Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Darling present compelling yet distinct choices for enthusiasts seeking an optimal typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its very light 28g actuation force, boasts a bright sound profile that offers users remarkable responsiveness and a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback during use. This makes it especially appealing for those who enjoy a fast and agile typing style or long hours of gaming where quick key responses are essential. In contrast, the KTT Darling offers a more substantial feel with its chewy typing sensation, designed to evoke a sense of satisfaction with each keystroke. It features a pronounced bounciness, providing a springy responsiveness that many users find enjoyable, along with a resonant sound that enhances both tactile and auditory feedback. While both switches are linear and cater to different preferences, they each hold unique attributes that can enhance the typing 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Darling share a strikingly similar construction when it comes to their housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile, making both switches capable of producing clear and crisp audio feedback. This quality is especially beneficial for users looking to enhance their typing experience with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an optimal display of colors. Therefore, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Darling are constructed to deliver a comparable auditory experience and vibrant illumination capabilities.
Examining the bottom housing, both switches turn to nylon, a classic material in the world of mechanical keyboards. Nylon’s softer nature results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as it absorbs more sound compared to stiffer plastics. This contributes to a rounder and more muted sound when typing, which contrasts with the sharpness introduced by the polycarbonate top. The consistency in material choices means that regardless of the specific switch model, the sound profile will be largely influenced by the balance between the top and bottom housing. Users can anticipate a cohesive tactile experience across both switches, as they incorporate similar acoustic characteristics.
Interestingly, while both switches exhibit this harmonious blend of materials, the distinct contributions from each housing type will still lead to subtle variations in user experience. The polycarbonate top will emphasize a bright and defined sound upon releasing a key, whereas the nylon bottom will deepen the auditory experience upon bottoming out. Even though the Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Darling are built with the same housing materials, the interplay between the two will lead to individual nuances in sound and feel, ensuring that each switch retains its own unique charm despite their fundamental similarities.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, there are notable differences. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, requiring less effort for key presses, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as this can reduce fatigue. In contrast, the Darling switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, which provides a firmer feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Chiikawa switch is 34 grams, while the Darling switch has a significantly higher bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Chiikawa offers a softer landing when the key is fully pressed down, further enhancing comfort for users who lean towards lighter switches. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter option for seamless, long-term use, the Chiikawa would be a better fit, whereas the Darling is better suited for those who appreciate a heavier touch in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Darling has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option by just 0.1 mm. As both switches are relatively close in travel distance, users can expect a similar typing experience, although the Chiikawa might offer a slightly more pronounced tactility due to its marginally longer travel distance. Gamers and those seeking quicker response times might prefer the Darling for its shorter travel, whereas those who enjoy a more grounded feel may opt for the Chiikawa. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is bright and high-pitched, making it a crisp choice for those who appreciate a more penetrating auditory experience while typing. Each keystroke produces a clear and responsive sound, contributing to an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the KTT Darling switch also boasts a high-pitched auditory quality, described as clacky and resonant. When bottoming out, it delivers a sharp and snappy sound that enriches the overall typing experience with its engaging blend of tactile and auditory feedback. Both switches seem to favor a high-frequency sound profile, making them suitable for users who prefer articulate and lively sound over deeper, bass-heavy notes.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is noted for its very light actuation force, which enables a swift response and makes typing less exhausting. The sensation is smooth, allowing for keyboard interactions that feel effortless and fluid. On the other hand, the KTT Darling switch is characterized by a chewy and substantial feel that provides a distinct sense of depth with each press. The pronounced bounciness of the Darling adds a springy responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively and invigorating. While the Chiikawa offers a more delicate touch, the Darling creates a more tactile engagement that can be deeply satisfying, appealing to users who enjoy a bit more feedback from their keys.
Ultimately, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch cater to those who appreciate responsive and lively typing experiences, albeit in different ways. The Chiikawa's light actuation and bright sound create an effortless typing flow, while the Darling’s substantial feel and pronounced bounciness provide a more tactile and engaging experience. Sound-wise, both switches deliver a sharp and bright auditory profile, making them suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced typing sound. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches may hinge on whether you value a lightweight response or a more robust tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more responsive, lightweight typing experience that is quick and efficient, then the Chiikawa - 28g is your best bet. Its incredibly low actuation force of just 28g makes it ideal for fast typists who enjoy a bright and crisp sound profile, allowing for a more immediate and engaging interaction with your keyboard. This switch would be particularly suited for tasks that require rapid inputs, such as gaming or typing long documents without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches.
On the other hand, if you seek a more substantial and tactile experience, the KTT Darling is the way to go. Its medium-light bottom out force of 53g creates a chewier and bouncier feel that offers satisfying feedback with each keystroke. The delightful auditory experience produced by its clacky and resonant sound profile will appeal to those who enjoy a more immersive typing atmosphere. This switch can be particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a balanced feel that still allows for speed, making it versatile for both gaming and daily typing tasks. Ultimately, your choice should reflect what you value in terms of sound, feel, and responsiveness.
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