Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Dolphin are two interesting options that cater to different preferences and environments. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its extremely light actuation force of just 28g and vibrant sound profile, offering an ultra-responsive typing experience that's both crisp and high-pitched. This makes it a delightful choice for typists who appreciate a lively feedback while they type. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switches are designed with a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, delivering a more substantial feel with silent operation—an ideal characteristic for office settings or any workspace where noise control is paramount. With their muted and polished characteristics, Durock Dolphins provide a satisfying press that balances precision with performance, making them perfect for users who prefer a touch of resistance. Both switches have their unique selling points, but 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Dolphin both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in strikingly similar acoustic properties. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffer nature, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that many users find appealing for a more resonant typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, especially for those who wish to implement RGB lighting. By incorporating this material, both switches promise clarity in sound, making them favorable choices for enthusiasts seeking a more vivid auditory feedback while typing or gaming.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, which leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This difference in material is significant as nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder and more subdued acoustics compared to the characteristics imparted by polycarbonate. When users engage with these switches, the nylon bottom provides a distinct tactile sensation that enriches the typing experience, while also influencing the bottom-out sound. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Dolphin allows for an intricate blending of sound profiles, ensuring a well-rounded auditory experience.
Ultimately, the similarities in the top housing materials combined with the differences in the bottom housings provide distinct yet complementary qualities in both the Chiikawa and Dolphin switches. Users will experience a pronounced clarity during key releases due to the polycarbonate tops, while the nylon bottoms will contribute to a deeper sound during the actuation. This cohesive synergy of materials ensures that, despite their individual characteristics, users of either switch can expect a satisfying and harmonious typing experience. Thus, even though the materials vary, the thoughtful combination in both switches leads to comparable auditory results, appealing to a broad spectrum of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom-out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom-out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Dolphin's bottom-out force is significantly heavier at 62 grams, although its actuation force is currently unknown. This suggests that the Dolphin switch will provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a firmer feel when typing. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Dolphin is the heavier one, allowing users to choose based on their comfort and typing style preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there is a noticeable difference: the Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dolphin offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, which could appeal to users seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. On the other hand, the Dolphin's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth, with the Chiikawa switch favoring speed and the Dolphin leaning toward a more pronounced typing 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 Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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 characterized by a bright, high-pitched tone that creates a crisp auditory feedback during typing. This makes the switch not only responsive but also lively in sound, contributing to an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is designed for muted operation, producing a softer and quieter sound that helps maintain a low noise level in work environments. Its low-pitched nature offers a mellow tone compared to the Chiikawa's brightness, providing a stark contrast in auditory feedback. Thus, if a quieter typing experience is a priority, the Dolphin would be a superior choice.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g features a very light actuation force of 28g, which allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer an easily responsive switch. However, specifics about its tactile experience are not provided. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin has a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, providing a more substantial and controlled typing experience. Its polished feel, attributed to high-quality materials and possibly factory lubing, ensures that the keystrokes are smooth and frictionless, enhancing overall typing comfort. The difference in actuation forces and tactile feedback can lead to varied preferences among users, with the Dolphin offering more resistance and a distinctive satisfying press.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Dolphin switches cater to different user needs in terms of sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels in providing a bright, engaging auditory experience with a light touch suitable for fast typing, while the Dolphin emphasizes a quieter operation and a substantial, polished feel that is rewarding for those who like a bit more weight in their keystrokes. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether one prioritizes sound clarity or a more muted, polished typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switches and the Durock Dolphin linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using them. If you prioritize a lightweight switch that offers quick responsiveness and a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its low actuation force of 28g makes it suitable for gaming or fast typing, where speed and accuracy are paramount, and it can provide an enjoyable acoustic experience for those who appreciate auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you work in a shared space or prefer a switch with a more substantial feel, the Durock Dolphin would be your best bet. With a medium actuation force of 62g and a muted sound profile, these switches excel in providing a satisfying tactile experience while keeping noise levels low—ideal for office environments or quiet settings. Ultimately, both switches have their unique advantages, so consider your typing style and environment carefully to make the choice that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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