Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Flaming Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When evaluating mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Purple both stand out as exceptional linear options, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, creating a highly responsive feel with a crisp, high-pitched audio feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 47g and presents a more resonant character, delivering a sound that leans towards the bassy spectrum while maintaining a poppy undertone; this adds an intriguing dimension to every keystroke. Both switches promote swift and effortless typing, but their unique auditory experiences and actuation weights make them suited to different users—whether you prefer the light and bright responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the engaging resonance of the Flaming Purple. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
47g
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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and TTC Flaming Purple each utilize polycarbonate for their respective top housings, which plays a significant role in their acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate material is known for contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to its stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity when a key is pressed. Both switches share the advantage of translucency, making them ideal choices for setups featuring RGB lighting, as the light can travel through the housing effectively. Thus, regardless of the switch one chooses, the visual and auditory experience will be enhanced through the properties that polycarbonate brings to the table.
On the other hand, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Flaming Purple are constructed with nylon for their bottom housings. This classic material is recognized for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile, owing to its softer composition which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. As a result, the bottom-out sound tends to be denser and rounder. This similarity in the bottom housing means that users will experience comparable tactile sensations and acoustic feedback when pressing down on either switch. The properties of the nylon base will create a consistent sound experience while typing, regardless of the top housing's notably contrasting contributions.
When considering the combined effects of the materials utilized in the Chiikawa - 28g and TTC Flaming Purple, one can expect a unique marriage between the sharpness of polycarbonate on the top and the fullness offered by nylon on the bottom. The polycarbonate top enhances the release sound, creating a distinct auditory moment when the key is released, while the nylon bottom governs the feel and impact upon bottoming out. Even though both switches showcase different acoustic signatures derived from their top and bottom components, the interplay of materials allows users to achieve a balanced sound profile overall. Consequently, the experience with either switch would be comparable in terms of depth on key press and clarity upon release, making them suitable alternatives for keyboard enthusiasts seeking specific sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it well-suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple has a heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, which tends to provide a more substantial feel while typing, appealing to those who favor a stronger key response. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch should opt for the Chiikawa, while those who favor a heavier switch would be better suited to the Flaming Purple. These distinctions mean that the two switches will deliver very different typing experiences, catering to varying preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on keys featuring either switch, leading to a consistent typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, any differences in performance would likely stem from other factors, such as actuation force or switch construction, rather than the distance the switch travels when pressed.
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 Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, distinct differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile; it delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound that is notably responsive, making each keystroke feel dynamic and alive. In contrast, the Flaming Purple possesses a more bass-influenced sound profile, described as resonant with a slightly poppy undertone. This switch leans towards a cleaner, sharper audio experience while incorporating a deeper richness, resulting in a unique auditory character that not only stands out but can keep typing engaging.
The tactile feel of these switches also illustrates important distinctions. The Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by a notably light actuation force, allowing for a swift response, although its specific tactile nuances are not detailed in this context. On the other hand, the Flaming Purple switch is defined by its feathery, easy-to-press design. It requires minimal effort to activate, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Moreover, the Flaming Purple has been described as silky, contributing to a smooth typing experience that enhances the overall comfort and precision, ideal for both gaming and productivity.
In conclusion, while both switches showcase appealing qualities, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright, high-pitched sound, perfect for those who enjoy an engaging auditory feedback during typing. Conversely, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a deeper, more resonant sound with a lighter and smoother feel, making it perfect for long hours of use. Each switch caters to different preferences; thus, understanding these nuances can significantly enhance your typing experience, leading you to choose based not only on sound but also on the tactile feedback you desire.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prioritize a very light actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. It offers a notably responsive feel that is perfect for rapid typing or gaming, where every split second counts, and you want minimal resistance to reduce finger fatigue. This switch shines in environments where clarity and quick keystrokes are crucial, making it ideal for anyone who values speed and responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial bottom-out force combined with a unique, bassy sound character, the TTC Flaming Purple would serve you better. With its feathery touch and smooth operation, it's an excellent choice for prolonged typing sessions, providing a comforting balance between engagement and comfort. This switch’s gentle resistance makes it suitable for general use, gaming, and even long work hours, where you might appreciate a well-rounded auditory and tactile experience that adds more character to each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your specific needs, whether it leans towards rapid responsiveness or a more immersive typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
