TTC Silent Brown vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference and intended use. The TTC Silent Brown switch, a tactile option, is revered for its comfortable typing experience, featuring a light to medium level of resistance and a satisfying rounded tactile bump, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile response without the distracting noise of traditional switches. Its muted sound profile enhances focus in quieter environments, catering to typists and gamers alike who prioritize a serene workspace. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch, a linear switch, excels in delivering a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke with a captivating high-pitched sound upon bottoming out. Designed with a long-pole stem and extended springs, it promises unparalleled smoothness and stability, appealing to gamers and fast typists who prefer a slick and responsive typing experience. While both switches offer unique advantages, your decision should align with how you plan to use your keyboard. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
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
3.80 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 housing materials of the TTC Silent Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches share a key component in their top housing, both utilizing polycarbonate. This similarity in material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, a hallmark of polycarbonate's characteristics. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize acoustics in their typing experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially for setups featuring RGB lighting. Users of either switch can expect a degree of consistency in the top-end sound response when pressing the keys, resulting in similar auditory feedback.
In contrast to their shared top housing material, the bottom housings of the TTC Silent Brown and the Bsun Taichi are both made from nylon, which contributes a different sonic quality altogether. Nylon, being a softer plastic, tends to absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. This absorption creates a deeper, fuller sound profile, often resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Given that the bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing the keys, this combination of properties allows both switches to offer a well-rounded typing experience, characterized by a complete range of sound from the top to the bottom of the stroke.
When evaluating the overall performance of the TTC Silent Brown and Bsun Taichi switches, it is noteworthy that the interaction between the materials in both the top and bottom housings results in a balanced auditory experience. Users can benefit from the crispness due to the polycarbonate top while enjoying the rich depth provided by the nylon bottom. Therefore, while the materials are the same, the distinct combination of these attributes ensures consistent results across both types of switches. As a result, whether one opts for the Silent Brown or the Taichi, they can expect an engaging typing experience marrying clarity with richness.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation forces. The Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier than the Taichi’s actuation force of 40 grams. This means that the TTC Silent Brown may require a bit more effort to register a keystroke, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force of the Taichi switch is unknown, which leaves a gap in understanding its overall feel when pressed down completely. The Silent Brown’s bottom out force of 63.5 grams indicates that it provides a solid resistance when fully pressed, further contributing to its medium-heavy typing experience. For users who prioritize lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Taichi may be the preferred choice. Overall, those seeking a more forceful typing experience would likely gravitate towards the TTC Silent Brown, while users who favor a lighter feel may find the Bsun Taichi more suitable, though its undefined bottom out force leaves some uncertainty about its responsiveness.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Silent Brown has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Taichi measures slightly shorter at 3.6 mm. This difference suggests that the Silent Brown offers a bit more depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke feel. Conversely, the Taichi's shorter travel distance could provide a quicker response, making it a favorable choice for gamers seeking faster actuation. Ultimately, the experience varies based on individual preferences, as those who favor a more responsive feel might lean towards the Taichi, while users who appreciate a deeper keystroke might opt for the Silent Brown.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 considering the sound characteristics of the TTC Silent Brown and the Bsun Taichi switches, there is a notable contrast. The Silent Brown switches are renowned for their muted sound profile, which produces a softer and quieter typing experience. This is particularly advantageous for those who prefer a quieter workspace or gaming environment, as these switches effectively minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, while the Taichi switches are described as producing a high-pitched bottom-out sound, the specifics aren't detailed, leaving potential users to consider its overall auditory impact without a definitive comparison to the Silent Brown's muted tones. It is important to remember that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Brown switches stand out with their buttery, mild, and polished characteristics. The buttery sensation translates to a smooth keystroke experience that feels effortless, while the mildness ensures a gentle typing experience that appeals to a broader range of users. The polished nature of these switches contributes to a refined and sleek typing experience, reducing friction for improved key travel. Unfortunately, the tactile qualities of the Bsun Taichi switches are not specified, making it difficult to assess their feel in comparison. However, given the popularity of linear switches, one might anticipate a smooth action, but without concrete data, their exact tactile feedback remains uncertain.
In summary, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switches offer a distinctly muted auditory experience accompanied by a smooth and approachable tactile feel, making them suitable for users seeking a balance between comfort and noise reduction. Meanwhile, the Bsun Taichi switches are characterized by an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, but their feel is less defined, leaving potential buyers with limited information. Users may gravitate towards the Silent Brown for a quiet and refined typing experience, whereas the Taichi could appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback, assuming other factors are favorable.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between TTC Silent Brown tactile switches and Bsun Taichi linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a quieter typing experience with tactile feedback, the TTC Silent Brown is an excellent choice. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams and a smooth, buttery feel, it offers the satisfying tactile bump that many typists enjoy, while minimizing noise, making it ideal for shared spaces or late-night work. On the other hand, if your priority is a smooth, linear feel with an enchanting sound profile, the Bsun Taichi switch might be more suited to your needs. Designed for a refined typing experience with noticeably less resistance, its unique long-pole architecture provides a smooth keypress, ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing, where every keystroke can feel effortless. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your desired sound level, tactile feedback, and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard.
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