Bsun Taichi vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Bsun Taichi and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of linear versus tactile options, and the Bsun Taichi and Haimu Viola Tricolor exemplify this distinction beautifully. The Bsun Taichi, with its long-pole stem and extended springs, is celebrated for its polished and clacky sound profile, delivering an enchanting high-pitched bottom-out that appeals to those who prioritize smoothness and stability in their keystrokes. Ideal for gamers and typists who enjoy a seamless and quieter typing experience, the Taichi switch is a reliable choice for prolonged use. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches shine with their unique thuddy and punchy acoustic profile, offering a pronounced tactile feedback that is both satisfying and engaging without being overly intrusive. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a bit of character in their typing but still desire a comfortable experience, making it well-suited for both creative work and casual typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Taichi and Haimu Viola Tricolor both feature polycarbonate as their top housing material, which has significant implications for their auditory characteristics. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is largely attributed to the relative stiffness of polycarbonate, which allows for a clearer and more resonant sound. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous in RGB setups, as it allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual effect of the lighting. Since both switches utilize this material in the same location, users can expect a similarly vibrant and clear sound when activating the keys.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in its properties, but both are constructed using nylon, which serves to complement the polycarbonate top. Nylon is noted for its softer composition, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound waves more effectively than harder plastics. In this case, both the Taichi and Viola Tricolor share this nylon bottom housing, contributing to a duller and rounder sound on actuation. As a result, while both switches utilize the same materials for their respective housings, the sound and tactile experience they deliver will include an interplay of both the crisper top and fuller bottom characteristics.
When considering the overall sound profile, users can expect that the shared materials of both switches will yield distinct auditory experiences. The polycarbonate top provides clarity upon release, while the nylon bottom enriches the sound upon key down. Although their construction is identical for both models, the combined impact of the top and bottom materials ensures that the Taichi and Viola Tricolor will offer complementary auditory qualities that enhance the typing experience. Thus, regardless of the aesthetic or functional differences, users can anticipate similar sound profiles influenced by a harmonious blend of both materials used in the housing design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Bsun Taichi features an actuation force of 40 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for those who prefer a gentler typing experience, which can be beneficial for prolonged use during work or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy, indicating that the switch likely requires a higher force to fully engage compared to the Taichi. Since the bottom out force for the Taichi is unknown, it's difficult to draw a direct comparison in that regard. Overall, the Taichi’s lighter actuation force suggests a more responsive feel, whereas the Viola Tricolor's heavier bottom out may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, we find that the Taichi has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Viola Tricolor measures slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This difference suggests that the Taichi may provide a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers for quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more pronounced tactile experience, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feedback when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter Taichi switch would be the ideal choice, whereas if you favor a more substantial keystroke, the Viola Tricolor would be more suitable.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a high-pitched bottom-out sound that is often characterized as clacky, delivering a sharp, crisp, and percussive noise when pressed. This makes it suitable for users who enjoy a bright auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch produces a thicker, bassy sound profile with lower frequency tones that convey a deeper resonance. Its sound can be described as thuddy, adding a unique character to the typing experience without being excessively loud. While both switches provide distinct acoustic profiles, their sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Taichi switch is known for its polished action, resulting in a smooth and refined typing experience. The combination of a long-pole stem and well-designed springs contributes to reduced friction and a sleek key travel, making it highly stable and enjoyable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Viola Tricolor is regarded as an accented tactile switch, offering a medium level of tactility that strikes a balance between pronounced feedback and comfort. This means users will experience a satisfying sensation without it being too overwhelming, making it a versatile option for various typing styles. While both switches offer positive experiences, the Taichi leans more towards seamless smoothness, while the Viola provides a defined tactile kick.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Taichi linear switch and Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch have their unique strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Taichi’s high-pitched clack and polished feel cater to users who favor a smooth and crisp typing experience, while the Viola’s thuddy tones and accented tactility appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference, and users can explore both options to find the typing experience that resonates most with their style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and sound profile desires. If you prioritize a smooth and refined typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound that provides a light and effortless feel during key presses, the Taichi switch would be your ideal choice. Its polished design and enchanting sound make it perfect for those who enjoy a more streamlined and fluid typing style, especially suited for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced feedback and a deeper, richer sound during your typing sessions, the Viola Tricolor switch would be better for you. With its medium-heavy bottom-out force and thuddy, bassy acoustics, it strikes a satisfying balance between tactility and sound, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a robust tactile experience while typing or coding for extended periods. In the end, your choice should reflect your individual typing style and sound preferences, ensuring that your mechanical keyboard feels just right for you.
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