Gateron Silent Ink Black vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches for your typing preferences, the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Taichi stand out as two noteworthy options, each catering to different needs. The Gateron Silent Ink Black is an ideal choice for those in environments where noise levels must be kept to a minimum, offering a silky, muted, and polished typing experience with its pillowy bottom-out feel and limited audio feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi appeals to users who favor a more tactile experience, bringing an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound to the table, courtesy of its long-pole stem and extended springs, which provide exceptional smoothness and stability. While the Silent Ink Black emphasizes silence and comfort, the Taichi celebrates auditory feedback and performance. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Taichi utilize different materials for their top housings, which results in distinct sound profiles. The Silent Ink Black features a proprietary INK blend that emphasizes a higher-pitched and somewhat clacky sound due to its design. This contrasts with the Bsun Taichi's use of polycarbonate, which is noted for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. Thus, while both switches aim for a more pronounced auditory feedback during use, the Silent Ink Black's INK blend may deliver a less aggressive sound compared to the clearer resonance offered by the polycarbonate of the Taichi. If you prioritize auditory feedback, you may find the clackiness of the Silent Ink Black slightly more subdued than the piercing notes of the Taichi, despite both being designed for audible clarity.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the differences are even more pronounced. The Silent Ink Black incorporates an INK blend material that is tailored to maintain a higher-pitched sound, contributing to a clacky and satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi's bottom housing made from nylon produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, lending a rounder quality to the act of bottoming out. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches contribute to their respective sound profiles, the bottom housings create a noticeable divergence. As users press down on the switches, they would experience the INK blend’s unique sound characteristics in the Gateron option and a fuller, more muted effect in the Taichi due to its nylon bottom, suggesting that switching between the two could yield markedly different tactile responses even if both are designed to enhance user satisfaction.
Ultimately, the differences in materials across the Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Taichi create distinct and contrasting user experiences. The combination of the proprietary INK blend in the top and bottom housings of the Silent Ink Black performs cohesively to generate a harmonious sound profile ideal for users seeking a satisfying, clacky response. Meanwhile, the Taichi blends its clearer polycarbonate top with a deeper nylon bottom to achieve a very different auditory experience, focusing on resonance and fullness. Therefore, when choosing between these two, one must consider not only the sound profiles derived from each material but also how the specific combination of the top and bottom housings influences the overall feel and sound of the switch, ensuring a tailored typing experience that suits individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we see a notable difference in their actuation forces. The Silent Ink Black requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams, while the Taichi is notably lighter at 40 grams. This difference suggests that those who favor a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons may prefer the Taichi switch. However, the Silent Ink Black offers a more substantial typing experience for users who enjoy a stronger feedback during keystrokes. Additionally, the Silent Ink Black has a bottom out force of 70 grams, which provides a clear indication of the effort needed to fully depress the key. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Taichi is currently unavailable, leaving a gap in the assessment of how it performs when pressing keys all the way down. Overall, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is heavier both in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making it suitable for those seeking a firmer keystroke experience, while the Bsun Taichi offers a lighter option for those who prefer ease of use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, it is clear that they differ significantly, with the Silent Ink Black featuring a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Taichi measures 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Ink Black offers a longer press depth, which some users may find preferable for a more substantial and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Taichi's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance may appeal to gamers and those who favor quick response times for faster key actions. While the Silent Ink Black provides a traditional travel distance that can feel more robust, the Taichi caters to a modern preference for reduced key travel. Thus, if you're looking for a more pronounced feedback from your keystrokes, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be the better choice, whereas the Taichi's shorter travel may suit those seeking speed and efficiency.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 comparing the sound of the Gateron Silent Ink Black and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, the Silent Ink Black is clearly designed for quieter environments, producing a muted sound that minimizes the typical audio feedback associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. On the other hand, the Taichi switch is characterized by its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which adds a unique auditory dimension to the typing experience. This contrast means that while the Silent Ink Black effectively silences typing noises, the Taichi actively engages the user with a more pronounced and uplifting sound that some may find appealing, though it may not suit quieter environments.
In terms of feel, the Silent Ink Black is noted for offering a silky and polished typing experience. The refinement in the switch's design reduces friction and enhances smoothness, providing a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel that promotes comfort during extended typing sessions. This design prioritizes a smooth and refined experience, making it highly enjoyable for prolonged use. The Taichi switch, however, lacks detailed descriptors regarding its tactile feel, leaving its exact characteristics somewhat unknown. Without specific information on the Taichi's tactile feedback or travel resistance, it’s challenging to directly compare its feel with that of the Silent Ink Black.
In conclusion, both switches serve different user preferences and environments. The Gateron Silent Ink Black excels in noise reduction and provides a smooth, refined feel, ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the Bsun Taichi switch offers an appealing high-pitched sound, which may engage those who appreciate auditory feedback. Ultimately, if you're looking for silence, the Silent Ink Black will deliver, while the Taichi will provide a more vibrant soundscape, but the specifics of its feel remain unclear. Your choice will depend on your typing environment and personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard and your personal preferences for feel and sound. If you require a quieter typing experience, perhaps due to a shared workspace or late-night sessions, the Silent Ink Black is an excellent choice. Its 70-gram actuation force provides a satisfying resistance while minimizing noise, making it ideal for those who prefer a more subdued sound profile. The silky and polished feel of these switches enhances smoothness, enabling a comfortable typing experience with a cushioned bottom-out. In contrast, if you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and appreciate the tactile sensation of a higher-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi linear switch could be your go-to option. Designed for unrivaled smoothness and stability, it caters to those who value acoustic performance and are less concerned about noise levels. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a muted, polished typing experience or an engaging auditory feedback.
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