Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches, both offer unique characteristics that may appeal to different types of users. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force of just 28 grams, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for those who favor quick keystrokes. Its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone, adds a distinctive auditory element to the typing experience, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow stands out as a budget-friendly option without compromising performance. Known for its polished, clacky sound and bouncy feel, this switch provides a satisfying tactile feedback that enthusiasts appreciate. While the Chiikawa - 28g leans towards an ultra-light, sharp auditory experience, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers a more robust, resonant sound that combines comfort and enjoyment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
15.4mm long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow switches share a notable similarity in their top housings, both constructed from polycarbonate. This selection results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile when typing. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to this clarity, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Furthermore, its translucence allows for compatibility with RGB lighting, making both switches aesthetically similar when illuminated. Overall, if sound clarity and visual effects through RGB lighting are important factors for a user, both switches will yield comparable results due to their shared top housing material.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of both switches introduce a significant divergence between the two. Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the G Pro 3.0 Yellow utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that differs from the top housing's characteristics. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs sound well, which results in a duller and rounder auditory experience when typing. Therefore, while both switches share the same top housing material that promotes sound clarity, the bottom housing contributes to a warmer tonal quality, emphasizing the richness of the typing experience.
In terms of overall performance, while both switches are constructed with similar materials in their tops and bottoms, the effects of each material become apparent depending on the user’s typing action. The top housing’s polycarbonate influences the sound produced when releasing a key, contributing sharpness and clarity, while the nylon bottom housing’s impact resonates deeper upon bottoming out. Therefore, users can expect to enjoy both pronounced auditory effects and a fulfilling tactile response when using either switch; the blend of materials ensures a unique combination of sound qualities in the final typing experience, maximizing both crispness and warmth in sound profiles.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a lightweight actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort and prolonged use, such as during long typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and resistant typing experience. As a result, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow is the heavier choice. Those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Chiikawa more suitable for extended use, whereas users who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback might gravitate towards the G Pro 3.0 Yellow.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switch, the Chiikawa features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Yellow has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference may cater to varying user preferences; the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa can offer more responsiveness, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow's 4 mm travel distance allows for a more traditional keystroke depth, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more pronounced keystroke feel.
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 Yellow has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Yellow for $2.78.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone during typing. This characteristic makes typing feel responsive while delivering an auditory experience that feels lively and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow also presents a high-pitched clacky sound, described as resonant and immersive. Such sound profiles create an energetic atmosphere that appeals to typists who enjoy a lively auditory feedback. While both switches exhibit high-pitched sounds, the Chiikawa's bright quality and the G Pro 3.0's resonant nature may offer slightly different auditory textures depending on your keyboard setup.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force, promoting quick and responsive keystrokes. However, its specific tactile feedback or smoothness was not detailed. The G Pro 3.0 Yellow, on the other hand, boasts a polished and creamy feel, delivering a sleek and buttery typing experience. This smoothness reduces friction and enhances overall keystroke comfort, making the G Pro 3.0 a delight for those seeking an effortless typing experience. Although both switches aim to provide a comfortable and pleasant feel, the Chiikawa's lighter actuation may appeal to those prioritizing speed, while the G Pro 3.0's smoothness enhances the tactile experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switches excel in providing unique sound and feel qualities tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa's bright and crisp sound pairs with its light actuation force for a responsive typing experience, while the G Pro 3.0 offers a resonant and immersive sound, complemented by its polished and creamy feel. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize lightness and responsiveness or a smooth, sleek typing experience; either switch will deliver enjoyable results, but they cater to slightly different preferences in typing dynamics.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Yellow linear switches ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences, sound tolerance, and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter key feel and enjoy an exceptionally responsive typing experience with an impressive 28g actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g might be your go-to option, especially if you're inclined towards a brighter, high-pitched sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keystrokes. This switch is particularly well suited for fast typists or gamers who want to maximize their speed without feeling bogged down by heavier resistance. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust build with a medium-heavy feel, the G Pro 3.0 Yellow offers an ideal balance through its 67g bottom-out force, giving you that satisfying "bouncy" feedback while typing. The polished and creamy texture provides a refined, smooth experience that many find appealing for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Furthermore, the high-pitched clacky sound profile might resonate well with those who enjoy a more resonant auditory feedback. In essence, your choice should reflect not just your typing style, but also how each switch's unique characteristics align with your auditory and tactile preferences.
Mentioned in this article
