Kailh Box White V2 vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g present two distinct options that cater to different typing preferences. The Kailh Box White V2 is a clicky switch, celebrated for its crisp tactile feedback and satisfying audible click, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a traditional typing experience reminiscent of classic typewriters. Its tactile and auditory characteristics can enhance the overall feel of typing and provide a stimulating feedback loop for enthusiasts and office workers alike. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch known for its exceptionally light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile. This switch allows for quick, smooth keystrokes without the tactile bump, favoring gamers and typists who prioritize speed and fluidity in their keystrokes. While both switches offer unique advantages—whether it's the tactile delight of the Box White V2 or the lightweight responsiveness of the Chiikawa - 28g—each caters to different needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, it's noteworthy that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material choice means that enthusiasts can expect a similar auditory experience in terms of a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The polycarbonate construction contributes to a more resonant sound, allowing for clear acoustic feedback that many typists and gamers appreciate. This quality makes both switches particularly well-suited for setups that feature RGB lighting, as their translucent top housings allow for effective light diffusion, enhancing the visual experience when the switches are illuminated.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which leads to a distinctly different auditory character. Nylon is known for its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when a key is pressed. This absorbs more sound energy compared to harder plastics, which contributes to a rounder tone during typing. Thus, while the top housings of both the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g will create a crisper sound upon key release, the nylon bottom housing allows for a rich and nuanced sound while typing. This combination provides an engaging tactile and auditory experience as the switches operate seamlessly.
Overall, the collaboration of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches presents a well-rounded audio profile, where the clearer, sharper tones from polycarbonate harmoniously coexist with the deeper, fuller sounds characteristic of nylon. They offer similar aesthetics and auditory feedback because of their shared top housing material, while exhibiting distinct sound qualities due to the differing bottom materials. Therefore, users can expect to derive similar benefits in terms of sound and lighting effects from both switches, while experiencing unique auditory sensations based on the specific interactions with each housing's properties during use.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, there’s a clear distinction in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Box White V2 requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it relatively light but still giving a substantial push feel. 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 difference indicates that the Chiikawa switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter feel for longer typing sessions, whereas the Box White V2 might appeal more to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Therefore, if you are looking for a lighter switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is the way to go, while the Kailh Box White V2 offers a heavier, more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch. Since both switches operate over the same distance, they will provide comparable tactile feedback and actuation points, making them equally effective for typing and gaming experiences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 switch is recognized for its crisp tactile feedback accompanied by a robust audible click, making it a favorite for those who enjoy an emphatic auditory response while typing. This click sound is sharp and pronounced, contributing to a satisfying typing experience, particularly for typists who appreciate clear auditory cues. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch features a bright sound profile that is characterized by a high-pitched crispness and a light actuating force. While both switches provide engaging sound moments, the Chiikawa's brightness can lend a more delicate auditory atmosphere, contrasting with the pronounced click of the Box White V2. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can depend on various factors, including the keyboard construction and keycap materials used.
Regarding feel, the Box White V2 offers a distinctly tactile experience, delivering noticeable feedback that lets users sense each actuation point effectively. This tactile bump, combined with the click, creates a compelling interaction that many find satisfying, especially when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is designed for a much lighter touch, presenting a linear profile with an actuation force of just 28 grams. Users often describe this switch as smooth and effortless, allowing for rapid keystrokes without the resistance typically encountered in more traditional mechanical switches. While the Box White V2 emphasizes tactile feedback, the Chiikawa prioritizes a fluid typing experience.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Kailh Box White V2 appealing to those who enjoy a tactile and audible typing experience, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g attracts users looking for a light and smooth operation. The interplay of sound and feel between these two switches highlights their distinctive characteristics: one is defined by its clicky engagement, and the other by its gentle responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice between them will hinge on whether you favor a sharper auditory and tactile interaction or a lighter, more fluid typing experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate the sensation of a pronounced click and tactile feedback while you type, the Box White V2 is the ideal option for you. Its 50-gram bottom-out force, while on the lighter side, delivers a satisfying and audible experience that many typists and gamers find motivating. However, if you lean more toward a smooth, silent typing experience without the interrupts of a click, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch would suit you better. The incredibly light 34-gram actuation force and its crisp, high-pitched sound profile make it incredibly responsive, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes, perfect for fast-paced gaming or prolonged typing sessions where you prefer minimal resistance. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—auditory feedback and tactile response with the Box White V2, or a smooth and silent experience with the Chiikawa. Your choice will shape your keyboard experience in unique ways!
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