi switches promise enhanced stability and smoothness, catering to users who prioritize a consistent keystroke with a more robust acoustic profile. 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
62g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
P3+
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE 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 Durock Sea Glass and Bsun Taichi switches showcase distinct differences in their housing materials, which directly influence their sound profiles and aesthetic qualities. The Sea Glass utilizes a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, which is noted for producing a sound that is slightly bright but pleasantly mellow. This contrasts with the Taichi's polycarbonate top housing, which is inherently stiffer and produces a sharper, more resonant sound profile. The polycarbonate’s translucency allows it to effectively showcase RGB lighting, making it a favored choice among enthusiasts who want both performance and visual appeal in their mechanical keyboards.
Examining the bottom housing materials further accentuates the contrasting acoustic properties of these two switches. The Sea Glass employs a polymer nylon and UHMWPE combination, which lends a softer and brighter sound profile that is sometimes described as pleasant and rounded. Meanwhile, the Taichi's nylon bottom housing is a more traditional choice, producing a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's superior sound absorption capabilities. This divergence in materials impacts not only how each switch sounds but also how users experience each keystroke; the Sea Glass may feel more lively and agile, while the Taichi might offer a hearty and confident feedback with every press.
Despite their differences, the design of both switches allows for a blending of sound characteristics. The top housing of the Sea Glass, while brighter and lighter, might still achieve a similar acoustic resonance to that of the Taichi’s sharper profile, offering a unique harmony when combined with the bottoms of either switch. Users can expect the interactive qualities of the bottom housing to dominate the bottom-out sound, while the clearer effects of the top housing become apparent upon release. In this way, enthusiasts can appreciate distinct nuances in sound and feel between the two switches while also finding value in their respective design choices, leading to diverse auditory experiences based on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation forces and the unknown bottom out force of the Taichi. The Sea Glass features an actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a balanced experience that some users might find suitable for long typing sessions due to its medium weight. Conversely, the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, making it easier to press, which may appeal to those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Taichi is not specified, leaving a gap in understanding how it would compare to the Sea Glass's bottom out force of 62 grams. Therefore, while the Sea Glass offers more resistance at the bottom, ensuring a more substantial feel, the Taichi's lighter actuation might provide a more comfortable experience. In summary, if users seek a lighter touch, the Taichi may be the better option, while those preferring a heavier and more defined feel could opt for the Sea Glass.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Sea Glass measures 3.8 mm, while the Taichi has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that if you prefer quicker responsiveness during gaming, the Taichi may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, leading to faster actuation. Conversely, the Sea Glass offers a deeper travel distance that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to personal preference: if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the Taichi is the better option, whereas if you gravitate towards a fuller key press, the Sea Glass would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 Sea Glass switches have a uniquely hollow sound signature that contributes to a typing experience that might be perceived as airy and less intrusive. This characteristic can create a pleasant auditory backdrop while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches offer a more enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to their long-pole stem and the design features that enhance acoustics. This sound can be more pronounced and is often described as bright, contributing to a lively auditory feedback when typing. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can still vary based on individual preferences and the specific keyboard and keycap combinations used.
In terms of feel, the Sea Glass switches are characterized by their frictionless operation, providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing experience that minimizes resistance. This results in a typing sensation that feels mild and approachable, making it suitable for both casual typing and prolonged sessions. Furthermore, they are described as feathery and easy to press, allowing for minimal exertion during key presses and reducing finger fatigue over time. Unfortunately, the specific feel characteristics of the Bsun Taichi switches were not detailed, leaving their precise tactile response and resistance unknown in this context.
In summary, both the Durock Sea Glass and Bsun Taichi linear switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Sea Glass focuses on a light, smooth, and airy experience with a hollow sound that emphasizes comfort during prolonged use. Meanwhile, the Taichi presents a livelier tactile feedback due to its high-pitched sound. The choice between the two will ultimately depend on your individual preference for sound signature and typing feel, ensuring that either switch can provide a satisfying experience albeit in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Durock Sea Glass linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, your decision should hinge on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you appreciate a typing experience that's characterized by a weightlessness and a distinctly smooth touch, the Sea Glass switches are a solid choice. Their medium bottom-out force of 62 grams provides a mild and feathery feel, making them ideal for long typing sessions without inducing fatigue. The unique hollow sound signature adds an interesting auditory dimension, perfect for those who enjoy a subtle yet engaging experience while typing. On the other hand, if you find yourself drawn to a more pronounced auditory feedback alongside an exceptionally smooth travel, the Taichi switch might be the better option for you. Although specific weight details are not available, its long-pole stem and extended springs suggest potential for stability and enhanced performance, combined with a high-pitched bottom-out sound that can be quite satisfying for some users. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize an airy, fluid typing experience or a more vibrant acoustic feedback without compromising on smoothness.
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