Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro both stand out, albeit for different reasons. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its extremely light actuation force, delivering a bright, crisp sound profile that makes each keystroke feel both responsive and exhilarating—a preference for those who enjoy a more delicate touch. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a satisfying balance of auditory and tactile experiences, providing a "poppy" sound combined with a smooth, creamy feel that appeals to budget-conscious enthusiasts looking for rich feedback. While the Chiikawa may cater to those who prioritize a lightweight and quick response, the V3's bouncy and polished nature makes it ideal for users who enjoy both tactile satisfaction and an engaging soundscape. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro, it quickly becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material choice contributes significantly to their sound profiles, creating a sharper, higher-pitched acoustic experience that is both crisp and resonant. Polycarbonate's stiffer nature enhances clarity and allows for more pronounced sound feedback, while its translucency supports RGB lighting, resulting in a visually appealing and immersive typing experience. As a result, users can expect similar auditory effects while typing on both switches, reinforcing the perception of quality that comes with polycarbonate materials.
However, the bottom housing of these switches presents a notable similarity in material choice—both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro feature nylon in their designs. Nylon is known for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile, which stems from its relatively soft plastic composition. This softness allows the material to absorb more sound, leading to a more muted and rounder acoustic experience that contrasts with the sharper top housing made of polycarbonate. As a result, when typing on these switches, the bottom-out sound and feel are heavily influenced by the nylon material, enriching the overall experience by balancing the tonal qualities created by both the top and bottom housings.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro share similarities in their housing materials, the interplay between polycarbonate and nylon creates a distinctive auditory experience. Both switches deliver a consistent crisper sound from the polycarbonate top housing, while the nylon bottom housing enriches the typing experience with a more subdued sound profile. With both switches leveraging these expertly chosen materials, users can expect a well-rounded and satisfying typing experience, showcasing how the characteristics of each housing material come together to define the switch's overall performance.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch differ significantly in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a more suitable option for users who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a notably heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. As such, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is the heavier choice. This difference in force characteristics suggests that users will experience a distinct typing sensation, with the Chiikawa offering a softer touch and the V3 presenting a firmer resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Akko switch the more responsive option, appealing to gamers who favor quicker actuation for fast-paced gameplay. On the other hand, the Chiikawa switch, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel for users who prefer a deeper key press, providing a satisfying tactile experience. Those who choose the Chiikawa switch can expect a more deliberate actuation, while the Akko switch would cater better to those seeking rapid response.
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 Yellow 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 Yellow 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
In terms of sound, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its bright and crisp tonal profile, producing a high-pitched keystroke that resonates with clarity. This characteristic makes it particularly engaging for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, adding a lively dynamic to their keyboard experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy and clacky sound that stands out, providing a vibrant auditory experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable. Depending on the choice of board and keycaps, both switches can yield pleasing auditory results, but the Chiikawa tends to lean towards a more high-pitched quality, while the V3 Cream Yellow may deliver a more rounded, clacky sound.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by a notably light action, making it easy to press with minimal exertion. This feather-light touch reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions and contributes to a highly responsive experience. The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro complements this with its own easy-to-press nature, requiring little force for actuation, enhancing comfort and efficiency. Additionally, the V3's bouncy feedback provides a lively feedback sensation that adds an engaging element to each keystroke. Overall, while both switches offer a light and effortless typing feel, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro introduces a bit of elasticity that may appeal to those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro switches cater to those fond of light, responsive typing with satisfying auditory feedback. The Chiikawa leans towards a bright, high-pitched sound and a very light feel, while the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a poppy sound with additional bounciness and a creamy tactile quality. Ultimately, your experience with each switch may vary based on personal preferences and your keyboard setup, but both are excellent choices for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking quality and comfort in their typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches, you should consider your personal typing preferences and the contexts in which you typically use your keyboard. If you seek an exceptionally light touch and a responsive, crisp typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g would be your go-to choice. Its light actuation force and bright sound profile make it ideal for quick typing, gaming, or users who might struggle with heavier switches. Conversely, if you appreciate a more substantial feel with a moderate actuation force and enjoy a lively auditory experience, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro is an excellent option. These switches provide a richer, poppy sound along with a bouncy feedback that can enhance the enjoyment of typing while being budget-friendly. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a feather-light touch for speed or a more tactile and engaging experience.
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