Akko Botany vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely based on typing style and sound preferences. The Akko Botany switches are celebrated for their lively and clacky sound, making them an appealing option for those who enjoy an audible feedback during their typing experience. These linear switches are designed for smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump, catering to users who prefer a more fluid typing feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches stand out with their remarkably light actuation force, making them incredibly responsive and effortless to use, especially for fast typists. Their bright sound profile adds an engaging acoustic element, appealing to those who love that high-pitched crispness when striking the keys. Both switches have unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, whether you prioritize a pronounced auditory response or a light touch. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Akko Botany and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a notable distinction lies in the composition of their top housings. The Botany utilizes nylon for its top housing, a material known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's characteristic softness, which effectively absorbs sound, leading to a muted acoustic experience that many users find pleasant and satisfying. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g opts for a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes a sharper, more vibrant sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer resonance, resulting in higher-pitched sound feedback. Therefore, while the Botany provides a rounder auditory experience, the Chiikawa delights in delivering crispness to every keystroke.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Akko Botany and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g feature nylon, creating a convergence in their acoustic characteristics. This shared nylon bottom housing leads to a fuller sound profile when bottoming out, as nylon's soft exterior absorbs sound effectively. Consequently, this similarity allows for a consistent auditory experience when the key is pressed down, overshadowing some of the differences imparted by their respective top housings. The use of nylon in both switches ensures that users will experience a similarity in sound feedback upon key activation, even if the texture and tonal nuances differ during the release.
Overall, the combination of different materials for the top housings while maintaining nylon for the bottom allows for a distinct yet harmonious experience between the two switches. The Akko Botany's soft, warm sound is juxtaposed with the sharp clarity of the Chiikawa - 28g, presenting an interesting interplay of sound profiles that showcases how the two housing types can complement each other. Despite the contrasting materials, the effective absorption properties of nylon in both switches ensure a consistent marriage of sound experience, allowing users to appreciate both depth and clarity in their typing sessions. With the right usage, one can harness the unique qualities of each switch to create an enjoyable typing experience that caters to personal preference.
Weight
Comparing the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch reveals notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Botany switch has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This makes the Chiikawa switch the lighter option, which may benefit users who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Botany switch, being heavier, provides a more substantial feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter switch with ease of use, the Chiikawa is the way to go, while the Botany will appeal to those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressing down on their respective keys, users will experience the same amount of movement from the top to the bottom position. This similarity in travel distance contributes to a comparable feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming, ensuring that both switches deliver a consistent performance in terms of key actuation. In essence, users can expect similar results in terms of travel distance, making either switch a viable choice for those seeking a linear feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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
In terms of sound, the Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp, lively clacky sound right out of the box, which adds an engaging auditory dimension to typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile and high-pitched tones, creating a sensation of responsiveness during use. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences; however, they share a commonality in that the sound produced by each can be influenced by external factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When considering feel, the Akko Botany switch provides a satisfying typing experience that many users find enjoyable, although specifics about its tactile feedback are not provided. The Chiikawa - 28g switch, noted for its very light actuation force, should feel exceptionally responsive and effortless to manipulate during typing sessions. While the feel of the Botany switch remains somewhat unclear, the Chiikawa's light actuation point is likely to appeal to users preferring a more delicate touch.
In summary, both the Akko Botany linear switch and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences and can result in engaging typing experiences. While the Botany's lively clackiness contrasts with the Chiikawa's bright, high-pitched responsiveness, they both leverage their design to enhance user satisfaction. In terms of feel, the Chiikawa's light actuation force allows for effortless typing, while the experience with the Botany remains subjective, yet it promises a pleasant touch. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may come down to how their distinct sound profiles and tactile sensations align with your personal preferences in keyboard typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a slightly heavier feel and enjoy a lively, clacky sound with each keystroke, the Botany switch, with its 45-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent option. This switch is perfect for individuals who appreciate more tactile feedback and a punchier auditory experience when typing, making it suitable for both gaming and general use. On the other hand, if you favor a lighter touch while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g switch, which boasts a mere 34-gram bottom-out force, may be your best bet. Its very light actuation and bright sound profile cater to those who want a more responsive typing experience, ideal for rapid keystrokes and extended typing sessions without fatigue. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on how you balance sound and tactile feedback with actuation force, so consider which characteristics resonate more with your own typing style as you make your decision.