Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the distinctions between options like the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Bamboo Green is a tactile switch celebrated for its clacky sound signature and crisp, sparkling tactility. With traits described as stepped, high-pitched, and resonant, it provides users with a satisfying feedback that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch known for its exceptionally light actuation force, making it highly responsive and ideal for rapid typing. With its bright sound profile and minimal resistance, the Chiikawa appeals to those who prefer smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences, whether you crave the tactile feedback of the Bamboo Green or the seamless flow of the Chiikawa. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, notable differences arise between the two switches, particularly in their top housing materials. The Bamboo Green features a PBT (Polybutylene Terephthalate) top housing that contributes to a sound profile that is neutral—not overly sharp, yet not dull either. This balanced characteristic makes it a versatile choice for various typing experiences without overwhelming the user with high-pitched sounds. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its stiffer properties, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This marked difference in material impacts the auditory experience when typing; those who prefer a more resonant sound may gravitate toward the polycarbonate, while others may favor the more subdued tones of PBT.
Delving deeper into the bottom housings of both switches reveals additional contrasts that affect their overall acoustic output. The Bamboo Green does again feature PBT for its bottom housing, mirroring the neutral sound characteristics present in its top counterpart. This results in a more uniform auditory experience across the keyboard. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer qualities and ability to absorb sound effectively. The nylon housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, creating a more rounded auditory feedback that contrasts with the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. As a result, the responsiveness and feel of each switch differ significantly; with PBT offering a slightly more consistent feedback, while nylon adds a layer of depth to the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g underscore their unique character and sound profiles. However, this doesn’t mean that one is inherently better than the other; rather, they cater to different preferences. If a user desires an experience with similar qualities to the Bamboo Green while utilizing the Chiikawa - 28g, it would be important to understand that individual auditory preferences, tactile feedback, and how they feel during typing will differ between their unique materials. Therefore, while they may achieve similar outcomes in softness or resistance level, the experience of sound and feel when typing will vary, highlighting the importance of materials in switch design.
Weight
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch present notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Bamboo Green has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g features a much lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, which caters to those who enjoy a light touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. As such, the Chiikawa - 28g, with its lighter specifications, is ideal for prolonged use, while the Bamboo Green is better suited for users who appreciate a firmer key press. Overall, when considering actuation and bottom out forces, the Bamboo Green is the heavier option, whereas the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter one, providing distinct feedback and experience tailored to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offer distinct travel distances that cater to different user preferences. The Bamboo Green features a travel distance of 4 mm, aligning with the more traditional and deeper feel typical for tactile switches, which can provide a sense of satisfying engagement when pressed. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, aligning with the growing trend towards shorter distances favored by gamers for quicker response times. Therefore, if you prioritize a more immediate and responsive experience, the Chiikawa - 28g would be the better choice due to its shorter travel. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial depth in each keystroke, the Bamboo Green would be more appealing with its longer travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
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 Everglide Bamboo Green switches produce a distinct clacky tone that is both high-pitched and resonant. This sharp auditory quality provides a clean and crisp feedback that many typists find enjoyable, particularly those who prefer the clarity of sounds over a richer, bass-heavy profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches are characterized by a bright sound profile that also leans towards the high-pitched side. These switches create a very light and responsive auditory response, delivering a similar crispness to the Bamboo Greens, making both switches excellent choices for those who appreciate a lively typing experience. However, the overall sound can still vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Bamboo Green switches exemplify a well-defined tactile feedback profile. They feature a stepped mechanism, which allows the user to experience a mild yet noticeable tactile bump, accompanied by an accented and sharp feedback that clearly signals actuation. This combination provides a high feedback intensity while remaining smooth, thanks to polished quality in their design. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g switches offer a linear experience with a significantly lighter actuation force at 28g, which emphasizes a swift and less tactile feel. As such, those who prefer a pronounced tactile experience may find the Bamboo Greens more to their liking, while the Chiikawa switches cater to users who appreciate a lighter, more effortless keystroke.
In summary, while both the Everglide Bamboo Green and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches offer crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback, they diverge in tactile experience. The Bamboo Greens provide a more pronounced tactile sensation, suited for typists who favor depth and definition in their keystrokes, whereas the Chiikawa switches deliver a lighter, more linear feel suitable for those seeking rapid keypress motion. Choosing between them largely depends on personal preferences regarding tactile feedback and the overall typing feel, as each type has its own distinct characteristics that can enhance the typing experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a more tactile experience with audible feedback, the Bamboo Green is the better option for you; its medium 62-gram actuation force provides a satisfying clack and crisp tactile bump, making it ideal for typists who appreciate a pronounced feel with each keystroke. This switch’s high-pitched and resonant sound profile caters well to those who find pleasure in auditory satisfaction during typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother and lighter touch with quicker actuation for gaming or fast typing without the heavier feedback, the Chiikawa - 28g is your go-to choice. With its light 34-gram actuation force and bright sound profile, it allows for rapid key presses and an enjoyable typing experience, especially if you favor speed and agility over tactile feedback. Therefore, consider the Bamboo Green for a tactile and auditory experience, while the Chiikawa - 28g is best suited for those who prioritize a lightweight and linear feel. Ultimately, your choice should align with your specific typing or gaming style to achieve the most comfortable and enjoyable keyboard experience.
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