Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro present two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28 grams, delivering responsive keystrokes accompanied by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone with each tap. This makes it an appealing choice for those who favor speed and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke flow, ideal for rapid typing or gaming. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a pronounced tactile bump, allowing typists to feel the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction. With a bass-heavy sound signature, the Creamy Purple Pro provides a more robust auditory feedback that many find satisfying, especially for those who enjoy a tactile sensation while typing. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize lightness and smoothness or tactile feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
30g
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
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Nylon
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
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similarly sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This commonality in material choice is pivotal in both switches, as the stiffness of polycarbonate inherently lends itself to better clarity and resonance. As a translucent material, polycarbonate not only enhances the auditory experience but also complements the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting. When users engage with either switch, the polycarbonate top housing ensures a vibrant illumination and an engaging auditory feedback, making them equally suited for enthusiasts who value both sound and visual aesthetics.
In contrast to their shared polycarbonate tops, the bottom housings of both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro are made of nylon. This material choice yields a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer, sound-absorbing characteristics. The difference between the materials used in the top and bottom housings creates a unique interplay of sound characteristics; nylon will produce a duller and rounder sound, effectively absorbing some of the higher frequencies generated by the polycarbonate above. Therefore, while both switches maintain a clear sound quality through their tops, the integration of nylon in the bottoms allows for a richer and more nuanced typing experience.
When combining the effects of both housings, users can expect a well-rounded auditory profile from each switch. The polycarbonate top contributes to a crisp sound during keystrokes, while the nylon bottom provides a fuller response when bottoming out. Thus, even with different materials in their bottom housings, the Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro ultimately create a harmonious balance that caters to a range of preferences in typing feel and sound. This synergy ensures that either switch can deliver an engaging and satisfying user experience, though the nuances in sound and feel will vary due to the distinct characteristics of nylon and polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, notable differences emerge regarding their weights and overall typing experience. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option, ideally suited for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 30 grams and has a significantly greater bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. This heavier actuation and bottom out force can offer a more tactile response, appealing to users who enjoy the feedback of a stronger push. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences, the Chiikawa is light, promoting ease of use for longer durations, whereas the Akko switch's heavier forces provide a more robust keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch provides a more substantial depth when pressing down, offering a experience that some users may find more satisfying and tactile. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers who seek faster response times and a more responsive keystroke, though some may perceive this as too abrupt. Ultimately, if you're looking for a more responsive option, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro would be ideal; however, if you prefer a more hearty and gradual feel, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched sound when typing. This makes the switch notably responsive, ideal for individuals who enjoy an audible feedback while they type. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offers a distinctly louder sound profile with a bassier pitch. The pronounced tactile bump coupled with the overall acoustic presence can create a more immersive typing experience, especially for those who enjoy tactile feedback. However, it's important to note that the sound of each switch can vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it extremely effortless to press down, which can lead to a smooth and frictionless typing experience without much resistance. In stark contrast, the Creamy Purple Pro provides a substantial tactile bump that users can feel when pressing the key, contributing to a satisfying tactile feedback that is distinctively different from a linear switch. The significant bump encourages a more deliberate typing style, making it favorable for those who value tactile sensation during their typing sessions.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches differ in their sound profiles and tactile characteristics, both offer unique experiences catering to different preferences in typing. The Chiikawa offers a lightweight, bright auditory sensation conducive to fast typing, whereas the Creamy Purple Pro presents a robust tactile feedback with a richer, bass-oriented sound. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes lightness and crispness or prefers a pronounced tactile experience with a heavier auditory signature.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and style. If you seek a lightweight, highly responsive switch that offers a bright sound profile and crisp actuation, then the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 28 grams means you can type swiftly with less finger fatigue, perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a more substantial tactile experience with satisfying feedback during each keypress, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro is your go-to. With its heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams and pronounced tactile bump, it caters well to typists who appreciate the physical responsiveness of a switch, alongside its deeper sound signature. Ultimately, choose the Chiikawa for a lighter, snappier experience, and the Creamy Purple Pro for a more robust, tactile engagement when typing or gaming.
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