Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Glory Red present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its incredibly light actuation force of 28 grams, offers a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switches deliver a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance, catering to users who appreciate a more traditional yet enjoyable typing feel. Both switches have their unique advantages: the Chiikawa appeals to those seeking an energetic sound and rapid responsiveness, while the Glory Red provides a more consistent linear action that can be particularly satisfying for longer typing sessions. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Glory Red switches differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile when typing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red utilizes a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound. This divergence in materials impacts the acoustic qualities of each switch, creating distinct auditory experiences. Users looking for a more resonant and clear sound would gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a mellower typing experience would likely favor the Glory Red.
When examining the bottom housing, both switches share the same material: nylon. This commonality means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, the bottom-out experience when pressing either switch will be affected similarly by the softer nylon construction. This leads to a fuller and rounder sound profile, as both switches exhibit the sound-absorbing qualities of nylon, which minimizes resonance and delivers a subtler acoustic character. Therefore, both switches may provide a satisfying experience in terms of bottoming out, with both encasing them in a deeper sound.
Ultimately, the combination of diverse materials for the top housings and the shared nylon for the bottoms creates a compelling contrast. The polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa - 28g contributes to its distinctive sound profile, making it bright and articulate, while the nylon top of the Gateron Glory Red envelops the user in a velvety auditory experience. When typing, the impact of the bottom housing becomes crucial, as it carries over the fuller, deeper qualities inherent to nylon. In conclusion, though these switches utilize different top housings, the nylon bottoms ensure a consistent sound and feel that can satisfy a wide range of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, clear distinctions emerge in their actuation forces. The Chiikawa operates with a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Glory Red switch has a substantially heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who favor a more pronounced push feel with every keystroke. While the bottom out force for the Glory Red switch remains unspecified, the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 34 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance at the end of the keypress. Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter option, providing an effortless typing experience, while the Gateron Glory Red presents a heavier and more tactile experience for users seeking strength in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. Since both switches have the same travel distance, they will provide comparable results in terms of keypress depth and overall typing experience, making them equally suitable for those who prefer a linear switch 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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 linear switch is renowned for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that can be quite appealing, especially in a lively typing environment. This sharp sound can add an element of satisfaction to key presses, making the typing experience more engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red linear switch provides a smoother sound, typical of linear switches; while it may not be as distinctively bright as the Chiikawa, it still delivers a pleasant auditory experience. It's worth noting that the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by external factors, such as the type of keyboard they are mounted on and the choice of keycaps, so the auditory differences may not be as pronounced in every setup.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a very light actuation force of 28g, which makes it exceptionally responsive. This lightness enhances the overall typing experience, as it's easy to press the keys without significant effort. The smoothness of its keystroke contributes to a fluid typing experience that allows for rapid input. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red also emphasizes a smooth key press, but while it is lighter in feel compared to other Gateron switches, it tends to have a more traditional actuation force that appeals to users who appreciate a balanced weight across their typing journey. Both switches deliver enjoyable and smooth keystrokes, but the Chiikawa might feel slightly more effortless due to its lighter actuation.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Glory Red linear switches come with unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels with its bright sound and very light actuation force, while the Glory Red provides a quieter, smooth experience with a more balanced actuation weight. For users seeking a crisp auditory feedback, the Chiikawa could be the favored choice, but those who prefer a smoother and subtler typing experience may lean towards the Glory Red. Ultimately, both switches can deliver high-quality typing experiences depending on your personal preference and the specific keyboard setup you choose to pair them with.
Conclusion
To conclude, when selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, understanding their distinct characteristics will help you find the perfect fit for your typing preferences. If you prefer an ultra-responsive switch with a very light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g stands out. Its 28g actuation and bright sound profile not only enhances typing speed but also delivers an immediate tactile feedback that can be enjoyable for fast-paced typists or gamers. However, if you're looking for a more balanced experience with a focus on a smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Red may be your go-to. While the specifics of its bottom out force are not provided, this switch is designed to provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience that is ideal for those who type extensively or enjoy a more cushioned feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light and swift actuation with a crisp sound (Chiikawa) or a smooth and comfortable typing journey (Glory Red).
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