Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Pink stand out as two appealing options, despite their similarities as linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its extremely light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched tone that many users find invigorating. Its delicate touch may appeal to those who prefer rapid keystrokes without the fatigue of heavier switches. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink offers a smooth and satisfying feel, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday typing tasks. Its sound profile strikes a balance, providing a pleasant, not overly loud, bottom-out sound that adds a touch of premium quality to the user experience. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts seeking a fast and seamless operation, their unique characteristics make them suitable for different preferences and use cases. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Pink exhibit remarkable similarities in their top housing construction, as both utilize polycarbonate, a material recognized for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared characteristic arises from polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the resulting sound when keys are pressed. Notably, the translucence of polycarbonate allows for an aesthetic enhancement in keyboards equipped with RGB lighting, making them ideal choices for users who prioritize both sound quality and visual appeal. Because the top housings for both models are made from the same material, users can expect comparable auditory experiences in terms of sound clarity when using these switches in a keyboard setup.
However, while the top housings remain uniform in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Flaming Pink, the bottom housing is constructed from nylon, which introduces a contrasting element to their tonal profiles. Nylon, being a softer plastic, provides a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its capacity to absorb vibrations, leading to a more subdued auditory experience compared to the sharper notes produced by the polycarbonate top. This combination of materials indicates that the bottom housing plays a significant role in determining the feel and sound when bottoming out the switches, imparting a rounder, muffled tone that balances the higher frequencies produced by the polycarbonate top. Hence, the overall sound signature of the two switches integrates the qualities of both housing materials, providing a unique auditory and tactile experience.
Ultimately, the dual-material design of both models contributes to a well-rounded sound profile, where the strengths of each material complement one another. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Pink capitalize on the synergy of polycarbonate and nylon, leading to a pronounced difference in sound dynamics based on the keypress interaction. Users will notice that when their fingers release the keys, the polycarbonate top material will contribute to the pronounced sound signature, while the nylon bottom housing offers a softer, fuller response on bottoming out. This interplay of materials allows for an engaging typing experience that caters to diverse preferences, enabling users to enjoy both the sharpness introduced by the polycarbonate and the mellowness brought by the nylon, whether they choose one over the other.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g requires a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams, which could be more appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feedback when typing. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Chiikawa is 34 grams, while the Flaming Pink has a higher bottom out force of 50 grams, reinforcing the Flaming Pink’s heavier nature overall. Consequently, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a lighter typing experience as compared to the TTC Flaming Pink, which is better suited for users seeking a firmer feel. Thus, users will achieve different typing experiences based on their preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that the tactile experience when pressing down on the keys will be the same for both switches. As a result, users can expect a consistent feel and performance when utilizing either switch, ensuring that their typing or gaming experience will not be impacted by the travel distance alone. Since both switches share this measurement, they provide comparable results in terms of key actuation and overall responsiveness.
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 Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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 switch is characterized by a bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that stands out while typing. This can create an engaging auditory experience, particularly appreciated by those who enjoy a lively typing environment. In comparison, the TTC Flaming Pink switch also offers a bright sound, but it is designed to be slightly more subdued, resulting in a smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound. While both switches can deliver an enjoyable auditory experience, the Chiikawa might appeal more to those who favor a sharper sound, whereas the Flaming Pink caters to users looking for a well-balanced profile that isn't overly loud.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g exhibits a very light actuation force that makes it highly responsive, allowing for quick and effortless key presses. This lightweight characteristic can be particularly favored in fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where swift reflexes are crucial. Conversely, the Flaming Pink switch is known for its smoothness and a more robust yet still responsive feel, aimed at providing a premium typing experience. While it may not be as light as the Chiikawa, it offers a balance that appeals to users who appreciate a solid tactile feedback without sacrificing speed.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile qualities suited for different preferences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light actuation force provide an engaging and highly responsive typing experience, while the Flaming Pink offers a more muted sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for extended use. Ultimately, both switches can fit into a similar typing experience, yet their nuanced differences may sway users toward one based on individual priorities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, your choice largely depends on your personal preferences in sound and feel, as well as the type of use you anticipate. If you prefer a very light actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound profile that provides an ultra-responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g may be the ideal option for you. It excels in scenarios where a crisp feedback is valued, making it suitable for light typists or those who enjoy a fast-paced typing environment. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more balanced experience with a slightly heavier actuation force, the Flaming Pink switch will provide a smooth, responsive feel and a satisfying sound that is less piercing yet still engaging. This makes it a versatile choice, suitable for both gaming and typing while maintaining a muted but rich auditory experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and desired feedback; light and bright with the Chiikawa or smooth and robust with the Flaming Pink.
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