Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Red present two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts seeking a unique typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer quick, responsive keystrokes paired with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. This switch can enhance typing speed and clarity, particularly for those who type frequently or rapidly. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red offers a buttery smooth typing experience with a light to medium level of resistance, catering to users who appreciate a more subtle and polished feel. Its snappy sound profile strikes a balance between character and discretion, providing a pleasant auditory experience without overwhelming your workspace. While both switches have their merits—one favoring a bright, quick response and the other offering smoothness with a hint of personality—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and TTC Gold Red switches share remarkable similarities in their housing materials, both employing polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. This combination leads to a distinctive sound profile that reflects the individual properties of each material. The polycarbonate used in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is crisp and clear, primarily due to its stiffer structure. Furthermore, the transclucency of polycarbonate makes both switches particularly responsive to RGB lighting, allowing for a visually engaging experience as the light shines through.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Gold Red switches differ in auditory qualities due to the inherent properties of nylon. This material is known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. As a softer plastic, nylon provides a rounder sound that complements the sharper tones from the polycarbonate above. The two switches, while utilizing the same materials, can create a multifaceted auditory experience, with the nylon bottom housing softening the overall sound while still maintaining clarity from the top.
Ultimately, the similarities in the top and bottom materials will yield comparable results in terms of the sound profile and responsiveness. With both switches employing polycarbonate and nylon, users can expect a high degree of consistency in the auditory feedback and tactile experience. The polycarbonate top establishes a lively cut to the sound, while the nylon bottom smooths the auditory experience, ensuring that both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience that balances clarity and depth. Whether one chooses the Chiikawa - 28g or the Gold Red, the harmonious blend of materials promises to enhance keyboard performance for typists and gamers alike.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch exhibit marked differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, which can significantly influence user experience. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a more substantial typing feel preferred by users who favor a stronger push. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Gold Red switch is considerably heavier. Consequently, users looking for a more tactile and weighty experience would likely gravitate toward the TTC Gold Red linear switch, while those seeking comfort during prolonged use would benefit from the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g's lighter specifications.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Chiikawa - 28g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Red features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users of the Chiikawa switch may experience a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it an appealing choice for gamers who prefer rapid activation. Conversely, the Gold Red's longer travel distance might be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced and substantial feel when pressing down a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth—if you seek a snappier experience, the Chiikawa switch is the way to go, while the Gold Red is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional key 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 TTC Gold Red has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red for $3.28.
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 features a bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone when typing. This responsiveness lends itself to a lively auditory experience that can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate a more dynamic soundscape. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red linear switches offer a snappier sound profile, which is characterized by a touch of personality that remains understated. While not as bright as the Chiikawa, the Gold Red's sound is marked by a thocky, low-pitched quality, providing a more bass-heavy and rich auditory feedback. It successfully strikes a balance between being expressive yet not overly prominent, making it versatile for various typing environments, including shared spaces.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear's tactile characteristics remain somewhat undefined in the provided information. However, the TTC Gold Red excels in this regard, offering a mild and silky typing experience. These switches have a gentle resistance that feels approachable for most users. The subtle and polished nature of the Gold Red enhances the typing experience, ensuring minimal friction when pressing and releasing keys. This results in an exceptionally smooth travel that many typists will find appealing. Despite the Chiikawa's appeal in sound, its lack of detail in feel means we cannot make a direct comparison with the Gold Red.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to sound and feel. The Chiikawa shines with its bright auditory feedback, while the Gold Red provides a more subdued yet thocky sound complemented by a silky-smooth typing experience. For those looking for a lively type of interaction, the Chiikawa might be more appealing, while the Gold Red serves as a stable and polished choice fit for various settings. Ultimately, if you prioritize sound clarity and responsiveness, you may opt for the Chiikawa, but if you seek a smoother and more refined touch, the Gold Red would be a better fit.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you're looking for a switch that offers an incredibly light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for those who prioritize responsiveness and enjoy a high-pitched auditory feedback while typing, making it a fantastic option for gaming or rapid typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a slightly firmer resistance and a buttery smooth feel, the TTC Gold Red will likely cater to your needs. Its low-pitched thocky sound and polished finish provide both comfort and subtlety, allowing you to use your keyboard in shared spaces without disruptive noise. Overall, consider whether you want a lightweight, expressive switch or a more refined, smooth alternative before making your decision.
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