Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Cloud - 63.5g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of each option. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is renowned for its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering an incredibly responsive and crisp typing experience. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer fast-paced typing and lighter key presses, perfect for gamers and typists alike who want agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g stands out with its clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force, appealing to those who relish a more tactile and pronounced feedback when typing. The silky smooth feel coupled with its bouncy, creamy, and high-pitched notes create an engaging auditory experience that can enhance the joy of typing for enthusiasts who appreciate a fuller sound. Each switch brings its own set of advantages—whether it’s the swift responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the richer sound experience of the Cloud. 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
28g
Actuation force
56g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g present contrasting approaches to housing materials in their design, leading to different auditory experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for creating a sharper and more resonant sound profile. Polycarbonate's stiffer structure enhances clarity and brightness in sound, resulting in a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g utilizes a nylon top housing, a material historically valued for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller acoustic experience, imparting a more muted, velvety typing sound that many users find appealing. The distinctions in these materials imply that while both switches can deliver satisfying auditory responses, the Chiikawa - 28g leans towards a brighter profile, whereas the HMX Cloud - 63.5g offers a warmer tone.
Despite their differences, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing, with both models incorporating nylon. Given that both switches use nylon for the bottom housing, they evoke similar sound profiles at that level. This shared characteristic means that, while the top housing may impart differing qualities to the typing experience, the depth and fullness afforded by nylon in each switch’s lower section will be comparable. The design decisions around the bottom housing contribute significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel, making both switches feel similar in this aspect. Regardless of the disparity in their top housings, users can expect a somewhat unified sound profile during the pressing motion from both the Chiikawa and Cloud models.
Overall, the distinctive materials employed in the top housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Cloud - 63.5g exemplify different intended objectives for the user experience. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top seeks to achieve clarity and vibrance in auditory feedback, particularly beneficial for gamers or typists who prefer an energetic sound. On the other hand, the Cloud's nylon top housing provides a rounded and smooth typing sound, appealing to users who enjoy a more subdued and cushioned auditory experience. However, the combination of nylon as the bottom housing for both switches creates a bridge between them, allowing users to achieve a blend of sensory experiences regardless of their housing variances. Thus, while there are notable contrasts in acoustic output between the two designs, significant similarities exist that can lead to comparable results in sound design for users.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch present a notable difference in weight and force responsiveness that caters to different preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a lightweight actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer touch and a less strenuous typing experience, perfect for extended use. In contrast, the HMX Cloud switch offers a significantly heavier actuation force of 56 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, providing a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a firmer push while typing or gaming. While both switches produce distinct tactile experiences, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Cloud switch caters to those seeking a heavier, more pronounced response. This contrast in actuation and bottom out forces highlights how switch weight preferences can directly impact user comfort and typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that users of the Chiikawa switch will experience a shorter distance when pressing down on a key, resulting in potentially faster response times, which is often favored by gamers. On the other hand, the Cloud switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users prefer for a hearty typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Chiikawa is the better choice; conversely, if you enjoy a more traditional depth in your keystrokes, the Cloud would be more suitable.
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 HMX Cloud - 63.5g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 63.5g for $2.99.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Chiikawa is celebrated for its bright sound profile, producing a high-pitched, crisp sound that resonates sweetly with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing to users who prefer a sharper auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Cloud offers a clacky sound profile that is also bright but leans towards a more percussive characteristic. The Cloud's sound can be described as sharp and snappy, delivering a satisfying auditory feedback that is lively and engaging, ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience when typing.
In terms of feel, the contrast becomes more apparent with each switch's response to touch. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive, though the exact tactile feel is not explicitly mentioned. This suggests a more effortless typing experience but leaves the tactile feedback somewhat ambiguous. Meanwhile, the HMX Cloud switch is touted for its bouncy feel, providing that enjoyable spring-like feedback which adds an element of playfulness to typing. Additionally, it is described as creamy, promising a silky smooth experience that almost glides your fingers across the keys. This combination of bounciness and creaminess offers a delightful sensation that greatly enhances the typing experience for those who favor a luxurious touch.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switches each cater to different user preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Chiikawa’s bright and crisp auditory experience, paired with its very light actuation, may appeal to those who prioritize quick, responsive keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX Cloud’s clacky sound combined with its bouncy and creamy feel presents a richer, more engaging experience suited for enthusiasts who enjoy a lively and smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, while both switches offer unique qualities, the choice between them will likely depend on whether one's priorities lie in a lighter touch with a bright sound or a more tactile, responsive experience with added auditory flair.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Cloud - 63.5g linear switches largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lightweight switch with an ultra-responsive feel and a high-pitched, bright sound, the Chiikawa - 28g would be an excellent fit for your setup. This switch's light actuation force makes it ideal for rapid typing, especially useful for tasks that require speed like coding or extensive note-taking. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial key feel and a pronounced clacky sound with a silky, creamy texture, the HMX Cloud - 63.5g is your go-to option. The heavier bottom out force of this switch offers a more deliberate typing experience, which many users find satisfying for both typing and gaming, providing the tactile feedback and response that enhances immersion. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you prefer a light, nimble switch or a heavier, more tactile experience.
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