TTC Silent Red vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Taichi both offer unique benefits tailored to different preferences. The TTC Silent Red is renowned for its exceptionally smooth and quiet typing experience, making it an ideal choice for those in office settings or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. Its muted sound profile, combined with a buttery and polished feel, provides a comfortable and consistent typing experience, minimizing distractions for both the user and those around them. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi boasts a more distinct auditory character, with an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound that many enthusiasts find appealing. The Taichi is designed with a long-pole stem and extended springs, resulting in unparalleled smoothness and stability, which can enhance the tactile feedback during typing and gaming sessions. Both switches have their strengths, appealing to different usage scenarios and personal preferences; however, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 TTC Silent Red and the Bsun Taichi switches feature similar material compositions, particularly when it comes to their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which provides a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced when the switch is activated. In addition, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those who intend to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows for vibrant illumination effects that can enhance the visual appeal of a keyboard.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Silent Red and Taichi switches employ nylon, a material known for its sound-dampening properties. The use of nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile—this is a result of its relatively softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, the sound produced at the bottom out of each switch tends to be rounder and less sharp, providing a distinct tactile response. This commonality in housing materials suggests that both switches aim to deliver a balanced auditory experience, with the nylon bottom housing enriching the sound upon key release.
While both switches share identical materials, their individual sound characteristics will still be shaped by the interplay between the top and bottom housing. Since the top housing's polycarbonate has more influence during the key release phase, it will typically produce a clearer sound, while the nylon bottom will contribute to a bulkier sound profile at the bottom-out point. Therefore, even though the switches utilize the same materials, the overall experience—encompassing sound and tactile feedback—will feel unique because of the synergy between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom. Users looking for a well-rounded auditory experience will find that both switches deliver results consistent with their specified materials, while still presenting distinct characteristics when in use.
Weight
The TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch present a notable comparison in their actuation forces, with the Silent Red requiring 45 grams to actuate and the Taichi being lighter at 40 grams. This difference suggests that users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing sessions may prefer the Taichi switch, as it requires less force to initiate a keystroke. Conversely, the Silent Red, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. However, when it comes to the bottom out force, the Silent Red has a defined measurement of 63.5 grams, indicating a medium-heavy feel when fully pressed down, while the bottom out force for the Taichi switch is unknown. Without this information, it’s challenging to gauge how their bottoming out experiences compare, though the Silent Red clearly provides a tangible feedback at the end of a keystroke. Overall, the Silent Red is heavier than the Taichi when considering both actuation and bottom out forces, making it potentially less suitable for long typing sessions for those sensitive to weight.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find that their specifications reflect distinct preferences for different user experiences. The TTC Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Taichi features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Silent Red offers a more substantial keypress, which could be preferable for users who appreciate a deeper, more tactile experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Taichi may cater to gamers or those seeking quicker response times. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive feel, the Taichi would be the better choice, while the Silent Red may suit those who enjoy a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Silent Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 TTC Silent Red linear switch is characterized by its muted profile, making it an excellent choice for those who need a quieter typing experience. This switch produces softer sounds, significantly minimizing the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, which is ideal for office environments or shared living spaces. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi switch features an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, attributed to its design with a long-pole stem and extended springs. This distinct acoustic signature can lend an engaging auditory experience, contrasting sharply with the Silent Red's subdued tones. Ultimately, each switch offers a different auditory landscape that may cater to varying user preferences, with the Silent Red focusing on discretion and the Taichi emphasizing an elevated and resonant sound.
In terms of feel, the TTC Silent Red excels with its buttery smoothness that provides a seamless and polished typing experience. The characteristics of the Silent Red are mild and approachable, ensuring that it suits a broad range of typing styles and preferences. Users can expect a refined keypress with a padded bottom-out sensation that enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. Conversely, details regarding the feel of the Bsun Taichi switch are unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, it is reasonable to assume that its unique construction and focus on stability could offer its own distinctive typing experience.
In conclusion, the TTC Silent Red and Bsun Taichi linear switches cater to different user needs, particularly in terms of sound and potentially feel. The Silent Red provides a quiet and comfortable typing experience, perfect for environments where noise levels need to be minimized. The Taichi offers a lively acoustic expression that may appeal to others looking for a more dynamic auditory feedback. Without specific details on the feel of the Taichi switch, it's best to consider that you might find enjoyment with either switch if sound and tactile experiences are prioritized according to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Silent Red linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and environment. If you're in need of a reliable and quiet switch that allows for undisturbed typing, especially in shared spaces or offices, the TTC Silent Red is your best bet. With its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams, it provides a smooth and buttery keystroke experience that is both polished and mild—perfect for extended typing sessions without the noise that can disrupt concentration or disturb others. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that enhances the auditory experience with an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Bsun Taichi linear switch may be more appropriate, especially if you enjoy a more pronounced acoustic feedback during your keystrokes. Although its specific force isn't available, this switch's longer stem and extended springs contribute to a smooth and stable typing feel, ideal for those who appreciate the sound of their keystrokes as much as the feel. Ultimately, consider your typing environment and personal preferences when making your decision—whether you value quietness and comfort with the Silent Reds or the delightful sound and slight performance edge of the Taichi switches.
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