HMX Blue Topaz vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences and typing experiences, despite both being linear switches. The Blue Topaz is celebrated for its super smooth actuation and lightweight feel, ensuring that each keystroke feels effortless. It boasts an eye-catching design with glittering housing and delivers a clacky sound signature that adds a delightful auditory element to typing. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g shines with its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience complemented by a crisp, high-pitched tone. While the Blue Topaz appeals to users who appreciate a visually appealing switch with a richer audio output, the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal for those seeking a responsive and lightweight option. 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
40g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Blue Topaz and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches share significant commonalities in their housing materials, particularly in their top and bottom constructions. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is a distinctive characteristic contributing to their sound profiles. This material is noted for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, largely due to its stiffness. The translucency of the polycarbonate is also advantageous for users seeking an aesthetically pleasing experience when coupled with RGB lighting, allowing vibrant light effects to shine through. Therefore, both switches not only provide similar auditory sensations but also present an appealing visual aspect when illuminated.
When examining the bottom housing of both switches, the use of nylon is another shared feature that enhances their overall sound profiles. Nylon is recognized as a classic material for switch housing and is attributed to creating a deeper and fuller sound when typing. The softer characteristics of nylon allow for sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. This consistency in housing materials between the Blue Topaz and Chiikawa - 28g contributes to a harmonious performance that emphasizes the distinct qualities of each type of plastic used.
In scenarios where the top and bottom housings differ in other switches, users may experience varied sound characteristics based on the unique properties of each material. However, since both the Blue Topaz and Chiikawa - 28g incorporate identical housing materials, the overall user experience is predictably consistent. The polycarbonate top provides a lively, high-pitched clarity upon key release, while the nylon bottom ensures a rich, full-bodied keystroke sensation. This harmonious blend results in a well-rounded typing experience that highlights the strengths of both materials, making both switches appealing options for enthusiasts who value sound profile and performance.
Weight
The HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Blue Topaz has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a relatively light option for users who prefer a gentler typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g boasts a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This means that the Chiikawa is not only easier to press down but also requires less effort to fully bottom out compared to the Blue Topaz. Thus, for those who appreciate a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice. On the other hand, the Blue Topaz caters to users who favor a more substantial push, providing a heftier typing experience despite being considered light overall. Overall, the Chiikawa linear switch is the lighter option, while the Blue Topaz is heavier.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Blue Topaz measures 3.9 mm, while the Chiikawa - 28g has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This minor variation reflects a trend where shorter travel distances, like that of the Chiikawa switch, are favored by gamers for their enhanced responsiveness, allowing for quicker input times. Conversely, the Blue Topaz, with its longer travel distance, provides a more pronounced keypress, which some users may prefer for a more substantial tactile experience. Therefore, if you lean towards faster response times, the Chiikawa - 28g would be the ideal choice due to its shorter travel distance; while those who enjoy a deeper keypress may appreciate the longer travel of the HMX Blue Topaz.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Blue Topaz has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Topaz for $3.49.
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 HMX Blue Topaz linear switch produces a distinctly clacky sound profile, characterized by its sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. This crisp, bright, and percussive sound adds an element of auditory delight while typing, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a high-pitched and crisp tone. While both switches deliver enjoyable sound experiences, the specific tonal qualities differ, with the Blue Topaz offering a clackier resonance compared to the Chiikawa’s lighter, more high-pitched sound.
Regarding feel, the Blue Topaz boasts a super smooth actuation and an easy-to-press mechanism, requiring minimal force for activation. This gentle resistance creates an effortless typing experience, reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions and enhancing overall comfort. The Chiikawa - 28g also features a very light actuation force, making it responsive and comfortable to use, but specific details about its feel compared to the Blue Topaz are less defined. However, given that both are designed with a lightweight actuation force, users can expect a similarly pleasant and low-impact typing experience from both switches.
In conclusion, the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch both excel in offering lightweight actuation forces, making them ideal for users seeking a comfortable typing experience. The Blue Topaz stands out with its clacky sound profile and super smooth feel, while the Chiikawa is praised for its bright, crisp auditory feedback. Ultimately, both switches aim to enhance typing enjoyment, albeit with different sound characteristics, ensuring that users can find satisfaction in either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the HMX Blue Topaz linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch depends largely on your typing preferences and desired sound profile. If you appreciate a slightly heavier keystroke with a clacky sound signature and a more visually striking design, the Blue Topaz is an excellent choice. Its super smooth actuation and distinctive glitter housing create not only an engaging tactile experience but also an enjoyable auditory one, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods and value both comfort and expression in their setup. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke that prioritizes responsiveness and a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is likely better suited to your needs. With its impressive 34g bottom-out force, you will experience less finger fatigue, making it perfect for fast typists or gamers looking for quick and nimble inputs. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics, so consider what aspects—be it sound, feel, or actuation force—are most important to you in creating your ideal typing experience.
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