Bsun Taichi vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Bsun Taichi and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of different types to suit their personal preferences. The Bsun Taichi, a linear switch, is renowned for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem and extended springs. This design enhances smoothness and stability, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who appreciate a polished and clacky typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness switch offers a tactile experience with a subtle to moderate feedback, striking a balance between tactile sensation and sound. This switch is well-suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced feel while typing without sacrificing auditory comfort. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you seek the seamless glide of a linear switch or the satisfying feedback of a tactile one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
40g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
21mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Taichi and the Gateron Weightlessness, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Taichi uses a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This characteristic allows for a more resonant acoustic experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the lighting effect. In stark contrast, the Weightlessness opts for a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon means it absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches utilize high-quality materials, they lead to distinctly different sound profiles through their top housings.
Turning to the bottom housings, both the Taichi and the Weightlessness incorporate nylon, leading to consistent qualities in terms of sound absorption and tactile feel. The nylon bottom housing in the Taichi offers the same characteristics seen in the Weightlessness; both provide a deeper and fuller sound profile. When a user presses down on either switch, the impact of the nylon material results in a rounded sound, contributing to an enjoyable typing experience. Despite the differences in their top housings, the shared use of nylon in the bottoms ensures a level of acoustic similarity across both switches when it comes to the bottom-out sound.
Ultimately, the specific performance of each switch will depend on the combination of its top and bottom housing materials. The Bsun Taichi, with its polycarbonate top, will create a sharper sound when the key is released, while the nylon bottom helps create a more rounded noise upon bottoming out. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness, with nylon on both ends, leads to an experience where the sound is consistently softer. This highlights an interesting dynamic in keyboard design, as the varying top housing materials can subtly influence the auditory response of key releases, while the shared use of nylon ensures that both switches maintain depth and warmth during key presses.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force of the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation forces: the Taichi has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams, while the Weightlessness requires a heavier 50 grams to trigger a keystroke. This difference means that the Taichi may be more suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it can reduce finger fatigue. Both switches have an unknown bottom out force, so we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. However, the heavier actuation force of the Weightlessness may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a stronger push feel. In summary, while the Taichi is the lighter option, the Weightlessness offers a heavier actuation, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, the Taichi offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This difference means that if you're looking for a more responsive typing experience, the Weightlessness may be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can facilitate faster actuation. However, for users who appreciate a bit more depth and a less abrupt feel while typing, the Bsun Taichi's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your preference for responsiveness versus depth in your typing experience.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 Bsun Taichi linear switch stands out with its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, characterized as clacky. This results in a sharp and snappy auditory feedback, which can provide a lively typing experience. The sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, creating a unique atmosphere for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offers a more subtle auditory profile that complements its tactile characteristics, though the exact descriptors for its sound remain unspecified. This typically suggests a more muted or balanced sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing feedback.
In terms of feel, the Taichi switches are noted for their polished finish, which facilitates a smooth and refined typing experience. This is achieved through either the materials used in the switch or through factory lube applications that reduce friction and create an effortless key travel. Users can expect a sleek typing interaction that enhances overall comfort. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, which allows for an enjoyable typing experience with distinct actuation points, but the specific details on its feel are not elaborated.
In conclusion, both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Bsun Taichi may appeal to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience with a highly polished tactile response, while the Gateron Weightlessness suits users looking for a more understated experience with balanced sound and tactile feedback. Each switch has its strengths, and your final choice will boil down to personal preference and how these features align with your typing style, ensuring that you'll be satisfied with your choice regardless of which switch you opt for.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing experience. If you are drawn to a smoother, polished typing sensation with an enchanting high-pitched clacky sound, the Taichi switch is likely the better fit for you. Its long-pole structure and carefully crafted design provide an exceptionally smooth typing experience, making it ideal for those who prioritize noise and fluidity in their keyboard. However, if you prefer a more nuanced typing experience with a subtle to moderate tactile feedback, then the Gateron Weightlessness would be a great choice. Its balanced sound profile paired with tactile characteristics offers a satisfying feedback loop without the sharpness of the Taichi's sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style—whether you thrive on the smoothness and expressive sound of the Taichi or enjoy the tactile reassurance and balanced sound of the Weightlessness.