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Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Bsun Cliff

An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Cliff switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Bsun Cliff stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, allowing for rapid, responsive keystrokes and a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. Conversely, the Bsun Cliff, with its tactile design, offers a medium level of tactile feedback alongside a crisp sound signature, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a more pronounced feeling of engagement with each keystroke. While the Chiikawa might be ideal for gamers or high-speed typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Cliff may attract those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience with palpable confirmation of each keypress. 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

28g

Actuation force

37g

Bottom-out force

34g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Pre-travel

2.30 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Partial box

Stem material

Y3X

Stem material

Ly

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

22mm single-stage spring

Spring

Stainless steel

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Cliff share a notable similarity in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of the material enhances sound resonance, making it an ideal choice for an aesthetically appealing design that showcases RGB lighting. Since both switches feature this translucent top housing, users can expect similar vibrancy in their lighting effects, adding to the overall visual experience. Consequently, when assessing the potential acoustic output of the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cliff, this shared top housing creates a uniformality that will resonate with enthusiasts seeking consistent RGB effects.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge in their materials, although they both utilize nylon. The nylon used in the bottom housing of both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cliff produces a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its relatively softer nature. This characteristic differentiates the overall typing experience, as nylon’s sound-absorbing quality results in a more muted and rounded sound compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate top. While typing with either switch, users will appreciate the weighted and soft responses generated by the nylon bottom, making both switches feel similar in terms of tonal warmth yet divergent in the sound they project when bottoming out.

Ultimately, even though the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Bsun Cliff utilize the same polycarbonate material for their top housing, their nylon bottom housings contribute to unique sound impressions. The fine balance between the clear, higher-pitched tones from the polycarbonate top and the rounded, subdued auditory feedback from the nylon bottom results in a well-rounded typing experience. Users can find joy in the acoustic signatures crafted by these materials, as both switches maintain a consistent resonance from the top while offering a fuller sound due to the nylon bottoms, ensuring a rewarding interaction regardless of the selected option.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch requires a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions or gaming, while its bottom out force is 34 grams. In contrast, the Cliff switch has a heavier actuation force of 37 grams and an even greater bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. As such, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, whereas the Cliff switch is the heavier one. Given these differences, users can choose based on their preference for light versus more forceful keystrokes.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in a similar keypress feel for users. This means that when pressed down, both switches will provide an identical tactile experience in terms of travel distance. Therefore, whether using the Chiikawa or the Cliff, users can expect consistent feedback and responsiveness during typing or gaming, as the distance traveled by each switch remains equal.

Price comparison

Which switch is more bang for your buck?

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.

The Bsun Cliff has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cliff for $2.19.

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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch presents a bright and high-pitched auditory profile, contributing to an engaging typing experience. This is complemented by a very light actuation force, allowing for quick responses while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Cliff tactile switch is characterized by a crisp sound signature that aligns with its medium tactile feedback. While both switches produce pleasing sounds, the Chiikawa tends to have a more pronounced high frequency, creating a livelier auditory experience compared to the more moderate tones of the Cliff switch.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is noted for its very light actuation force that results in a smooth and effortless typing experience. This makes it particularly suitable for rapid typing, as the minimal resistance allows for quick key presses. Conversely, the Cliff tactile switch offers a medium level of tactility, providing a noticeable bump that lets the user know when the actuation point is reached. This tactile feedback can enhance typing accuracy and is often favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced response from their switches.

Overall, opting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch involves consideration of both sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels in delivering a lightweight, bright auditory profile with a smooth actuation, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. In contrast, the Cliff's medium tactility and crisp sound cater to users who appreciate tactile feedback in their typing. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the lighter, faster feel of the Chiikawa or the satisfying tactile response offered by the Cliff.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Cliff tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a very light and responsive switch with a notable high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice, especially for fast typists or gamers who require quick actuation without much force. Its 34-gram bottom-out force creates a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions when you want to reduce fatigue. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that enhances your typing precision with a noticeable bump at actuation, the Cliff tactile switch is your go-to option. Its medium tactility and 45-gram bottom-out force provide a satisfying experience for both typists and gamers who appreciate auditory and tactile confirmation with each keystroke. In summary, opt for the Chiikawa - 28g if lightness and sound are your priorities, while the Cliff is better suited for users who appreciate responsiveness coupled with tactile feedback.

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