HMX Canglan V2 vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the HMX Canglan V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the HMX Canglan V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Canglan V2 is celebrated for its thocky sound profile, thanks to its expertly crafted materials and improved molding techniques, making it a delight for those who appreciate a deep, satisfying auditory feedback paired with a smooth, light feel. This switch is particularly suitable for typists who enjoy a more substantial sound without sacrificing comfort. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its bright sound profile and ultra-light actuation force, offering a remarkable level of responsiveness. Users who prefer a nimble typing experience will find this switch particularly appealing, as its crisp, high-pitched feedback can enhance the overall tactile enjoyment of each keystroke. While both switches deliver a linear feel, they cater to different preferences in sound and feedback dynamics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
48g
Bottom-out force
34g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
T2
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 HMX Canglan V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a notable distinction emerges in the choice of plastic used for their top housings. The Canglan V2 utilizes nylon, which is known for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs sound effectively. This results in a typing experience that feels more rounded and subdued, appealing to users who appreciate a muted auditory feedback. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 28g employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonation, creating a sound that is more pronounced and vibrant. Thus, while both switches serve the purpose of typing, the auditory characteristics provided by their top housings cater to different preferences.
In terms of bottom housings, both the Canglan V2 and Chiikawa - 28g share a similarity, employing nylon for this component. This choice means that both switches will deliver a deeper and fuller sound profile during bottom-out moments, as the softer nylon absorbs more sound and dampens the resulting impact. The consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing across both models leads to a comparable feel and auditory feedback when the keys are fully pressed down. This cohesion results in a user experience that is uniform in terms of bottoming out, contributing to a plush typing feel.
Overall, the contrasting materials of the top housings lead to different auditory experiences when typing. Users seeking a mellow, subdued sound will likely prefer the Canglan V2's nylon top, while those who favor sharp and vibrant sound profiles may lean towards the Chiikawa - 28g's polycarbonate top. However, thanks to the identical nylon bottom housing in both switches, the fullness and depth of sound when bottoming out remain consistent across models. This means that, regardless of the top housing choice, users can achieve a similar tactile experience when pressing the keys down, making both switches viable options depending on the user's sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch to the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out force. The Canglan V2 has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it relatively light but still heavier than the Chiikawa - 28g, which boasts a lower actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This difference means that the Chiikawa switch is generally easier to press, offering a lighter typing experience, which can be preferable for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Canglan V2, with its heavier forces, may appeal more to users who prefer a more substantial, tactile feedback while typing. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter and more effortless keystroke, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g would be the better choice, whereas the HMX Canglan V2 caters to those who desire a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the HMX Canglan V2 linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch differ slightly, with the Canglan V2 measuring 3.5 mm and the Chiikawa at 3.6 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch has a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. Conversely, the Canglan V2, being 0.1 mm shorter, aligns more closely with the trend of shorter switches popular among gamers seeking rapid response times. Thus, if you favor quicker actuation and a more responsive typing experience, the Canglan V2 would be the better option. However, if you appreciate a deeper keypress sensation, the Chiikawa - 28g might be more to your liking. Overall, both switches offer a distinct feel due to their travel distances, catering to different user preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Canglan 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 Canglan V2 for $2.99.
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 HMX Canglan V2 is known for its impressively deep and thocky sound signature that resonates with enthusiasts seeking a rich auditory experience. This sound profile is further enhanced by the careful selection of materials and advanced molding techniques, making it stand out among its peers. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g features a brighter and crisper sound profile, characterized by its high-pitched notes that come to life upon each keystroke. The juxtaposition of these two switches showcases the tonal spectrum available in linear switches, with the Canglan V2 leaning towards a fuller, deeper sound while the Chiikawa offers a more agile and light soundscape.
When it comes to feel, the Canglan V2 offers a smooth and light typing experience that many users find enjoyable and satisfying, providing a balance of resistance ideal for extended typing sessions. This light feel is complemented by its deep sound, creating an engaging environment for the user. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force, resulting in an extremely responsive experience that allows for quick and effortless typing. While some users may prefer the lighter feedback of the Chiikawa for speed, others may enjoy the smoothness of the Canglan V2, which provides a slight tactile nuance without compromising the linear nature of the switch.
Overall, both the HMX Canglan V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Canglan V2 excels in providing a thocky, deep sound with a smooth feel, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial auditory footprint and a satisfying typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g emphasizes a light, bright sound and a highly responsive feel, ideal for users prioritizing speed and agility. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences, as both have their distinct advantages that cater to different typing styles and sounds you might prefer.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the HMX Canglan V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and what you seek in a mechanical keyboard experience. If you prefer a switch that offers a satisfying thocky sound with a smooth feel, the Canglan V2 is an excellent choice, particularly if you enjoy a bit more resistance with its 48-gram bottom out force. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a solid tactile feedback while typing, making it suitable for both gaming and extensive writing sessions. On the other hand, if you lean towards ultra-light switches that provide quick responsiveness and a brighter sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is worth considering. Its 34-gram actuation force and crisp auditory feedback make it particularly appealing for fast typists who value speed and agility over resistance. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences in sound, feel, and typing style, which will significantly enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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