Gateron Smoothie vs. Bsun Taichi

Overview

When considering the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Gateron Smoothie and the Bsun Taichi present intriguing options, each with unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Gateron Smoothie is celebrated for its buttery smooth action and thocky sound signature, making it an ideal choice for those who desire a soft touch and a pleasing auditory experience while typing or gaming. Its all-POM construction ensures durability and a creamy, subdued feel that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switches are designed with a long-pole stem and extended springs, producing a high-pitched bottom-out sound that enthusiasts appreciate, alongside enhanced stability and smoothness during use. While the Gateron Smoothie excels in delivering a rich tactile experience that is both gentle and quiet, the Bsun Taichi makes a statement with its vibrant acoustics and reliable performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Smoothie Linear

Bsun Taichi Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Gateron Smoothie and the Bsun Taichi, two distinct types of switch housing materials emerge: POM and polycarbonate. The Gateron Smoothie utilizes POM for its top housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper, more muted sound profile. This characteristic lends itself to a unique auditory experience that many users find pleasing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances its ability to create a more resonant sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a clearer auditory feedback when typing. Ultimately, the contrasting sound profiles of these two materials will greatly influence the user experience, with the Smoothie leaning towards a more subdued tone while the Taichi offers a brighter acoustic signature.

Examining the bottom housings reveals further differences that impact the overall sound and feel of both switches. The Gateron Smoothie's bottom housing is also crafted from POM, solidifying a consistent sound profile that complements the muted tones of the top housing. This uniformity in material provides a cohesive auditory experience with a deeper, fuller sound when bottoming out the switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi utilizes a nylon bottom housing, another classic material known for its sound absorption qualities. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to produce a duller and rounder sound profile, contrasting with the sharper sounds generated by its polycarbonate top. This combination of a crisp top housing paired with a softer bottom housing in the Taichi creates a distinct balance, showcasing how the choice of materials plays a key role in shaping the switch's overall performance.

The interplay between the top and bottom housings of each switch is crucial for users looking to achieve specific auditory and tactile sensations. In the case of the Gateron Smoothie, the POM top and bottom housings work in tandem to deliver a consistently deep and muted sound experience, making it ideal for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Conversely, the Bsun Taichi combines polycarbonate and nylon to create a unique sound signature; the sharper top housing contributes clarity and brightness, while the softer nylon bottom absorbs sound for a rounded feel on bottoming out. This contrast means that each switch provides a distinct sense of feedback when typing, ultimately allowing users to choose based on their preference for sound profiles and tactile experiences.

Weight

Both the Gateron Smoothie and Bsun Taichi linear switches have the same actuation force of 40 grams, indicating that both switches require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. This consistency means that users can expect a similar typing feel in terms of effort when activating a key in both switches. However, the bottom out forces for both switches are unknown, which leaves an important comparison incomplete. Generally, if the bottom out forces were also provided and found to be the same, users would experience similar results when pressing the keys to their maximum extent. Currently, since both switches have the same actuation force, neither can be distinctly categorized as lighter or heavier based on this measurement alone. If the bottom out forces were eventually known, one could potentially determine which switch offers a heavier or lighter bottoming out experience. Without that information, it's challenging to fully compare the overall typing experience for users who prefer either lighter or heavier key presses.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch is identical at 3.6 mm, meaning that both switches require the same amount of displacement from the top to the bottom when pressed. As a result, users can expect a similar experience in terms of key feel and responsiveness when using these switches. Since the travel distances are equal, the tactile feedback and actuation characteristics will also be comparable, allowing for a consistent typing experience across both options.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Gateron Smoothie is celebrated for its thocky sound signature, characterized by deep, rich tones that produce a satisfying auditory feedback reminiscent of a gentle thud or knock. This low-pitched, bass-heavy quality contributes to a more mellow auditory experience, making each keystroke feel less jarring and more enjoyable. The Smoothie also provides a subdued sound, which means it doesn’t draw too much attention while typing, allowing for a quieter work environment. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch’s sound qualities are not detailed, leaving its acoustic characteristics somewhat of an enigma. Therefore, without additional information, it’s challenging to directly compare the auditory experiences of the two switches.

In terms of feel, the Gateron Smoothie excels in delivering an incredibly smooth typing experience. Descriptors like buttery, creamy, and silky underscore its capability for seamless keystrokes, where each press glides effortlessly, thanks to the premium POM materials. This luxurious typing sensation enhances overall comfort and enjoyment while typing for extended periods. On the other hand, the feel attributes of the Bsun Taichi are also not provided, making it difficult to assess its tactile response in relation to the Smoothie. As a result, we lack a direct comparison of how the Taichi's feel compares against the Smoothie's renowned smoothness.

Taking into account all available information, the Gateron Smoothie switch stands out with its distinctive thocky sound and exceptionally smooth typing experience. While we can appreciate the qualities of the Smoothie, the lack of detailed specifications for the Bsun Taichi switch means we cannot make a comprehensive comparison on sound and feel. However, if you're drawn to the Smoothie's qualities, you might find similar experiences with the Taichi, but additional insights on its performance would certainly illuminate whether it can match or diverge from the Smoothie's delightful characteristics.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Gateron Smoothie linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you appreciate a deep, thocky sound profile combined with an exceptionally smooth and buttery keystroke, the Smoothie is likely the better fit for you. This switch excels in providing a satisfying auditory experience while maintaining a lightweight touch, making it ideal for both typing and gaming scenarios where comfort is paramount. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and prioritize unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Bsun Taichi might be your go-to choice. Its long-pole stem and extended springs deliver a distinctive typing feel that some users find particularly appealing. In summary, consider what aspects of sound and tactile feedback resonate most with you, as that will guide you toward the switch that best complements your typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Smoothie Linear

$3.00

$2.60 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more