Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Dareu Firefly
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Firefly switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the diverse world of mechanical keyboard switches, two intriguing options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Firefly. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its notably light actuation force of just 28g, offering a smooth, linear typing experience characterized by a bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback with every keystroke. This responsiveness and clarity make it an appealing choice for users who value speed and precision in their typing. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly introduces a tactile twist on the traditional clicky switch; while it remains quiet without the typical resonant click, it incorporates a light actuation force with a subtle hint of clickiness. The Firefly switch is particularly suited for those who prefer a more nuanced typing experience without the auditory distraction of louder switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Chiikawa's light responsiveness and the Firefly's tactile feedback hinges on user preference; 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Firefly feature polycarbonate top housings, which greatly inform their acoustic performance and aesthetic appeal. Polycarbonate, known for its stiff properties, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This similarity means that users of both the Chiikawa and Firefly can expect a clear and resonant sound when the keys are pressed and released. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for enhanced RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing for setups that incorporate illumination features.
On the lower end, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, fostering a different auditory experience. Nylon is praised for its softer characteristics, which absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a contrast to the top housing's sharper tones. Therefore, while the top housing is primarily responsible for sound clarity during key release, the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is fully depressed. This dual-material approach cultivates a balanced acoustic experience in both switches, merging the vibrant highs of the polycarbonate with the mellow lows of the nylon.
In essence, the comparable housing materials in the Chiikawa - 28g and the Firefly can lead to a similar auditory experience, where the interplay between polycarbonate and nylon creates a unique sound signature for each switch. Users can anticipate rich, balanced audio profiles thanks to the combination of nylon's sound absorption and polycarbonate's resonant properties. While there might be slight variances in the tactile feel or sound profiles due to potential differences in switch design, the core use of polycarbonate and nylon in both models ensures they will deliver a similarly engaging performance when it comes to each switch's auditory and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the Dareu Firefly tactile switch, notable differences arise. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Firefly tactile switch features a more significant actuation force of 40 grams, indicating a heavier push that some may find offers a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Firefly is unknown, leaving a gap in comparison. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter switch, while the Firefly is the heavier option, making them suitable for different preferences based on typing habits and comfort levels.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Firefly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that can be favored by gamers seeking quicker key presses. In contrast, the Firefly's longer 4 mm travel distance provides a more substantial feedback with each keystroke, which some users might find preferable for a more deliberate typing experience. Therefore, if you favor a snappier response, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper and more tactile experience may prefer the Firefly switch.
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 Dareu Firefly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Firefly for $3.76.
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 is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds a lively atmosphere to typing. This light actuation force contributes to a distinctly responsive auditory feedback, making each keystroke feel clear and articulate. In contrast, the Dareu Firefly tactile switch features a chirpy acoustic signature, which provides a unique blend of subtle clickiness without the traditional resonant click sound typical of many clicky switches. The Firefly's sound profile is quiet, yet it possesses an intriguing squeak that sets it apart from standard tactile options. The choice of keyboard and keycap materials will also influence these sound profiles, affecting the overall experience.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out for its very light actuation force, enhancing typing speed and responsiveness but lacking detailed information on the tactile feedback it provides. On the other hand, the Dareu Firefly is noted for being exceptionally easy to press, offering gentle resistance that requires minimal effort during key presses. This light actuation leads to a comfortable typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue, especially during prolonged typing sessions. While the Chiikawa is appealing for its lightness, the Firefly enhances the tactile experience through its effortless activation.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch cater to those seeking a light, responsive typing experience, albeit with different sound characteristics. The Chiikawa's bright and crisp auditory feedback contrasts with the Firefly's subtle clickiness and chirpy signature, offering distinct yet enjoyable sound profiles. In terms of feel, while both switches feature light actuation forces, the Firefly emphasizes a more comfortable key press, making it well-suited for extended use. Overall, whether you lean towards the vivid sound of the Chiikawa or the unique qualities of the Firefly, each switch presents its own benefits to enhance your typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Firefly tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a light, responsive actuation and enjoy the crisp, high-pitched sound profile characteristic of the Chiikawa switches, then this is likely the choice for you, especially if you're someone who types quickly or engages in activities that benefit from rapid key presses, such as gaming or coding. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer typing experience that still maintains a hint of tactile feedback without the louder resonant clicks typically associated with clicky switches, the Firefly may be more suitable. Its easy-to-press nature ensures minimal finger fatigue, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort is paramount. Consider what aspects of sound and feel resonate best with your typing habits, and you'll make a well-informed decision tailored to your needs.
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