Gateron Aliaz vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g present two distinct yet appealing options. The Aliaz, a tactile switch, is designed for quiet environments like offices, offering a muted sound profile alongside a medium-heavy weight that provides substantial feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users who desire a more pronounced typing experience without the noise, fostering focus during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is known for its lightweight actuation and bright sound profile, making it responsive and enjoyable for those who appreciate a crisp typing experience with a high-pitched sound. While the Aliaz caters to those seeking a polished and understated feel, the Chiikawa appeals to users who thrive on tactile responsiveness and auditory feedback. 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
60g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
75g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Aliaz and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similarly sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate's unique properties, including its rigidity and translucence, contribute to a more resonant sound that is particularly beneficial for RGB lighting setups. Since both switches incorporate this same material for the top housing, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when engaging with these switches, specifically during the key release. The visual aesthetics of a translucent polycarbonate also enhances the appeal for custom keyboard enthusiasts who prioritize both sound and lighting effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches reveal stark differences that significantly influence their overall sound characteristics. The Aliaz employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which continues to generate that sharp and clear acoustic profile felt during typing. However, the Chiikawa - 28g integrates a nylon bottom housing that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This material absorbs more sound, introducing a duller and rounder acoustic quality that alters the overall experience of the switch, particularly in the bottom-out feel. Consequently, one can expect a blend of clarity from the Aliaz and a more subdued depth from the Chiikawa when engaging with their respective bottom housings.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to distinct results in user experience, largely dependent on which part of the switch is being engaged. While the Aliaz's consistent polycarbonate construction provides a clear and engaging typing feel throughout, the Chiikawa's mixed materials create a dualistic approach to sound, with the top housing maintaining clarity and the bottom housing contributing to a warmer, softer tone. This difference emphasizes how both the quality and type of materials used shape the tactile feedback and auditory experience, offering enthusiasts a variety of options depending on their preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard setting.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Aliaz features a hefty actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 75 grams, making it a more substantial option for those who prefer a heftier typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of only 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This lighter force is ideal for individuals who wish to type for extended periods without fatigue, perfect for use in office environments or during long gaming sessions. Thus, while both switches cater to different user preferences, the Aliaz is geared towards those who favor a stronger tactile feedback and typing experience, whereas the Chiikawa offers a softer, more effortless keystroke.
Travel distance
The Gateron Aliaz tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Aliaz provides a more substantial depth when pressed, catering to those who enjoy a hearty feel under their fingers. In contrast, the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with the growing preference for shorter distances, often favored by gamers for quicker response times. Thus, if you prioritize a swift and responsive typing or gaming experience, the Chiikawa may be the better choice. Ultimately, the Gateron Aliaz offers a longer travel distance, while the Bsun Chiikawa presents a shorter option, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences for tactility and speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Aliaz has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Aliaz for $5.50.
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Chiikawa - 28g for $3.29.
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 Gateron Aliaz tactile switch is designed for quiet environments, producing a muted sound profile that makes it a great choice for office settings or shared workspaces. Its silent design minimizes the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboard switches, allowing for a more understated typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This lively acoustic feedback adds an engaging element to the typing experience, but it may not be suitable for environments where silence is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and the acoustics of your particular keyboard setup.
In terms of feel, the Aliaz switch is known for its silky and polished typing experience. The smoothness of the switch reduces friction, resulting in a seamless key travel that enhances typing comfort and speed. This polished finish contributes to a refined feel, perfect for those who appreciate a quality typing experience without any resistance. The Chiikawa - 28g, on the other hand, has an unknown tactile feedback, but its very light actuation force implies a more delicate handling, allowing for rapid key presses. This responsiveness can be appealing for fast typists and gamers who prefer quick actuation without the weighty feedback that comes with tactile or heavier switches.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch cater to different preferences and typing environments. The Aliaz offers a muted sound and smooth tactile experience conducive to quiet workspaces, while the Chiikawa provides a bright sound profile and light actuation that caters to speed and agility. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a serene typing experience or a lively, responsive feel with auditory feedback. Both switches embody unique qualities that can significantly enhance your typing experience, so consider your environment and typing style when making your decision.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Gateron Aliaz tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you find yourself working in a quiet office or a shared space and value a muted, refined typing experience, the Aliaz is an excellent choice. Its heavier actuation force provides a substantial feedback that many users appreciate, making it ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response while still minimizing noise. On the other hand, if you prefer a light and responsive keystroke with an engaging auditory feedback, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch would suit you better. With its low actuation force and bright sound, it caters well to dynamic typists who enjoy a crisp, lively typing experience. Ultimately, consider what aspects are essential to you—whether it's sound, feel, or weight—to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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