Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Red Pro present two appealing options, each catering to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, creating a responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound that can be captivating for typists who enjoy an auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro is celebrated for its versatility and ease of use. With a neutral sound signature, this switch offers a tranquil typing experience that suits various environments—be it gaming, office settings, or casual typing. The Gold Red Pro’s subtle feedback and adaptability make it a well-rounded choice for those looking for a balance between performance and comfort. Ultimately, while both switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different user preferences, understanding their nuanced characteristics is essential for making an informed decision. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Red Pro share remarkable similarities regarding their housing materials, particularly in the composition of their top and bottom housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, enhancing the clarity and resonance in sound production. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting utilization, ensuring that both switches provide an aesthetically pleasing visual experience when paired with dynamic lighting systems. As a result, users can expect a bright and pronounced sound profile from both switches, making them appealing options for gamers and typists alike who value audible feedback.
When examining the bottom housing of both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Gold Red Pro, nylon is the shared material, which presents a stark contrast to the top housing. Nylon's inherent properties lead to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound. This contributes to a rounder and more muted auditory experience compared to the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. The impact of this softer material is especially noticeable during the bottoming out of key presses, providing a satisfying tactile response that complements the sound produced. Both switches harmoniously combine the effects of their respective housing materials to create a cohesive typing experience, with nylon contributing warmth while polycarbonate sharpens the overall auditory feedback.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Red Pro utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the synergy between the two results in distinctive yet complementary sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing ensures clarity and brightness in sound production, ideal for quick key releases, while the nylon bottom housing provides a substantial and rich auditory experience during actuation. Collectively, these design choices ensure that users of both switches will receive a compelling combination of sound quality, aesthetics, and tactile feedback, ultimately leading to a satisfying performance across different usage scenarios.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be beneficial for those who prefer extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons without strain. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro has a significantly heavier actuation force of 43 grams, giving it a more substantial typing feel, although its bottom out force remains unknown. Because of this, users looking for a heavier keystroke experience would likely favor the Gold Red Pro, while those who seek a lighter option should choose the Chiikawa. Overall, if users are seeking the same experience in terms of feel and exertion, the Chiikawa switch offers that through lighter forces suited for comfort, while the TTC Gold Red Pro provides the opposite in terms of a firmer touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch differ in their travel distances, with the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm and the Gold Red Pro at 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, which can provide a more responsive feel for users who favor quick key presses, especially beneficial for gamers seeking rapid response times. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro, with its slightly longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth and tactile feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch suits your typing or gaming style better: the shorter Chiikawa for speed or the longer Gold Red Pro for a more traditional, hearty experience.
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 Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its bright, high-pitched sound profile, delivering a crisp auditory experience that makes typing feel lively. This sound characteristic can be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate feedback from each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch offers a more neutral sound signature, making it versatile and adaptable to various environments, whether it be gaming, office work, or casual typing. Its sound is described as low-pitched and thocky, providing a deeper, richer auditory sensation that might appeal to users who prefer a more mellow typing experience without any sharpness. While both switches can provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Chiikawa's higher pitch contrasts with the Gold Red Pro's more balanced sound profile.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, which can make it feel incredibly responsive and easy to type on. However, the detailed characteristics of its tactile experience are not specified. On the other hand, the Gold Red Pro is praised for its polished finish, resulting in a smooth and silky typing experience. The mild and subtle sensations offered by the Gold Red Pro cater to users seeking a gentle typing experience that minimizes resistance when actuating keys. This refined feel can be particularly inviting for those who might find heavier or rougher switches tiring over long typing sessions. While the Chiikawa excels in lightness and possibly responsiveness, the Gold Red Pro stands out in smoothness and overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switches provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound and very light actuation, appealing to those who enjoy a lively auditory experience and responsive keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Gold Red Pro showcases versatility with its neutral, deeper sound and polished, silky feel, making it an excellent choice for a variety of settings. Ultimately, users who prioritize sound might lean towards the Chiikawa, whereas those who value a seamless typing experience with a lower auditory profile may prefer the Gold Red Pro. Selecting between these switches will depend on personal preference, as both stand out in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch fundamentally hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you're seeking a switch that offers a delightfully light actuation force and an expressive sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is a fantastic choice. Its bright, high-pitched sound and quick responsiveness make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. However, if you prioritize versatility and a more subdued audio experience, the TTC Gold Red Pro may be the switch for you. Known for its smooth, polished feel and neutral sound signature, it is well-suited for various environments, from gaming to office work, making it an excellent all-around option. In essence, choose the Chiikawa - 28g for a spirited and tactile experience, while leaning towards the Gold Red Pro for a dependable, user-friendly switch that adapts seamlessly to any situation.
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