Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the benefits of various options, including the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a highly responsive typing experience characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds a playful element to your keystrokes. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red offers a budget-friendly alternative with a medium-light actuation force that balances responsiveness with ease of use, making it an excellent choice for both casual typists and gamers. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser enhances RGB lighting effects, creating a visually appealing setup. While both switches belong to the linear category, their unique sound characteristics and actuation forces make them suitable for different preferences and uses. 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
50g
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
Standard
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches is praised for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to a crisp and resonant typing experience. This is a result of polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances sound clarity. Additionally, both switch designs benefit from translucency, making them particularly suitable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the clear top housing, creating visually appealing effects.
On the other hand, while the top housings of both switches share similar materials and properties, the bottom housings diverge in function. Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the G Pro 3.0 Red utilize nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's relatively soft plastic composition absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, allowing for a more subdued bottom-out sound and feel. This complementarity allows both switches to exhibit distinct auditory characteristics; while the polycarbonate top contributes to high-pitched notes upon key release, the nylon bottom ensures a rounder tone when the key is pressed down.
In essence, the similarities in housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red facilitate similar outcomes in terms of their sound profiles. By employing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom housing, both switches create a balanced auditory experience, albeit with nuanced differences due to the impact of their specific materials on sound resonance. If one seeks a switch that offers a combination of clarity with the top housing and depth with the bottom, either option is likely to deliver a consistent yet unique typing experience informed by their choice of materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a light actuation force of 28 grams, resulting in a less strenuous experience, ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, making it feel more substantial under the fingertips. Furthermore, the bottom out forces reinforce this contrast: the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 34 grams, while the G Pro 3.0 Red bottoms out at 50 grams. This means the Chiikawa switch offers a lighter overall experience, making it preferable for users who favor ease of use and endurance. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0's heavier forces provide a more tactile and engaging typing experience. Overall, if you're looking for lighter feedback during your typing or gaming, the Chiikawa is the better option, while the G Pro 3.0 Red will satisfy those who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, it is clear that they differ: the Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Red features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, which could be preferable for gamers seeking faster response times and a more responsive feel during gameplay. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Red's longer 4 mm travel distance might appeal to users who enjoy a more traditional and deeper typing experience, avoiding the abruptness that can come with shorter distances. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference: those who prioritize responsiveness might favor the Chiikawa, while others might appreciate the tactile depth of the G Pro 3.0 Red.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Red for $2.77.
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 acoustic characteristics of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch present a bright and crisp sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing sessions. This high-pitched sound, complemented by the switch's very light actuation force, creates an engaging experience, particularly suited for quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red switch embodies a neutral sound quality, striking a balance with its medium-light actuation force. This makes it versatile for various typing environments, whether at home or in the office, offering a moderate auditory presence that is pleasing yet unobtrusive.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a highly responsive typing experience. With its very light actuation force, it enhances reaction rates, making it ideal for fast typists; however, specific subjective feedback about its smoothness or texture is not provided. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Red excels in delivering a creamy feel, described as smooth and buttery, often enhanced by factory lubrication. This, combined with its polished characteristics, results in a silky-smooth keystroke that minimizes friction, ensuring an effortless typing experience that is approachable for users of all skill levels.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is perfect for those who appreciate a bright sound and fast responsiveness, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red offers a balanced auditory profile with a smooth, creamy feel that's well-suited for extended typing sessions. If you're drawn to a lively auditory experience and quick keystrokes, the Chiikawa will meet your needs; however, for a more versatile and plush typing experience that suits various environments, the G Pro 3.0 Red is a fantastic choice. Ultimately, how well either switch performs will also depend on individual preferences and external factors such as the keyboard design and keycap selection.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Red linear switch, consider your specific typing needs and preferences. If you favor a feather-light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound that enhances your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g would be an excellent choice. Its responsive nature allows for fast typing, making it particularly suitable for gaming or tasks requiring quick keystrokes. The unique auditory feedback may also appeal to those who enjoy an engaging sound profile while typing. On the other hand, if you're looking for a well-rounded, budget-friendly option that provides a smooth, creamy feel without being overly taxing, the G Pro 3.0 Red is likely the better fit. Its moderate actuation force and neutral sound make it versatile for a wide range of tasks, whether used at home or in an office environment. Additionally, its frosted light diffuser optimizes RGB effects, which might be a bonus if you are keen on aesthetics. Ultimately, both switches have their strengths; your choice should align with your typing style and the environments in which you'll be using them.
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