Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preference between tactile and linear switches, as exemplified by Gateron’s Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch. The Gateron Beer offers a unique typing experience, reminiscent of the sparkling allure of a Tsingtao beer bottle, with its lightweight design and stepped tactility that provides a distinct, clacky sound signature. This tactile feedback is ideal for typists who enjoy a noticeable bump and auditory cues while typing. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 28g shines with its extremely light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a smooth and unobtrusive typing experience that many gamers and fast typists prefer for its quick responsiveness and subtle acoustics. Both switches cater to different styles: the Beer for those seeking a more tactile and engaging experience, and the Chiikawa for those who favor speed and stealth in their keystrokes. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches, an interesting similarity arises in their top housing materials, both of which utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material in the top housing contributes to a brighter acoustic profile characterized by sharp, high-pitched sounds. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when keys are pressed. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing makes both switches excellent choices for RGB lighting integration, enhancing their visual appeal while maintaining optimal sound characteristics.
However, the contrast becomes apparent in the bottom housing materials of the two switches. The Gateron Beer employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, continuing the trend of producing a crisper sound profile. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g opts for nylon, a material renowned for its softer characteristics. This choice results in a deeper, fuller sound profile thanks to nylon's ability to absorb sound, which contributes to a warmer and rounder acoustic experience. The differing materials mean that while both switches may share a high-pitched and crisp outcome upon key release (due to their polycarbonate tops), their sound and feel during key presses differ significantly.
Ultimately, switching between the Gateron Beer and the Chiikawa - 28g will yield varied auditory experiences based on their distinct bottom housing materials. The polycarbonate bottom of the Beer maintains with the same bright and clear tonal qualities as its top housing, leading to a consistent experience throughout. Conversely, the softer nylon bottom of the Chiikawa - 28g introduces a more subdued depth to the sound profile when keys are depressed. Therefore, users looking for a sharp and resonant sound will find consistency across the Gateron Beer, while those who prefer a fuller, rounder auditory feedback might lean towards the Chiikawa - 28g for its unique acoustic characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, notable differences emerge in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Gateron Beer features an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it generally a lighter switch. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This means that the Chiikawa switch requires less force to actuate and bottom out than the Beer switch, offering a more effortless typing experience, which can be beneficial for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, while the Gateron Beer switch offers a heavier and more tactile experience, the Bsun Chiikawa is better suited for those seeking a lighter, more subdued touch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Beer tactile switch features a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Beer switch the shorter option, which can be advantageous for users seeking quicker response times, particularly in gaming scenarios where speed is essential. On the other hand, the Chiikawa switch, with its 3.6 mm distance, offers a bit more depth, potentially appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Thus, while both switches provide good performance, the Gateron Beer is better suited for those who favor a snappier response, whereas the Chiikawa may be preferable for those who enjoy a fuller tactile experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 Beer tactile switches present a distinct clacky sound profile. This bright, percussive quality adds a layer of auditory enjoyment to the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively. The clacky sound can be particularly satisfying for users who appreciate auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switches are known for producing a bright, crisp, high-pitched sound, which complements their very light actuation force. Both switches offer a pleasing auditory experience, though the Beer excels in producing a more pronounced clack, while the Chiikawa's sound is likely to be more subtle and clean by virtue of its linear design.
The tactile feel of the Beer switches is characterized by a lightweight, easy-to-press sensation with a stepped tactility. This design provides a gentle and mild tactile feedback, allowing typists to feel both pre-travel and post-travel stages without overwhelming resistance, which can result in a comfortable typing experience. The light actuation also adds to this ease, minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g switches are known for their very light activation but lack specific tactile feedback descriptions. This suggests that while the Chiikawa might offer a responsive touch, it may not provide the same tactile nuances that the Beer switches do.
In summary, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch have unique auditory and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Beer switches deliver a lively, clacky sound and a mild, easy-to-press feel with a nuanced tactile response, making them enjoyable for those who appreciate auditory feedback and subtle tactile sensations. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa switches provide a bright sound and responsive action, appealing to users who prefer lighter, linear switches. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize pronounced auditory feedback and tactility or prefer the simplicity and responsiveness of a linear switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a tactile feedback that is gentle and easy to press with a clacky sound, the Beer switches might be your best bet—they offer a lightweight feel that can enhance your comfort during long typing sessions while providing a more playful auditory experience. This makes them ideal for casual typing or gaming, where you want that satisfying feedback without the fatigue from heavier switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more straightforward and linear typing experience with a very light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g switch could be more suitable. Its responsiveness and crisp sound profile can be particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming or tasks requiring rapid key presses, allowing for seamless and swift typing. Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities: choose the Beer when you're seeking an engaged typing experience and a bit of personality, while the Chiikawa is there for when you prioritize speed and smoothness.
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