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Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Deep Navy

An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Deep Navy both offer distinct characteristics suited for different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its very light 28g actuation force, delivers an exceptionally responsive typing experience complemented by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone with every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and a lively auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Deep Navy switches provide a richer, sharper sound profile due to their full nylon construction, offering a more substantial feel while maintaining a high level of smoothness thanks to the Ly stem. This switch appeals to those who appreciate a solid sound and feel, making it a great option for both tactile satisfaction and an immersive 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

40g

Bottom-out force

34g

Bottom-out force

45g

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Factory lubed

Yes

Factory lubed

Yes

Stem construction

Standard

Stem construction

Standard

Stem material

Y3X

Stem material

Ly

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Nylon

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 single-stage spring

Housing materials

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Deep Navy, the primary distinction lies in their top housing materials. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This combination results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that tends to be clearer and more resonant. The polycarbonate material is particularly advantageous for users who prefer RGB lighting, as its clarity enhances the visual effects of the lighting beneath the keycaps. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for its softer composition that produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference suggests that users of the Chiikawa - 28g may enjoy a more vibrant and precise auditory experience, while those using the Deep Navy may appreciate a warmer, more muted sound.

A significant similarity between the two switches is their bottom housings, both made of nylon. This shared material ensures that users of both switches can expect a deeper and fuller typing experience, as nylon absorbs more sound than harder materials. The sound produced during key presses will be comparable across both switches in terms of depth and fullness due to the use of nylon in the bottom housing. As such, when key bottoms occur, whether in the Chiikawa - 28g or the Deep Navy, the resultant auditory experience will exhibit a consistent roundness and softness attributed to the nylon's properties.

Overall, the differences in their top housing materials will contribute to a variance in sound profiles, while the uniformity in their nylon bottom housings ensures a certain degree of similarity in tactile feedback and bottom-out sound. Users looking for a brisk and resonant tactile experience may gravitate towards the Chiikawa - 28g, while those preferring a deeper, softer tone may favor the HMX Deep Navy. Ultimately, understanding these contrasting aspects helps users make informed decisions that align with their sound preferences in mechanical switches.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 28g features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a slightly higher bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions, as it requires less effort to register a keystroke. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy switch has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter option while the Deep Navy is the heavier choice. If someone seeks a lighter typing experience for extended use, the Chiikawa - 28g would be more suitable, whereas those who appreciate a stronger force for a firmer response might gravitate toward the Deep Navy switch.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on either switch, as both require the same distance to register a keypress. The uniformity in travel distance ensures that typists and gamers alike will have comparable results in terms of responsiveness and feel, making both switches equally suitable for those who prioritize consistency in their keyboard experience.

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 HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.

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 stands out with its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched noise that enhances the tactile experience of typing. This makes it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch is known for its rich and sharp sound profile, produced by its full nylon construction. This construction contributes to a deeper and more resonant sound, ideal for those who prefer a bolder auditory response. Both switches create distinct sound experiences, and your overall perception will also rely on factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material you choose to use.

In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is noted for its very light actuation force, which results in a quick and responsive typing experience. This feather-light feel allows for rapid key presses with minimal resistance, appealing to typists and gamers seeking a fast-paced action. Meanwhile, the HMX Deep Navy switch is celebrated for its silky smoothness throughout the keystroke. The smoothness of this switch enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel more fluid and enjoyable to use over long periods. While both offer differing user experiences, they cater to distinct preferences, one focusing on lightness and responsiveness and the other on a smooth, uninterrupted motion.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Deep Navy linear switches provide unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different styles of typing. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light actuation force contrast with the Deep Navy's rich audio and smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, so experimenting with both could lead you to find the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking for with your mechanical keyboard. If you value a very light actuation force and a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances responsiveness, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its lighter 28g actuation and 34g bottom-out force make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy rapid key presses without much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a richer acoustic profile, the HMX Deep Navy is the better choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 45g, it provides a satisfying tactile engagement and, combined with its silky smoothness from the Ly stem, makes it ideal for long typing sessions where comfort and stability are key. Ultimately, your selection should align with whether you prioritize speed and lightness or a robust and immersive typing experience.

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