Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it exceptionally responsive and perfect for those who appreciate a crisp, high-pitched typing sound. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g, another linear switch, is characterized by its clacky sound profile and a heavier actuation force. This switch caters to enthusiasts looking for a satisfying typing experience with a silky smooth feel. While the Chiikawa switch provides a nimble, airy touch, the Cloud's heftier weight offers a grounded, deliberate response. Each switch has its own merits, depending on whether you prefer a lightweight and responsive feel or a more robust and tactile experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
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 housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Cloud - 50g reflect distinct auditory and tactile characteristics due to their differences in composition. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality stems from polycarbonate's stiffer structure, which enhances sound clarity and resonance, making it particularly suitable for RGB lighting setups thanks to its translucence. In contrast, the Cloud utilizes a nylon top housing. Nylon is a softer plastic, and this material absorbs more sound, contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This structural difference suggests that while the Chiikawa may provide a brighter, more defined keystroke sound, the Cloud will deliver a more muted and rounded auditory experience.
Despite their top housing materials being different, both the Chiikawa and Cloud share a commonality in that they employ nylon for their bottom housings. With this shared nylon base, both switches are likely to generate similar effects when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, as nylon’s ability to absorb sound contributes to a comparatively deeper audio cue in both cases. This means that while the top housings might yield different auditory characteristics, the influence of the nylon bottom across both models converges to produce a fuller, more subdued typing experience. The potential pairing of the two materials thus suggests a complex interplay in which the bottom housing's properties can modulate the overall sound and feel of each switch.
Ultimately, the key contrasting element lies in the auditory impact created by the top housing materials. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate construction aims for a brighter, more crystalline auditory profile when releasing a key, resulting in a pronounced sound when compared to the dulcet tones emanating from the Cloud's nylon top. Thus, the overall typing experience differs significantly between the two models, despite their similarities brought about by the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing. Users seeking a sharper sound may prefer the Chiikawa, while those looking for a more muted response in their keystrokes might opt for the HMX Cloud. In summary, the combination of materials in both switches yields rich and diverse auditory experiences that appeal to varying preferences among typists.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming due to reduced fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Cloud switch features a heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which caters to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile feel while typing. As a result, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, favoring users seeking comfort and ease, while the HMX Cloud offers a stronger feedback experience for those who enjoy a firmer keypress. Although both switches have different weight characteristics, their unique force specifications provide users with tailored experiences depending on their personal preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cloud switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Cloud switch’s longer travel distance may provide a more traditional typing experience, which some users might prefer for its deeper feel while typing. Ultimately, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference regarding responsiveness versus the depth of key travel.
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 - 50g 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 - 50g 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
In terms of sound, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive. This quality can lend itself to an engaging typing experience, particularly suited for users who prefer an audible feedback without the harshness associated with clicky switches. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch features a clacky sound profile, offering a lighter variant that still caters to enthusiasts who appreciate a bright auditory feedback while typing. The combination of these sound qualities suggests that both switches will deliver an energetic or vibrant auditory experience, though the Chiikawa may be slightly more pronounced due to its lighter actuation.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is noted for its very light actuation force, which allows for a quick and effortless keypress, making it an excellent choice for typists who favor minimal resistance. This quality can lead to reduced fatigue during extended typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Cloud - 50g provides a silky smooth feel, with a heavier actuation force than the Chiikawa. This additional resistance can be favored by users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, as it may provide a sense of control and stability. While they both promise smooth operation, the difference in actuation force will likely impact the preference of the typist, depending on the desired sensation during use.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switches present unique characteristics appealing to different user preferences. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright, crisp sound and a very light feel that promotes rapid keystrokes, whereas the Cloud offers a clacky auditory profile and a silky smooth motion with a heavier actuation force, providing a more measured typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile feedback, either switch could be a strong contender; however, the choice between them rests on whether you favor a more responsive yet lighter typing experience or a controlled, smooth feeling with a brighter sound.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prefer a lighter actuation force that allows for quick, effortless typing, the Chiikawa - 28g is the ideal choice for you. Its 28g actuation and 34g bottom-out force not only make it incredibly responsive, but also provide a bright and crisp sound profile that enhances the tactile experience. This makes it particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers who need rapid keystrokes without fatigue. On the other hand, if you find more satisfaction in a slightly heavier switch that offers a bit more resistance and a smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g could be more in line with your needs. With a robust bottom-out force of 50g, it delivers a clackier sound profile and a tactile experience that many enthusiasts cherish. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a deliberate typing style while still enjoying a bit of auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize speed and lightness with the Chiikawa or a more substantial feel and sound with the Cloud.
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