Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g are two notable options in the realm of linear switches, each offering distinct characteristics tailored for different user preferences. The Black Lotus is celebrated for its silky smooth feel and exceptional precision, which minimizes housing and stem wobble, ensuring a gratifying typing experience. With a comfortable 55g actuation weight, it strikes a balance between responsiveness and control, while its unique light column allows for customizable in-switch lighting. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g offers an ultra-light actuation force of just 28g, resulting in an exceptionally responsive typing experience. Its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone, adds an auditory dimension that many users find appealing. Choosing between these two switches essentially boils down to whether you prioritize a more substantial, accurate feel or a nimble, engaging typing experience. 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
55g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
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 Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, it becomes evident that both switches utilize a combination of modified PC and nylon. The Durock Black Lotus boasts a top housing made from a modified PC and UPE blend, which is designed to provide a premium feel and tactile response. This material is conducive to a sharper sound profile, contributing to a crisp and distinctive auditory experience when typing. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, described for its clarity and sharp, higher-pitched sound. Both switches' use of transparent materials not only enhances sound but also compliments RGB lighting, allowing for a visually appealing experience in setups featuring illuminated components.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Durock Black Lotus and the Chiikawa - 28g employ nylon, a classic material that significantly influences the switches' acoustic characteristics. Nylon’s softer nature contributes to a deeper, rounder sound profile, absorbing more sound waves as opposed to transmitting them. This attribute ensures a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying noise signature, regardless of which switch is engaged. Therefore, while the two switches differ in their top housing materials and resulting sound dynamics—lighter and crisper from polycarbonate versus the potential premium feel from modified PC—the bottom housings unify their acoustic experiences.
Though the top and bottom housings of the Durock Black Lotus and Chiikawa - 28g manifest differing sound profiles, the overall functionality remains comparable. The qualities of each material affect the switch performance during various stages of keypresses; the soft nylon bottoms create a plush bottom-out sensation, while the top housings contribute to the sound upon release. Thus, users seeking a balance of character and auditory response will find that both switches can yield similar typing experiences, capitalizing on the nylon bottom housing to provide that all-important foundational depth in sound, irrespective of the variances in top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Black Lotus requires an actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch ideal for those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is significantly lighter, with an actuation force of just 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This lighter profile makes the Chiikawa a great choice for users who enjoy prolonged typing sessions or gaming without fatigue. While the Black Lotus may provide a firmer push and more tactile feedback, the Chiikawa will allow for quicker key presses and less strain. Consequently, depending on individual preferences for typing feel and use case scenarios, one might opt for the heavier Black Lotus or the lighter Chiikawa switch for an optimal experience.
Travel distance
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch present interesting differences in their travel distances, with the Black Lotus measuring 4 mm and the Chiikawa at a shorter 3.6 mm. This indicates that the Black Lotus offers a more traditional and deeper keypress experience, which some users may find more satisfying as it provides a greater tactile response when bottoming out. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance aligns with modern gaming preferences for faster response times, making it potentially more appealing for users who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that delivers a deeper keystroke, the Durock Black Lotus would be the better choice, whereas the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is favorable if you prefer the quickness and responsiveness of a shorter travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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
The sound profile of the Durock Black Lotus switch is characterized by a refined and quiet experience, fostering a more subdued acoustic environment that focuses on the pure mechanical feedback without overpowering noise. This makes it well-suited for office or shared spaces where a quieter typing experience is valued. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched sound upon actuation. This switch provides a lively auditory experience that can energize the typing action, making it more noticeable in environments where sound is not as much of a concern.
In terms of feel, the Durock Black Lotus offers a silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, which is smooth and fluid throughout the keystroke. Its mild actuation weight of 55g strikes a balance that is neither overwhelming nor too light, enabling an enjoyable typing rhythm with minimal resistance. The focus on reducing stem wobble further enhances the stability during use, creating a refined tactile sensation that many typists appreciate. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g switch, with its notably light 28g actuation force, is designed for rapid response and ease of operation. While specific descriptors for its feel may not be provided, the lightweight nature suggests a less resistant typing experience that may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless keypress.
In conclusion, both the Durock Black Lotus and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches present unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth, polished feel with a quiet sound profile, making it suitable for those who prioritize a refined and muted environment. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a bright acoustic signature and a light, responsive feel that can invigorate the typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, both switches can deliver satisfying results, with each catering to distinct typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Durock Black Lotus linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a medium-heavy feel with a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Black Lotus is an excellent option. It offers a substantial yet manageable actuation weight, allowing for accuracy and control, which is especially beneficial if you do a lot of typing or gaming where precision is key. Its polished design further enhances the overall experience, reducing wobble and ensuring a satisfying tactile sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light switch that reacts quickly and makes a bright, crisp sound, you would likely enjoy the Chiikawa - 28g. With a lighter actuation force, these switches are perfect for rapid keystrokes and provide a unique auditory feedback that can make typing feel more dynamic. Ultimately, consider your typing style and how heavy or light you like the switches to be—this will guide you in making the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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