Kailh Box Royal vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience and overall satisfaction. The Kailh Box Royal, renowned for its sharp and aggressive tactile feedback, offers a binary tactility that enthusiasts often seek for enhanced typing precision. Its higher-pitched sound profile adds a distinct auditory element, making each keystroke feel almost pronounced. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch provides a different experience entirely; characterized by an ultra-light actuation force, it’s exceptionally responsive, resulting in a fast and fluid typing experience. The bright, high-pitched sound it produces adds a zesty quality to your keystrokes, appealing to those who enjoy a more subtle tactile presence. Whether you prefer the pronounced feedback of the Box Royal or the effortless fluidity of the Chiikawa - 28g, each switch caters to unique preferences in both feel and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

Bsun Chiikawa - 28g Linear

$6.25 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, it becomes evident that each switch utilizes distinct materials for its top housing, which significantly influences their overall sound profiles. The Box Royal features a nylon top housing that results in a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's soft characteristics, which absorb sound effectively, yielding a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g opts for a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity. This material generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The choice of housing thus establishes a fundamental difference in the acoustic character between these two switches.

Both switches do share a commonality in their bottom housings, as both the Box Royal and Chiikawa - 28g utilize nylon material. This shared characteristic means that the bottom-out sound and feel remain consistent across both switches, irrespective of the top housing differences. The nylon bottom housing contributes similarly to a deep and full sound signature for both switches, enhancing the tactile sensation while typing. Therefore, when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a somewhat similar experience thanks to the nylon bottom, which consistently offers that cushioned, rounded sound profile associated with softer plastics.

In summary, while the Kailh Box Royal and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g differ in their top housing materials, leading to contrasting sound profiles, they showcase a commonality in their bottom housing that brings a consistent sensation to the typing experience. The softer nylon found in both bottom housings ensures that the tactile feel during key presses remains deep and full, while the acoustic properties of the top housings define their individual characteristics. Therefore, users who are seeking a profound bottom-out experience will find a level of consistency across both switches, even as the auditory feedback varies significantly due to the contrasting top materials.

Weight

When comparing the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box Royal features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This makes the Chiikawa switch significantly lighter overall, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming. Since the actuation and bottom out forces of these two switches differ, users choosing between them will experience distinct tactile feedback and pressure resistance — with the Box Royal providing a stronger push and a more substantial feel, while the Chiikawa switch offers a softer, more effortless keystroke.

Travel distance

Both the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. Since they both share this measurement, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress experiences when using these switches. This uniform travel distance indicates that pressing either switch will feel quite similar in terms of depth, providing a comparable typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch stands out with its high-pitched, sharp tone. This sound profile is perfect for those who appreciate a typing experience that is clear and crisp, distancing itself from the deeper, richer noises produced by other switches. On the other hand, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch also boasts a bright sound profile, its very light actuation force contributes to a responsive typing experience that produces a similarly high-pitched sound. Both switches offer an acoustic quality that can elevate the overall typing experience, though the Box Royal’s sharper tone may appeal more to users who favor a pronounced auditory cue with each keystroke.

In terms of feel, the Kailh Box Royal switch excels due to its sharp tactile feedback. This switch provides a strong and distinct tactile bump that can be felt with every keypress, making it ideal for typists who appreciate immediate feedback and a more aggressive tactile experience. Conversely, the feel of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch remains unknown, making it difficult to compare directly in tactile feedback. However, since the Chiikawa is a linear switch with a notably light actuation force, one might expect a smoother experience with less tactile feedback than that provided by the Box Royals.

In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Box Royal shines with its aggressive tactility and sharp, high-pitched sound, creating a pronounced and engaging typing experience. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa switch is more about lightness and responsiveness, producing a similarly high-pitched sound but lacking tactile feedback specifics. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize tactile feedback and pronounced sound or a lighter, smoother response.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch will depend on your typing preferences and needs. If you value a pronounced tactile feedback and enjoy a more robust typing experience, the Box Royal is the ideal switch for you. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 70 grams ensures that you will feel every key press clearly, making it perfect for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a sharp and aggressive tactile response. On the other hand, if you're seeking a lighter, more responsive feel that allows for effortless keystrokes, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. With a bottom-out force of only 34 grams, it delivers a smooth, linear actuation that's ideal for rapid typing or gaming, complemented by its bright and crisp sound profile. In the end, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer the tactile precision of the Box Royal or the light and swift action of the Chiikawa, ultimately matching the switch to your unique typing style and comfort preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Royal Tactile

$6.25 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Chiikawa - 28g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more