TTC Speed Silver vs. Bsun Taichi
An in-depth look at the TTC Speed Silver and the Bsun Taichi switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the TTC Speed Silver and the Bsun Taichi are two intriguing options that offer distinct advantages tailored to different types of users. The Speed Silver is highly regarded for delivering a fast and precise typing experience, featuring a light to medium resistance that facilitates quick actuation thanks to its reduced travel distance. This makes it an ideal choice for gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi boasts a unique high-pitched bottom-out sound, a hallmark of its long-pole stem design and extended springs, which combine to provide an exceptionally smooth and stable typing experience. While the Speed Silver excels in speed and precision, the Taichi appeals to those who appreciate auditory feedback and a refined tactile feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver and the Bsun Taichi both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a highly similar acoustic profile. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. With both switches featuring translucent polycarbonate top housings, they excel in showcasing RGB lighting, making them visually appealing while maintaining a clear and resonant sound. This inherent quality of polycarbonate allows enthusiasts who prioritize both aesthetics and acoustics to achieve their desired results across both switch types. As a result, users can expect consistent sharpness and clarity in their typing experience, regardless of the specific switch chosen.
In contrast, while both the Speed Silver and Taichi employ nylon for their bottom housings, the impact on sound profile contributes to a discernible difference in the overall auditory experience. Nylon's softer nature provides a deeper and fuller sound, as it absorbs sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. Each of these switches showcases the classic nylon material, thereby creating a rounder, more subdued sound during key presses and bottom-outs. This implies that while the top housing contributes to a bright and resonant sound, the bottom housing dampens it, resulting in a harmonious blend of qualities that can satisfy different preferences for keyboard enthusiasts.
When combined, the top and bottom housing materials of both switches create a unique auditory experience. Users pressing the keys will feel the impact of nylon's absorbing ability, while the bright resonance from the polycarbonate top housing will enhance the overall sound profile upon release. This split in housing material qualities allows for a more nuanced typing experience, where the interaction between the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top and the deeper sound from the nylon bottom creates a rich auditory tapestry. Ultimately, both the TTC Speed Silver and Bsun Taichi offer a similarly satisfying typing experience, benefiting from the strengths of their selected materials to cater to users’ preferences effectively.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation force. The TTC Speed Silver features a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, while the Bsun Taichi is lighter at 40 grams, making it more suitable for users looking for a switch that requires less effort to press down, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. However, the Taichi switch lacks publicly available data regarding its bottom-out force, which means we cannot directly compare that aspect. The Speed Silver has a bottom-out force of 55 grams, indicating that it provides a more substantial feel when fully pressed down. This makes the TTC Speed Silver preferable for those who enjoy a heavier, more pronounced typing experience. Overall, while both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force, the TTC Speed Silver offers a more robust bottom-out experience, whereas the Bsun Taichi remains undefined in that regard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch, we find that the Speed Silver has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Taichi measures slightly longer at 3.6 mm. This means that if you choose the Speed Silver, you’ll experience a quicker actuation and potentially faster response times, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking speed. Conversely, the Taichi’s 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, catering to those who may prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. Overall, the Speed Silver is the shorter option, while the Taichi is the longer one, providing distinct tactile experiences for users based on their preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Speed Silver switch features a neutral sound profile that strikes a balance, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in an office. This ensures that it won't disrupt others around you while still providing a pleasing auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch boasts a captivating high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its unique construction with a long-pole stem and extended springs. The Taichi's sound is designed to be more distinct and resonant, potentially making it more enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback as they type. However, it’s essential to note that sound can vary based on the keyboard's build and keycap choice.
Regarding feel, the Speed Silver switch is characterized by a mild and polished experience. This translates to a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for both beginners and experienced typists alike, ensuring that every keystroke feels smooth and refined due to reduced friction and factory lubing. Since the Speed Silvers feature a light-medium actuation force and shorter travel distance, they provide fast and effortless key presses, making them great for rapid typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Bsun Taichi's feel attributes are unknown; however, its design promises smoothness and stability, which may align well with the overall performance.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The TTC Speed Silver provides a neutral yet pleasant auditory experience combined with a mild and polished typing sensation, making it versatile for various users. In contrast, the Bsun Taichi switch offers a distinct high-pitched sound that may appeal to those seeking a more vibrant auditory feedback. While the Taichi’s tactile feel isn’t explicitly described, its construction hints at a smooth experience as well. Ultimately, if you're looking for linear switches that provide a refined typing experience, both options have the potential to deliver satisfaction, albeit in different ways, depending on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the TTC Speed Silver linear switch and the Bsun Taichi linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize speed and efficiency, particularly for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks, the TTC Speed Silver is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, combined with a reduced travel distance, allows for quick and precise actuation, making it ideal for situations where every millisecond counts. Additionally, its neutral sound profile and polished feel provide a versatile experience, whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist, suitable for various settings, be it office or home.
On the other hand, if you are drawn to a more unique and enchanting auditory experience, the Bsun Taichi switch stands out with its captivating high-pitched bottom-out sound and unparalleled smoothness. While the specific bottom-out force is not mentioned, the Taichi's design—including its long-pole stem and extended springs—dramatically enhances the overall typing experience, focusing more on a serene and stable feel than raw speed. If you value artistry in your typing experience and often type at a more leisurely pace, the Taichi switch may be the perfect fit for you. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your personal preference for either fast responsiveness or a smooth, enjoyable sound and feel.
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