HMX Cheese vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 28g
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese 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, two popular contenders are the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, both of which fall into the linear switch category. The HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unparalleled smoothness and a typing experience that combines a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, making it a favored choice for those who value auditory feedback and a lighter touch that is easier on the fingers. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g also boasts a notably light actuation force, but it distinguishes itself with a bright sound profile that delivers a crisp and high-pitched auditory experience upon keystrokes. While both switches cater to users seeking light actuation and smooth performance, each offers a unique auditory experience that may sway your preference. 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
43g
Actuation force
28g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g keyboards utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly shapes their respective acoustics. The HMX Cheese is equipped with a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer and more sound-absorbing properties. Contrastingly, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g features polycarbonate for its top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for clearer resonance, contributing to a more pronounced auditory experience. This difference in materials can lead to a distinct listening experience, making it essential for users to consider their sound preferences when choosing between the two options.
While the top housing of each switch differs, both the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. This commonality leads to similar acoustic characteristics in the bottom-out sound and feel during typing. Nylon’s inherent property of sound absorption ensures that both switches deliver a deep and rounded sound profile from the bottom housing, promoting a cohesive typing experience for the end-user. Although the top housings diverge, the combined effect of having a nylon bottom in both models helps to create a balance, allowing users to enjoy the benefits of a fuller sound when they actuate the keys.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g creates varied yet complementary soundscapes. The contrasting properties of nylon and polycarbonate in the top housings define their individual sound profiles, while the consistent use of nylon below lends a common depth and richness that contributes to a satisfying experience. Users who favor a deeper, more resonant sound might gravitate toward the HMX Cheese, while those preferring a crisper and sharper audio feedback might opt for the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g. Regardless of the choice, both designs ensure an engaging typing experience through their thoughtful material use.
Weight
When comparing the HMX Cheese linear switch to the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Cheese switch has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g has a significantly lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. This means that users who prefer a softer key press and less strain during long typing sessions may gravitate towards the Chiikawa switch, given its lighter actuation force. Conversely, the Cheese, while still relatively light, offers a more substantial typing experience due to its higher actuation and bottom out forces, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feedback. As a result, users will find that the Chiikawa switch facilitates faster keystrokes with less effort, whereas the Cheese switch provides a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a tactile sensation when typing or gaming.
Travel distance
The HMX Cheese linear switch features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the Cheese the shorter option compared to the Chiikawa. Gamers looking for quicker response times might lean towards the HMX Cheese, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation, which can enhance gameplay. Conversely, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience may find the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel distance to be more satisfying. Despite the small difference, these nuances can influence personal preference based on how one perceives responsiveness and depth in a switch.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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 HMX Cheese linear switch delivers a distinctive clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature that enhances the auditory experience while typing. This unique characteristic stems from its construction, allowing for a resonance that is both satisfying and lively. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a bright sound profile that is notably crisp and high-pitched, thanks to its very light actuation force. Both switches produce an engaging sound, making them enjoyable to use, though they cater to slightly different auditory preferences due to their tonal qualities. It’s important to note that the perceived sound can vary based on the keyboard's build and the choice of keycaps, which can further influence the acoustic output of each switch.
When examining the feel of these switches, the HMX Cheese is recognized for its unparalleled smoothness, ensuring that each keystroke feels fluid and precise. This quality of smoothness contributes to a pristine typing experience that allows for effortless typing over prolonged periods. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g is similarly celebrated for its responsiveness, stemming from its ultra-light actuation force. This also impacts the typing sensation, as it allows for less effort in keystrokes, making it feel snappy and eager to register inputs. Both switches offer distinct tactile experiences, yet the Cheese leans more towards fluidity while the Chiikawa emphasizes a light and responsive touch.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese and Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switches provide exceptional qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Cheese switch stands out with its clacky and lively auditory feedback paired with a smooth typing experience, while the Chiikawa offers a bright sound coupled with a lightweight and responsive feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. Each switch has its unique charm, but if you enjoy one, there's a good chance you'll find similar satisfaction with the other.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and what you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard. If you’re someone who enjoys an ultra-smooth typing experience combined with a satisfying clacky sound, the HMX Cheese switch would be an excellent pick for you. Its bottom-out force of 46 grams strikes a balance between comfort and feedback, making it particularly well-suited for long typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer something even lighter and more responsive, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch, with its gentle 34-gram actuation force, might be more to your liking. This switch not only offers a bright, crisp sound profile but also provides an enjoyable typing experience that feels quick and agile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you value a smoother, more substantial feel with a bit of auditory flair or a lighter, more responsive touch that still delivers an engaging sound. By evaluating your typing style and preferences, you'll be better equipped to choose the switch that fits your needs perfectly.
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