Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko V3 Cream Black Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options worth exploring are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, both of which are linear switches yet offer distinct characteristics. The Chiikawa - 28g is praised for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive and crisp typing experience that appeals to users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is designed with budget-conscious enthusiasts in mind, offering a delightfully smooth feel paired with a unique poppy and clacky sound that makes every keystroke enjoyable. While both switches are linear and cater to different preferences for sound and feel, their respective qualities can enhance the typing experience in varied ways. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
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
20mm
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro, one can immediately note that both switches share polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar sound profile. The polycarbonate material is known for producing sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sounds due to its stiffer composition. This leads to more resonant acoustics, which are especially enhanced when coupled with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for better light diffusion. Hence, users of both switches can expect an enjoyable auditory experience characterized by clarity and brightness, particularly during key releases.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ, with the Chiikawa - 28g utilizing nylon while the V3 Cream Black Pro also employs nylon. Both switches benefit from this classic housing material, which is renowned for eliciting deeper and fuller sound profiles. The softer composition of nylon helps absorb sound, producing a duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. Consequently, even though both switches use nylon for their bottom housing, this design choice remains consistent across the two models and allows users to expect a similar sound depth when bottoming out.
In terms of the overall impact on sound and feel during use, the differences in housing materials perform complementary roles. The distinct contributions of the respective top and bottom housings lead to a layered acoustic experience. While pressing the keys, the nylon bottom housing plays a more significant role in defining the overall feel and sound at the bottom-out phase, providing a plush cushion to the touch. Meanwhile, the polycarbonate top housing contributes to the sound emitted when releasing the keys. As a result, despite having some similarities in material choices, the synergy between the softer nylon and the stiffer polycarbonate enhances the acoustic profile and tactile feedback of both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, there is a clear distinction in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions due to its ease of activation. In contrast, the V3 Cream Black Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel and might appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that offers light pressure with quick response, the Chiikawa is the better option. Conversely, if you favor a heavier touch for a more tactile feedback, the V3 Cream Black Pro would be the ideal choice. Thus, one can conclude that the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Akko V3 is decidedly the heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch, it is clear that they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Cream Black Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that users who opt for the Chiikawa switch may experience a more pronounced depth during key presses, which can feel more satisfying for those who prefer a hearty tactile feedback. Conversely, gamers and those seeking quicker response times might gravitate towards the V3 Cream Black Pro, as its shorter travel distance allows for faster actuation. Overall, your choice will depend on your preference for either a deeper feel or a snappier response during use.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This sound characteristic contributes to a lively auditory experience that many users find appealing, particularly those who prefer sharper and more responsive acoustics. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch delivers a distinctively poppy and clacky sound, notable for its smooth operation paired with a delightful auditory feedback. The combination of these properties makes the Akko switch a fantastic option for those seeking an engaging sound experience. Both switches, however, can sound different based on the specific keyboard and keycap materials utilized, but users can generally expect to enjoy a vibrant and satisfying acoustics with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g excels with its notably light actuation force, allowing for a quick and responsive typing experience. The switch's lightness encourages a rapid keystroke execution, ensuring that typists experience minimal fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro switches provide a wonderfully smooth and buttery typing experience. This creamy texture is complemented by bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics, creating an elastic and engaging feedback that makes each keystroke feel lively and satisfying. Users of the Akko switch can expect a silky sensation as their fingers glide effortlessly across the keys, enhanced by the refined finish that reduces friction. While the Chiikawa focuses on lightness and responsiveness, the Akko switch offers a broader tactile experience, making each type feel enriched.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switches provide unique yet compelling experiences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and lightweight feel make it exceptionally responsive, ideal for those prioritizing speed and agility in typing. Meanwhile, the V3 Cream Black Pro combines a delightful auditory experience with a luxurious smoothness and responsive feedback, offering a well-rounded and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences regarding sound and feel. Users seeking a sharp, lively experience may gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those who appreciate smoothness and a more textured feedback may find the Akko switch more to their liking.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific experience you're seeking. If you prefer a super light actuation force paired with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa switches might be the right fit for you. Their incredibly responsive feel and high-pitched sound make them perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick keystrokes are crucial. However, if you’re on the lookout for a more substantial switch that offers a richer acoustic feedback and a creamy, smooth typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro is a fantastic choice. With its medium-heavy actuation force, you can expect a satisfying bouncy and snappy feel that enhances tactile feedback, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions. In essence, your choice should reflect not only your typing habits but also your auditory and tactile preferences: whether you favor lightness and brightness or weightiness and smoothness.
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