Bsun Taichi vs. HMX Xinhai

Overview

When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between two intriguing linear options like the Bsun Taichi and the HMX Xinhai. The Taichi boasts a high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled stems, which provide a compelling combination of smoothness and stability for users seeking a seamless typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch features a unique PA12 top housing that delivers a softer acoustic profile complemented by a POM stem, giving it a distinctively crisp and higher-pitched resonance that many gamers and typists find appealing. While the Taichi is celebrated for its enchanting sound and stability, the Xinhai is known for its bouncy, clacky, and creamy feel that caters to those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Taichi Linear

HMX Xinhai Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Taichi and the HMX Xinhai, a distinct contrast emerges between the top housings, while the bottom housings are the same. The Taichi utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by the switch. Furthermore, its translucency allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making it a favorable choice for visually appealing setups. In contrast, the Xinhai features a nylon top housing that is characterized by a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a relatively softer plastic, nylon tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic experience.

Interestingly, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This consistency means that when pressed, users will experience a similar tactile feel and sound profile, characterized by the deep and rounded qualities imparted by the nylon. The design means that both the Taichi and Xinhai will produce a satisfying bottom-out sound and feel due to the nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Although the top housings diverge in material, the shared nylon bottom housing suggests that the overall typing experience will still have a common thread between the two.

In essence, the dual-material combination in the Taichi and Xinhai switches leads to a unique blend of sound profiles governed by the respective properties of polycarbonate and nylon. While the Taichi's polycarbonate top lends itself to sparkling, high-frequency acoustic characteristics ideal for RGB lighting, the Xinhai is anchored in its nylon top, offering warmth and depth. Nevertheless, users can expect a consistently fulfilling experience when pressing the switches, as the nylon bottoms across both models harmonize and unify their performance, ensuring rich auditory feedback regardless of the top housing differences.

Weight

The Bsun Taichi linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch offer different feel dynamics due to their varied actuation and bottom out forces. The Taichi features an actuation force of 40 grams, while the Xinhai has a slightly lighter actuation force of 37 grams. This suggests that for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Xinhai may provide a more comfortable option, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the Taichi's bottom out force is unknown, rendering a direct comparison difficult; that said, it may lead to more similar experiences when the bottom out force becomes available. In contrast, the Xinhai's bottom out force is 45 grams, which provides a more substantial feel. Therefore, while the Xinhai is the lighter switch overall, its heavier bottom out force may appeal to users looking for added resistance as they type.

Travel distance

The Bsun Taichi linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Taichi switch provides a deeper feel compared to the Xinhai, which could appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai may be advantageous for gamers seeking rapid response times, as shorter distances can facilitate quicker actuation. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Xinhai might be the preferable choice, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth should lean towards the Taichi. Overall, the Taichi is the longer switch, while the Xinhai is the shorter one, reflecting a subtle difference that can influence user experience depending on personal preferences.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Taichi linear switch is characterized by a high-pitched bottom-out sound that adds an enchanting quality to typing. This is primarily due to the long-pole stem and extended springs it features, designed to provide a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai linear switch offers a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that's crisp and bright. The combination of its PA12 top housing and POM stem culminates in a distinctly higher-pitched resonance, contributing to a lively atmosphere when typing. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the choice between them may depend on personal preference, particularly if you’re after a certain auditory signature.

In terms of feel, the Taichi switch is known for providing unparalleled smoothness and stability, a result of its carefully crafted design with walled stems. This smoothness can lend itself to a more consistent typing experience. On the other hand, the Xinhai switch provides a combination of bouncy and creamy sensations. The bounciness offers a spring-like feedback that makes each key press feel lively and engaging, while the creamy texture ensures that typing is smooth and effortless, giving a silky sensation as the fingers glide over the keys. Both switches deliver a pleasing tactile experience, but the Xinhai’s emphasis on bounce and creaminess adds an extra layer of enjoyment that may appeal to those seeking a more dynamic feel.

In summary, while the Bsun Taichi and HMX Xinhai linear switches both deliver quality experiences in sound and feel, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Taichi excites with its high-pitched sound and smooth typing experience, whereas the Xinhai impresses with its clacky sound and a combination of bounce and creamy texture. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will hinge on whether you prioritize audio characteristics or tactile engagement, though both will provide satisfying results within their respective frameworks.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for an unparalleled smoothness and stability experience, with a delightful high-pitched bottom-out sound, the Taichi switch is an exceptional choice. It’s ideal for those who prioritize a quiet and effortless keystroke without a distinct bottom-out force, allowing for a relaxed typing experience that can enhance both productivity and enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a keyboard that offers a lighter bottom-out force combined with a bouncy, creamy feel, the Xinhai switch may suit you better. Its clacky sound profile provides an engaging auditory feedback, making it perfect for individuals who appreciate tactile responsiveness and a lively typing sensation. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you value smooth, silent performance or a more dynamic, tactile experience; both switches have their unique strengths tailored to different typing preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Taichi Linear

$2.75

$2.25 per 10

Learn more

HMX Xinhai Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more