Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Huano Grape Orange

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Grape Orange each offer distinct experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its very light 28g actuation force, resulting in a remarkably responsive feel and a bright, high-pitched sound profile that adds a unique auditory element to typing. This switch is ideal for users who crave quick, snappy feedback with each keystroke, making it suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Grape Orange switch, with its slightly heavier but still ultra-light 40g actuation force, delivers an effortless typing experience that is particularly advantageous for lengthy typing sessions, providing a satisfying balance of responsiveness and comfort. While both switches cater to a preference for linear motion without tactile bumps or clicky sounds, they ultimately appeal to different typing styles and use cases. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 28g Linear

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The comparison of the housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Grape Orange reveals that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This similarity infers that both switches possess a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The polycarbonate's stiffness enhances clarity and resonance, making it a suitable choice for those who prioritize sound quality, especially when RGB lighting is involved. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal but also amplifies the visual effects of RGB lighting, enhancing the overall experience for users who enjoy a vibrant keyboard setup.

In contrast, both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, which delivers a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile compared to their polycarbonate counterparts. The inherent properties of nylon, being a softer plastic, allow it to absorb sound more effectively. This absorption results in a duller and rounder sound, influencing the acoustic feedback experienced upon bottoming out the key. Users can expect a rich tonal quality from both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Grape Orange derived from this uniformity in bottom housing material, which can enhance the tactile experience during typing.

In essence, while both switches share the same materials for both top and bottom housings, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon yields a harmonious balance of sound characteristics. The crispness from the polycarbonate top rises to the forefront during key release, while the rounded depth from the nylon bottom enhances the feel and sound when bottoming out. Therefore, users can anticipate a consistent auditory profile across both switches, with the specific effects finely tuned by the respective housing materials to create a unique yet complementary typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch and desire longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Grape Orange has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. Thus, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Grape Orange is the heavier switch. While the actuation forces differ significantly, both switches share the commonality of providing a linear experience, which means that users will enjoy a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or auditory feedback in either case. However, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces suggests that users will have differing experiences depending on which switch they choose.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in identical tactile experiences when pressing down on a key. This means that users can expect a similar feel and responsiveness when using either switch, as both require the same distance to actuate. With equal travel distances, both switches offer a consistent performance in terms of key actuation, making them comparable options for those seeking a smooth linear switch without distinction in travel distance.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp auditory profile, producing a high-pitched sound that can feel quite lively during use. This makes for an engaging typing experience, particularly in a quieter environment where every keystroke resonates clearly. Conversely, the Huano Grape Orange switch isn't specifically noted for its sound characteristics; however, one can generally expect it to produce a more subdued, muted sound typical of linear switches, especially when considering its actuating force and design. The final acoustic experience on both switches will also depend significantly on the choice of keyboard, plate material, and keycaps used, making it crucial to consider these other factors when evaluating sound.

Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a notably light actuation force of just 28g, which makes it incredibly responsive and easy to press. This can provide a very snappy typing experience, ideal for users who prefer quick key presses. In contrast, the Grape Orange switch provides an effortless typing experience as well, with a slightly heavier actuation force of 40g. While both are light, the Grape Orange may offer a bit more resistance, which some typists might find preferable for reducing accidental key presses. This difference in feel is subtle yet can significantly influence overall typing comfort, especially during extended sessions.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Huano Grape Orange linear switches cater to users seeking a lightweight typing experience but differ in their actuation force and resulting characteristics. The Chiikawa switch excels with its bright and crisp sound profile, paired with an ultra-light touch, while the Grape Orange combines ease of use with a slightly heavier press. Ultimately, listeners and typists will have a personalized experience based on their choice between the two, factoring in preferences for sound, feel, and the overall setup of their mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Grape Orange linear switch, your choice should hinge on your typing preferences and usage context. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a bright auditory feedback, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice, especially for activities that require quick and responsive key presses, such as gaming or rapid text input. Its lighter bottom-out force of 34 grams and crisp, high-pitched sound profile make it particularly suitable for typists who enjoy a more tactile and lively experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel while still enjoying a light typing experience, the Grape Orange’s 50-gram bottom-out force paired with its ultra-low 40g actuation force offers a smooth and effortless experience ideal for long typing sessions. This switch provides a steadier sensation that can enhance your control without sacrificing comfort. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the sound and feel that resonate with you, as both switches have unique attributes that cater to different preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 28g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Huano Grape Orange Linear

$3.00

$2.79 per 10

Learn more