Keygeek Briny vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g both stand out as notable linear options, yet they offer distinct experiences for users. The Briny is best known for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, resulting in a balanced sound profile that provides a satisfying and smooth typing experience. Those who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback and a solid build might find the Briny appealing. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for fast typists. Its crisp, high-pitched sound adds an extra layer of enjoyment for those who prefer a more lively auditory feedback. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each have their unique strengths that can enhance the typing experience. 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
42g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, it's clear that there is a significant difference in the top housing materials used for these switches. The Briny features a nylon top housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is largely due to nylon's softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a duller and rounder audio experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing. Polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that generates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The contrast between these materials results in distinctly different auditory experiences when typing, with the Briny delivering a more muted sound and the Chiikawa - 28g providing a bright and resonant response.
Interestingly, both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings. This commonality means that the characteristics are consistent when considering the sound profile and feel during key presses. The nylon bottom housing in both switches continues to absorb sound effectively, maintaining the deeper and fuller sound profile that users expect. This similarity ensures that when pressed, the bottom-out sounds will feel consistent across both models, offering a familiar tactile experience despite the differences in the top housing materials. As a result, the consistent nylon bottom protects the user from a stark difference in feel that could result from the opposing top housing types.
Ultimately, the differences in the top and bottom housing of both switches create unique yet compatible sound profiles. While the nylon top of the Briny produces a softer auditory experience, the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa introduces a clearer sound, creating a blend of auditory characteristics that complement each other. As users type, the choice of top housing will significantly influence the release sound and resonance, while the bottom housing, being the same for both switches, will ensure that the key press feels familiar. This dual-material setup allows users to enjoy a diverse range of sound and feel experiences, depending on their preference for top housing material, while still achieving consistent results in terms of overall tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch to the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny switch has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g switch features a significantly lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a better option for those who enjoy a lighter touch, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming. Consequently, if you prioritize a softer key feel for comfort, the lighter Chiikawa switch would be the choice, whereas the heavier Briny switch might appeal to users seeking a more tactile feedback under their fingers. Ultimately, the difference in force can affect the overall typing experience, guiding users to select the switch that best fits their preferences and usage scenarios.
Travel distance
Both the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their keypress experiences quite similar in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. This equal travel distance means that users can expect comparable actuation and bottom-out sensations when using either switch. Consequently, whether one prefers the Briny or the Chiikawa - 28g, the performance in terms of travel distance will remain consistent across both options.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch is known for its balanced characteristics, a quality often attributed to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This results in a sound that can be pleasant and not overly harsh, making it suitable for a variety of typing environments without being distracting. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g offers a brighter and crisper auditory experience, producing a high-pitched sound that reflects its very light actuation force of 28g. This can contribute to a more engaging typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. Keep in mind that the overall sound of these switches may still be influenced by the choice of keyboard, type of keycaps, and even the typing technique used.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Briny is celebrated for its smooth linear action, allowing for effortless keystrokes without any tactile bump. Users often appreciate this fluidity for rapid typing or gaming scenarios, where quick, consistent actuation is advantageous. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g's very light actuation force creates a notably responsive feel, which may appeal to typists who prefer less resistance when pressing keys. This lightness can lead to fatigue for some, but for those who favor a quick typing experience, it can be incredibly satisfying. Both switches provide a linear experience, making them smooth in operation, though they cater to slightly different preferences regarding actuation force.
In summary, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced and pleasant sound profile combined with a smooth feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g provides a brighter, crisper sound and a lighter, highly responsive typing experience. Users seeking a well-rounded and unobtrusive auditory experience might gravitate towards the Briny, while those who enjoy a more vivid sound and quick actuation could prefer the Chiikawa. Ultimately, both options are excellent linear switches, and your choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and the force required to activate the switch. If you enjoy a medium force while typing, prefer a balanced sound profile, and appreciate a solid feel, the Briny is an excellent option for you. It’s designed to offer a versatile experience that suits a range of typing styles, making it a reliable choice for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward lighter switches that activate with minimal force and produce a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 28g will likely be more to your liking. The very light actuation of this switch enhances responsiveness and can make for a bouncier typing experience, which is excellent for fast typists or gamers who need quick reactions. By considering your typing habits and auditory preferences, you can confidently choose the switch that will enhance your overall mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
