Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flame Red offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an enticing option for those who desire a responsive and fast typing experience complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red stands out with its striking light diffuser, perfect for users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance; its smooth, weighty feel and clacky sound profile create a satisfying tactile experience, especially appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. While both switches are linear and provide a seamless typing experience, their unique characteristics and sound profiles make them suitable for different users' preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
54g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flame Red, we notice a distinct contrast in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for greater resonance, making it particularly effective when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the TTC Flame Red's top housing is crafted from nylon, a classic material characterized by its softer properties. As a result, the Flame Red produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the nylon construction absorbs some of the vibrations associated with keystrokes, creating a rounder auditory experience. This distinction suggests that users seeking clarity and brightness in sound may prefer the Chiikawa, while those looking for warmth and depth might gravitate towards the Flame Red.
However, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings, utilizing nylon in each case. Given that nylon generally promotes a deeper and fuller sound profile, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flame Red will offer similar experiences in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. As the bottom housing has a significant influence on how the switch feels when pressed and the sound it produces upon striking the keyboard surface, both switches will deliver a consistent muted experience while in use. This indicates that regardless of the choices in top housing materials, users can derive a similar tactile experience when bottoming out, provided that the bottom housing remains identical.
In essence, while the Chiikawa - 28g and TTC Flame Red differ in their top housing materials, leading to distinct sound profiles, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that the overall typing experience retains a level of consistency. The polycarbonate top in the Chiikawa facilitates a sharper auditory response during key release, while the nylon top in the Flame Red offers a richer sound. Ultimately, each switch caters to varied preferences—users can choose the Chiikawa for an engaging RGB-enhanced experience or the Flame Red for a more subdued and rounded auditory output. When bottoming out the keys, however, both will yield similar results, emphasizing the importance of crafting both the top and bottom housings to suit one's typing style.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the TTC Flame Red linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Chiikawa - 28g features a light actuation force of 28 grams, which makes it more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, catering to those who prefer a lighter feel. In contrast, the Flame Red requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Chiikawa is 34 grams, while the Flame Red's bottom out force is notably higher at 54 grams. Consequently, the Chiikawa is the lighter switch overall, making it ideal for users who prioritize comfort during extended use. Meanwhile, the heavier Flame Red may appeal to those seeking a more tactile feedback with each keystroke. Therefore, while both switches serve different preferences in terms of actuation and feel, they are distinctly varied in weight, with the Bsun Chiikawa being the lighter option and the TTC Flame Red being the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Flame Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, the Chiikawa switch provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the TTC Flame Red offers a more traditional travel distance often favored by those who appreciate a deeper, more pronounced key press. Therefore, if you're looking for rapid activation, the Chiikawa switch would be the preferable choice, whereas the Flame Red would cater to users who enjoy a more substantial key travel experience. In summary, the Chiikawa is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, while the Flame Red stands at 4 mm, making it the longer choice.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 Chiikawa - 28g delivers a bright and crisp auditory experience, characterized by its high-pitched profile that adds a lively ambiance to typing. This switch produces a distinct sound that can enhance the overall enjoyment of a mechanical keyboard, making each keystroke feel more engaging. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switches present a clackier sound profile that falls into a more neutral range. While the clacky noise is satisfying, it's not overwhelming, allowing it to fit comfortably into both casual and professional environments. This balanced auditory feel makes it a versatile choice for various typing scenarios, whether at home or in an office.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out with its remarkably light actuation force, which creates a responsive and effortless typing experience. However, the specifics regarding its tactile sensation aren't highlighted, leaving some aspects of the feel unexplored. In comparison, the TTC Flame Red linear switch offers a mild and polished typing experience. Its polished nature contributes to a smooth key travel, reducing friction and providing a refined tactile sensation that many users appreciate. The gentle actuation makes it approachable, catering to both beginners and experienced typists alike, thus establishing it firmly in the middle-ground zone in terms of feel.
Overall, if you're torn between the Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flame Red switches, both offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Chiikawa excels with its bright sound and lightness, ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and an uplifting auditory profile. Alternatively, the Flame Red's clacking sound and smooth actuation make for a more robust typing experience, likely appealing to users who enjoy a satisfying key feel along with decent sound levels. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can yield an enjoyable outcome, but each will distinctly cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flame Red linear switches largely depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you'll be using them. If you value a very light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile, particularly if you're seeking a switch that's highly responsive for quick typing or gaming sessions, then the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its lighter bottom-out force at 34 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a heavier actuation force and a neutral sound profile, the TTC Flame Red would be more suitable. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 54 grams provides a solid tactile feedback, making it great for a wide range of activities from gaming to office work, especially when paired with RGB lighting for a visually appealing setup. Ultimately, your decision should be influenced by whether you prioritize a lightweight, high-pitched typing experience or a polished, mildly weighted switch that balances sound and feel in a versatile package.
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