Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference in feel and sound, and two popular options— the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Silver—offer distinct yet appealing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is lauded for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive while producing a bright, high-pitched sound profile that many typists find gratifying. This switch is perfect for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for rapid typing with minimal effort. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver is characterized by its swift action and shortened travel distance, resulting in a solid bottom-out that provides a satisfying tactile response. Its smooth keypresses, combined with a resonant sound signature, create an experience that is both fluid and precise, appealing to those who appreciate a more polished feel in their keystrokes. Each switch has its unique strengths, catering to different user preferences around typing dynamics and sound profiles. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Housing materials
The comparison between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Silver reveals that both models utilize identical housing materials, specifically polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches is responsible for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in material is significant, especially for users looking for a vivid RGB lighting experience, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effect of the lighting. Consequently, since both switches share the same polycarbonate material for the top housing, they will likely yield comparable acoustic results, showcasing a high degree of clarity and resonance whenever a key is pressed or released.
Delving deeper into the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Silver employ nylon, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon contributes to its capacity for sound absorption, allowing it to create a sound experience that is richer and more rounded. As a result, both switches will share similar characteristics in terms of the bottom-out sound and tactile feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. The uniform use of nylon across both models consolidates their auditory qualities, leading to a consistent sound experience regardless of which switch is in use.
In conclusion, the commonality of materials in the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Silver ensures a uniform sound profile that marries the sharpness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon. This synergy allows both switches to deliver a consistent and pleasant typing experience, characterized by clarity in the release sound and fullness in the bottom-out sound. Therefore, users selecting either switch can take comfort in knowing they will achieve similar results, regardless of their ultimate choice, due to the identical properties of the materials employed in both designs.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option, and potentially more favorable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience during extended use, such as long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver has a significantly higher actuation force of 45 grams, suggesting a heavier feel that may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch remains unknown, which leaves some uncertainty in truly comparing the bottoming out experience between the two switches. Overall, the Chiikawa provides a softer, lighter touch, while the Gold Silver leans toward a firmer resistance, indicating distinct preferences based on user typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a bit more depth when pressed, which can be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, gamers looking for quicker response times might favor the Gold Silver due to its shorter travel distance, which can enable faster key actuation. Essentially, if you prioritize responsiveness, the TTC Gold Silver may suit you better, while those who appreciate a deeper keypress experience might lean towards the Bsun Chiikawa.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 evaluating the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Chiikawa - 28g produces a bright and crisp sound, characterized by a high-pitched tone that feels lively when typing. This switch vibrates with a responsiveness that adds an engaging auditory dimension to the user experience. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver distinguishes itself with a more resonant sound profile that conveys a depth often described as "thocky." This low-pitched, satisfying sound gives each keystroke a sense of solidity, creating an auditory feedback that is both rich and satisfying. The combination of these characteristics suggests a stark contrast in auditory experience, making each switch appealing for different preferences.
Moving on to the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its remarkably light actuation force, which offers an almost effortless typing experience. However, its specific tactile feedback isn't detailed in the information provided, leaving some aspects of its feel ambiguous. Conversely, the TTC Gold Silver is characterized by its polished and silky texture, enabling smooth key travel with minimal resistance. The gentle nature of this switch delivers a mild typing experience that is comfortable and approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists. This smoothness, combined with a decisive bottom-out, creates an enjoyable and fluid experience that highlights the responsive qualities of the switch.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Gold Silver linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa excels in a bright sound profile with a very light actuation force, while the Gold Silver stands out with its thocky sound and polished, silky feel. If you seek a lively typing experience, the Chiikawa is an excellent choice; however, if a deeper, more resonant sound and a smooth typing feel appeals to you, the TTC Gold Silver will serve you well. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound depth or typing smoothness, as both switches deliver different but equally engaging experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the typing experience you're seeking. If you favor a lightweight, highly responsive switch with a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming, where rapid actuation and a crisp auditory feedback enhance the experience. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smoother, polished feel combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound, the TTC Gold Silver would be more aligned with your needs. This switch excels in providing a sense of decisive closure with each keypress, making it ideal for a seamless typing experience that balances speed and sound with comfort, especially in shared environments. Ultimately, take into account your typing habits, sound preferences, and the context in which you'll be using the keyboard to make the best choice for yourself.
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