Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Fairy represent two distinct options, each catering to different typing preferences and environments. The Chiikawa - 28g is defined by its notably light actuation force and bright sound profile, resulting in a typing experience that is both responsive and crisp, ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and audible feedback in their keystrokes. Conversely, the Akko Fairy switch is designed with a more muted and polished sound, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth and enjoyable feel, particularly suitable for office settings where quiet operation is key. With its medium actuation force, the Fairy provides an excellent balance of resistance, promoting comfort during long typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, the choice between these two linear switches boils down to your personal typing style and usage environment; 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Fairy, a notable contrast emerges between their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize RGB lighting effects, as the polycarbonate allows light to shine through clearly. In contrast, the Akko Fairy utilizes a nylon top housing, which is a softer plastic that absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This combination means that while the Chiikawa offers a more resonant sound upon release, the Fairy's top housing yields a rounder auditory experience.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing, both made from nylon. This material's classic properties provide a consistent deep and full sound profile due to its ability to absorb sound effectively. The similarity in their bottom housings means that both switches will deliver a similar tactile experience when bottoming out, allowing for a rounder and fuller sound when a key is pressed down. Consequently, when considering the overall feel and sound quality of these two switches, one could argue that they will produce similar results during actual use despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the fusion of different materials in the Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Fairy results in unique sound dynamics shaped by their distinct top housings, while still benefiting from the same nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa delivers a more pronounced sound upon release, leading to a sharper auditory experience, whereas the nylon top of the Fairy cultivates a warmer ambiance. However, the nylon bottom in both switches ensures that both switches provide a satisfying firm and rounded feel when pressed, creating an enjoyable typing experience irrespective of the variations above. Thus, while distinct, their differences in sound profiles do not detract from the enjoyable tactile quality both switches offer.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, a notable difference in weight and overall feel emerges. The Chiikawa features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch, with a significantly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, caters to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This difference suggests that while the Chiikawa switch promotes ease of use, the Fairy switch offers more resistance for users who appreciate a firmer keystroke. Ultimately, if you opt for the Chiikawa - 28g, you can expect a lighter feel conducive to extended use, whereas the Akko Fairy provides a weightier push that some may find more satisfying during typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Fairy offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Akko Fairy switch may be the preferable choice, as it has a shorter travel distance that can facilitate quicker actuation, appealing particularly to gamers. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 28g, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more pronounced depth in your 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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright and crisp qualities, producing a high-pitched sound that is distinctly appealing for those who enjoy audible feedback when typing. In contrast, the Akko Fairy linear switch presents a more subdued auditory experience, described as muted and neutral. The muted nature of the Fairy switch minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise, making it a suitable choice for quieter environments, while the neutral sound provides versatility suitable for a range of users, whether at home or in an office setting.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch offers a very light actuation force, resulting in a highly responsive typing experience that allows for rapid keystrokes without much effort. This can be ideal for users who prefer a swift, nimble feel while typing. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy switches are known for their polished and mild characteristics, offering a smooth and refined keystroke experience that is comfortable for extended periods of use. The subtle resistance of the Fairy switches strikes a balance, providing a gentle typing feel that caters to both novice and experienced users, ensuring a pleasant experience without feeling overly taxing.
In summary, users can expect a vibrant, crisp auditory experience from the Chiikawa - 28g switches versus the subdued and versatile sound profile of the Akko Fairy switches. While the Chiikawa emphasizes a light and highly responsive feel, the Fairy switches excel in providing a polished and approachable typing experience. Each switch caters to different user preferences, whether one seeks a lively sound and light actuation or a smooth, quiet typing experience, making both switches viable choices depending on the user’s environment and typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a very light actuation force that allows for rapid typing and a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent choice, especially for casual or playful setups where responsiveness and auditory feedback are prioritized. These switches shine in environments where you can enjoy their lively sound without concern for disturbing others. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that balances comfort with a muted sound profile, the Akko Fairy switch is ideal for office settings or shared spaces. With its medium weight and factory-applied lubrication, it provides a smooth and polished typing experience, reducing fatigue during long hours of typing while maintaining a subtle and neutral sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect not just your typing style but also the context in which you will be using your keyboard.
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