Bsun Taichi vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Taichi and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Taichi and the TTC Yunhai both present compelling options for linear enthusiasts, yet they cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Bsun Taichi stands out for its captivating high-pitched bottom-out sound, thanks to its long-pole stem, extended springs, and walled construction, which provide an exceptional level of smoothness and stability. This makes it an attractive choice for gamers and typists seeking a satisfying auditory feedback and a robust feel during extended use. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai focuses on a gentle and effortless typing experience, characterized by a deep, rounded sound profile and a remarkably light actuation force. This switch is ideal for typists who prioritize comfort and a softer touch, making long typing sessions feel seamless and enjoyable. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Taichi and the TTC Yunhai, significant contrasts can be identified between their respective top housings. The Taichi features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This material is particularly advantageous for achieving bright, resonant tones, especially when paired with RGB lighting thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai opts for nylon as its top housing material. Nylon is known for its softer, more absorptive characteristics, leading to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller but with less resonance. This difference suggests that while users of the Taichi might appreciate the bright and vibrant sound signature, Yunhai enthusiasts may favor a more muted, rounded auditory experience.
Moving to the bottom housing, both switches utilize nylon, which creates an interesting parallel in their performance characteristics in this regard. Each bottom housing, made from nylon, produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, which effectively absorbs sound. As a result, both switches will elicit a similar tactile experience in terms of bottom-out feel and sound when the key is pressed. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, this shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent, rich typing experience, making both switches appealing to users who prefer a subdued, yet satisfying sound when typing.
The impact of the different top and bottom materials results in distinct but complementary sound profiles for each switch. For the Bsun Taichi, the polycarbonate top provides bright, clear sounds during key release, while the nylon bottom contributes to a deeper keystroke experience. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai's nylon top housing implies a robust and substantial acoustic quality that contrasts with the bottom nylon's characteristics. Ultimately, while the switches diverge in their top compositions—leading to contrasting higher frequencies—they converge on the excellent feel and sound that nylon provides in the bottom housing. This allows users of both switches to enjoy unique auditory dimensions while maintaining a coherent typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Taichi features an actuation force of 40 grams, which makes it slightly lighter than the Yunhai's actuation force of 42 grams. This distinction suggests that users seeking a gentler touch may prefer the Taichi, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, potentially enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. However, while the Taichi's bottom out force remains unknown, the Yunhai offers a bottom out force of 50 grams. This indicates that the Yunhai provides a more definitive tactile feedback when fully pressed, which can enhance the typing experience for those who favor a sturdier feel. In summary, the Taichi is the lighter option with an unspecified bottom out force, while the Yunhai is slightly heavier with a defined bottom out force, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means they offer identical feedback when a key is pressed down. As a result, users can expect a similar tactile experience and overall performance from both switches. Given that they have the same travel distance, one can assume that the overall actuation feel will also be comparable, making either switch a suitable choice for those looking for a consistent 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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 is known for its enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound, which provides a distinct auditory feedback during typing. This characteristic is a result of its long-pole stem and extended springs, contributing to a lively acoustic profile that many find engaging. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai switch offers a deeper, rounded sound profile that is more subdued and less piercing than the Taichi. This makes the Yunhai switches suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience, though it’s important to note that the final sound characteristics will also depend on the keyboard build and keycaps used with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Taichi switch excels in delivering an incredibly smooth typing experience, thanks to its long-pole design and walled stems that ensure stability throughout the keystroke. Users often appreciate this smoothness as it enhances overall typing comfort. Conversely, the Yunhai switch is recognized for its light actuation force, making it feel effortless to type on, which can be ideal for long typing sessions or for those who prefer a lighter switch. While both switches aim to provide a pleasurable typing experience, they cater to different preferences in terms of feedback and resistance.
In summary, while the Bsun Taichi linear switch offers a high-pitched sound and unparalleled smoothness, the TTC Yunhai linear switch presents a deeper sound and a lighter touch. Both have distinct qualities that appeal to different user preferences, making it essential for newcomers to consider what sound and feel they desire in their mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, sampling different switches in person or through a switch tester can help newcomers determine which switch aligns best with their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Taichi linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and what kind of experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard. If you're someone who enjoys a captivating auditory feedback while typing, the Taichi switches, with their enchanting high-pitched bottom-out sound and superior smoothness, would be an excellent choice. They are particularly advantageous for users who value a tactile and stable performance, making them suitable for both gaming and typing tasks where precision and sound play a role. On the other hand, if you prefer a more gentle typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the TTC Yunhai switches are designed for effortless keystrokes and a deep, rounded sound profile. This makes them ideal for typists who may spend long hours on the keyboard and want a softer touch without straining their fingers. In essence, your choice should reflect your preferences in sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you wish to achieve.