KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly affect both the typing experience and overall enjoyment. The KTT Ash Gray switch offers a tactile response that strikes a balance between substantial feedback and unobtrusiveness, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate a mild yet satisfying feel while typing. Its "easy-to-press" design ensures that it won't tire your fingers during long writing sessions, providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch represents the linear switch category, known for its light actuation force and bright sound profile. This combination allows for a responsive and swift typing experience, enhanced by a high-pitched sound that can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy auditory feedback without the tactile bump. While the Ash Gray is ideal for users seeking nuanced feedback, the Chiikawa - 28g caters to those who favor a smooth and speedy keystroke. 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
38g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar auditory essence characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity arises from polycarbonate's unique attributes: as a stiffer plastic, it enhances clarity and resonance, making it particularly appealing for enthusiasts who prioritize sound quality in their mechanical switches. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate is advantageous for those using RGB lighting, allowing vibrant illumination to pass through. Thus, when these switches are combined with RGB setups, users can expect a cohesive visual and auditory experience that is enhanced by the use of the same material in the top housing.
Conversely, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, which introduces a contrasting sound profile compared to polycarbonate. Nylon’s softer characteristics absorb more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller auditory experience that tends to mellow out the sounds produced by keystrokes. This material choice underscores the warmth and richness of sound when typing on the switches, significantly affecting the bottom-out sound and feel of both models. The combination of translucent polycarbonate at the top and sound-absorbing nylon at the bottom creates an intriguing dichotomy within each switch, balancing brightness with a more rounded sound characteristic.
In conclusion, the KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches may differ in their bottom housing materials, but they share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This duality allows users to experience an intricate sound profile that marries crisper tones from the top with the deeper sounds from the bottom. While each switch still offers unique auditory feedback from the varying materials, the resultant sound experience embodies a harmonious blend, making both switches appealing choices for enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded typing experience.
Weight
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offer contrasting experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which can provide a balanced typing experience for those seeking comfort during extended use. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a preferable choice for users who favor a softer touch and potentially less fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. As a result, the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, with its actuation force requiring less effort to trigger a keystroke compared to the Ash Gray. Users who prioritize a lighter switch may find the Chiikawa more appealing, while those who prefer the feel of a stronger push should consider the Ash Gray for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, it's evident that they cater to slightly different preferences. The KTT Ash Gray features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference means that the Ash Gray may offer a more responsive feel, making it better suited for gamers who benefit from quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Chiikawa switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a deeper, more pronounced key press, allowing for a more tactile experience. Despite their close proximity in travel distance, the Ash Gray is the shorter option, providing a slight advantage for responsiveness; meanwhile, the Chiikawa is the longer option, catering to users who appreciate a bit more depth in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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 KTT Ash Gray tactile switch presents a neutral audio profile, characterized by a moderate actuation force and sound level, making it versatile for a variety of settings, whether at home or in the office. This balanced profile allows for quiet conversations without drowning them out while still providing satisfying auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its bright sound, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone that often results from its very light actuation force. Thus, while the Ash Gray maintains a subdued yet pleasant soundscape, the Chiikawa offers a more pronounced auditory experience, ideal for users who appreciate a more vocal typing experience.
The tactile feedback on the Ash Gray switch strikes a harmonious balance that marries a light touch with a clearly defined tactile bump. Its easy-to-press characteristic means minimal effort is required to actuate the keys, contributing to a comfortable typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue over prolonged use. Users can expect a mild sensation that provides adequate feedback without becoming overwhelming or distracting. On the other hand, the feel of the Chiikawa - 28g switch remains unknown, but given its light actuation force, it can be assumed that it offers a responsive typing experience that could align closely with the effortless nature of the Ash Gray, allowing for a smooth keystroke experience.
In summary, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch excels with its neutral sound and pleasant tactile response, making it an excellent choice for a range of typing environments, while the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright sound, making it ideal for users who prefer a more engaging auditory experience. Although the feel of the Chiikawa is not detailed, its light actuation force hints at a potentially user-friendly experience similar to the Ash Gray. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences, and users can expect delightful auditory and tactile interactions with either choice, depending on their specific desires in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you appreciate tactile feedback that enhances your typing experience without being overly pronounced, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice. Its substantial yet unobtrusive tactile response, combined with a medium-light bottom out force of 53 grams, makes it suitable for both casual and professional environments, allowing you to type efficiently with reduced finger fatigue during long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a more responsive, speedy typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is ideal for you. With its incredibly light bottom out force of 34 grams and a bright sound profile, this switch excels in scenarios requiring quick key presses, making it a fantastic option for gamers or those who favor a snappy, high-pitched auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect both your typing style and the setting in which you'll be using your keyboard, ensuring a satisfying experience tailored to your needs.