Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two standout options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its incredibly lightweight actuation force and bright sound profile, making it responsive and crisp for those who prefer a smooth and swift keypress without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch that not only offers a delightful poppy and clacky sound when typing but also provides a satisfying tactile bump that enhances the typing experience for users who enjoy a bit more feedback. While the Chiikawa is ideal for fast-paced typists seeking agility, the V3 Cream Blue Pro caters to those who appreciate an auditory and tactile engagement with their keyboard. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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 spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro share significant similarities in their housing materials, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches, attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffness. Since both models utilize translucent polycarbonate, they not only benefit from improved acoustics but also enhance aesthetic appeal when paired with RGB lighting. The transparency of the polycarbonate in both switches allows for an even distribution of light, making the lighting effects more vibrant and visually striking.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the V3 Cream Blue Pro utilize nylon, recognized as a traditional and reliable material in switch construction. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to stiffer plastics, absorbing sound effectively to create a warmer and rounder auditory experience. As such, while the top housing of both switches contributes to the clarity and brightness of the sound when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing predominantly influences the overall typing feel and the sound profile when the key is bottomed out. Users can expect a consistent experience across both models due to this shared material foundation, ensuring that both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience.
In summary, the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro are largely aligned, leading to similar acoustic and aesthetic results. The polycarbonate top gives an expressive and resonant character to the sound, while the nylon bottom provides a more muted and rounded finish. This combination offers an impressive balance of tonal clarity and depth in sound, regardless of the model chosen. Thus, both switches present an appealing option for users looking for a satisfying and high-quality typing experience, capitalizing on similar material properties.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for long typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro design features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger tactile feedback. These differences suggest that while the Chiikawa switch allows for prolonged use without fatiguing the fingers, the V3 Cream Blue Pro could provide a more satisfying engagement for users who favor a firmer switch. In summary, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, whereas the V3 Cream Blue Pro is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a deeper feel when pressed, potentially appealing to users who appreciate a more substantial keypress. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro may provide a quicker response, making it an attractive option for gamers seeking fast actuation. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you favor the hearty depth of 3.6 mm or the responsiveness of 3.3 mm.
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 Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 linear switch is known for its bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched tone during use. This sharpness can make typing feel particularly responsive, as each keystroke resonates clearly. Conversely, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch offers a more complex auditory experience, featuring a poppy and clacky profile that many typists find enjoyable. This switch strikes a balance, providing a lively sound without being overwhelmingly loud. Both switches, however, will produce distinct sounds that can also be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps used, so there may be shared characteristics based on the setup.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out with its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press. This makes it ideal for users who prefer a feather-light touch while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro brings a palette of tactile qualities to the table. Described as accented, these switches provide medium tactility that is prominent without being overwhelming. The bounce and snappy nature of the V3 Cream Blue Pro contribute to a lively, engaging typing experience, while its polished finish ensures smooth key travel with minimal friction. Each switch appeals to different preferences, providing distinct typing experiences based on their construction and intended use.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches cater to different user preferences, they both offer unique advantages. The Chiikawa's lightweight actuation and bright sound profile cater to those who prioritize responsiveness and clarity, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro captures the enjoyment of tactile feedback with a poppy, engaging sound and smooth operation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual tastes, whether one favors a lighter linear feel or a more tactile, audible experience. Both options provide engaging and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit in different forms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you favor an ultra-responsive and lightweight typing experience that provides a bright sound profile and a crisp feedback, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 28 grams allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy speedy key presses without fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile sensation paired with a medium-light actuation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro is likely to suit you better. Its pronounced tactile feel, characterized by a bouncy and snappy response with an engaging clacky sound, will appeal to users who enjoy a lively auditory feedback while typing, making it a fitting option for both gaming and general use. Therefore, consider how each switch's unique characteristics align with your personal typing style and auditory preferences to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
Mentioned in this article
