Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Huano Elf
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Elf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is notable for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it exceptionally responsive and producing a distinct, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a light touch and enjoy a vibrant audio feedback. On the other hand, the Huano Elf switches offer a different charm with their POK top housing that enhances acoustics, resulting in a deeper sound signature along with a medium-light actuation feel for a satisfying typing experience. This switch caters to users who appreciate rich audio while still enjoying a comfortable typing action. Both switches have unique attributes that appeal to different types of users, but as every typist has personal preferences, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POK
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Elf, the difference in their top housing materials underscores varying sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound due to its stiffer properties. This material not only enhances clarity and resonance but also allows for effective RGB lighting effects because of its translucency. On the other hand, the Huano Elf uses POK (polyketone) for its top housing. POK features high durability and smoothness, leading to a clacky sound profile that is not only pleasant to type on but also offers impressive resistance to wear and impact. While both materials serve to enhance the auditory experience, they do so through different mechanical and acoustic properties.
Though the top housings of the Chiikawa and Elf differ, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a consistent sound quality across both models. Nylon is well-regarded for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a fuller and deeper auditory experience that cushions the bottoming-out impact of the switch. In both cases, the use of nylon helps soften the sound, giving a rounder quality that contrasts with the sharper, more pronounced qualities produced by their respective top housing materials. Therefore, although the top housing choices differ, the shared nylon bottom prominently influences the feel and sound when the switch is fully pressed.
Overall, the combination of materials ensures that both the Chiikawa - 28g and Huano Elf yield similar typing experiences in terms of perception of depth and resonance due to the nylon bottom. The distinct characteristics of the top housings contribute to varying sound profiles and tactile responses, enhancing the user experience depending on preference. While the Chiikawa's polycarbonate provides brightness and definition in sound, the Elf's POK offers durability and smooth performance. Ultimately, the synergistic effect of these materials allows users to enjoy rich soundscapes and tactile feedback, ensuring that both switches can appeal to different typing preferences while maintaining a fundamental similarity in feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the Huano Elf linear switch, it is clear that their actuation forces differ significantly. The Chiikawa switch requires a gentler 28 grams of force to actuate a keystroke, making it more suitable for users who favor a lighter touch during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Huano Elf switch has a much heavier actuation force of 42 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a stronger push feel in their typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Elf switch remains unknown, the Chiikawa's bottom out force is 34 grams, indicating it also requires additional force to press down completely. Therefore, the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter option, making it ideal for long-term use without fatigue, while the Huano Elf, being the heavier switch, caters to users looking for a more robust typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they provide an identical distance from the top to the bottom when pressed. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel and response when using either switch, resulting in similar typing experiences. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they are equal in this regard, and users looking for consistent performance across their keyboard can confidently choose either option without worrying about differences in the travel distance.
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 Huano Elf has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Elf for $3.29.
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 produces a bright and crisp high-pitched sound when typing, making it quite responsive and lively in auditory feedback. This characteristic can make your typing experience feel energetic and engaging. On the other hand, the Huano Elf linear switch delivers a deeper sound profile due to its POK top housing, which enhances acoustics. This results in a more profound, resonant sound that can provide a soothing experience for users who prefer a quieter typing environment. Both switches, while differing in acoustic profiles, produce satisfying sounds that can be influenced by the keyboard construction and materials used, such as keycaps and the case.
When it comes to the feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, creating a notably responsive typing experience that allows for quick keystrokes with minimal effort. This makes it excellent for fast typists or gamers looking for swift actuation. In contrast, the Huano Elf offers a medium-light feel, striking a balance between comfort and feedback. This allows for a solid yet enjoyable typing experience, providing enough resistance to ensure deliberate key presses without feeling heavy. Although both switches offer a pleasant tactile response, the Chiikawa's ultra-light actuation may cater more to those who favor speed, while the Elf provides a more grounded typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is ideal for those seeking a lighter feel and a bright acoustic profile, enhancing fast typing with a crisp sound. Conversely, the Huano Elf linear switch caters to individuals who appreciate a deeper sound and a medium-light actuation force for a more balanced typing experience. If you prefer a lively and quick response, the Chiikawa will suit you well, whereas the Elf is favorable for those who favor a robust yet gentle tactile feel. Both switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences that can enrich your mechanical keyboard journey, making either an excellent choice depending on your preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Elf linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound. If you tend to enjoy a light touch and crave a snappy response, the Chiikawa - 28g is your go-to option. Its 34g bottom-out force combined with a bright sound profile makes for a lively, reactive typing experience that many find exhilarating, particularly for tasks that require quick keystrokes, such as gaming or programming. Conversely, if you prefer a more subdued yet satisfying sound, along with a medium-light feel, the Huano Elf switch may cater to your needs better. Its POK top housing contributes to a rich acoustic profile, providing a deeper sound signature that many typists find appealing for longer typing sessions. Therefore, consider how you interact with your keyboard and what auditory feedback you prefer when determining which switch best complements your typing style.
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