Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Grapefruit offer distinct yet appealing experiences for typists and gamers alike. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force of only 28g, providing users with a bright sound profile and a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many find satisfying and responsive for fast-paced typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit boasts a soft and light typing feel, characterized by a low-pitched, polished sound that adds a more subdued yet pleasant auditory backdrop. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the Chiikawa an excellent choice for those who enjoy a quick and snappy feel, while the Grapefruit appeals to users who favor a smoother, muted experience. 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
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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 housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Grapefruit share a notable similarity, with both switches utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. This shared material leads to a distinctly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is a relatively stiffer plastic that promotes clearer resonance. Both switches also emphasize the aesthetic advantages of polycarbonate; its translucency is especially beneficial for RGB lighting, allowing vibrant colors to shine through while enhancing the visual appeal of a build. Therefore, users of either switch can expect a similar auditory experience when typing, characterized by a vibrant and clear sound due to the top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housings differ between the two switches, with both the Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Grapefruit employing nylon. This prevalent material choice is responsible for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound compared to harder plastics. Consequently, the result is a duller and rounder sound that is often preferred by users looking for a warm typing experience. Despite the fact that both switches utilize nylon in their bottom housings, the overall sound profile will reflect the interplay between the materials used in both the top and bottom, influencing the typing sound as well as the feel of bottoming out.
The dynamic relationship between the top and bottom housings plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. While both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Grapefruit produce crisp sounds due to their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms will lend a significant depth to the auditory experience, differentiating them from other switch types made entirely from stiffer plastics. Therefore, while the sound produced upon letting go of the keys is markedly influenced by the polycarbonate tops, the sound and feel experienced upon key press will be shaped by the nylon bottoms. This interplay between materials ultimately allows both switches to deliver a well-rounded typing experience that appeals to a wide range of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some typists might prefer for tactile feedback. As a result, the Bsun Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the KTT Grapefruit is the heavier one, making these switches appealing to different preferences based on typing comfort and force requirements. Overall, users seeking a lighter typing experience might gravitate toward the Chiikawa switch, whereas those looking for more resistance could favor the Grapefruit option.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, the differences become quite clear. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter of the two, while the Grapefruit switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, thus providing a slightly longer travel experience. This means that users who prefer more responsiveness may lean towards the Chiikawa switch, as its shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial feel with a deeper keypress might find the Grapefruit's longer travel distance to be more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches hinges on personal preference for key travel, where shorter distances facilitate faster response times, while longer distances offer a more pronounced tactile 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 KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 switches are characterized by their bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise when typing. This light, responsive quality may appeal to those who prefer a more audible feedback while they type. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit linear switches exhibit a unique sound profile that is described as low-pitched, featuring a mellow tone that leans towards a softer, bass-like character. The Grapefruits may cater to users looking for a more subdued auditory experience, striking a balance that is both pleasant and less intrusive. The interplay between the sound of these switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard housing and keycaps, which may mitigate or enhance these distinct tonal qualities.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switches are known for their very light actuation force, which translates into a quick and responsive typing sensation. This makes them particularly suitable for rapid typing without much resistance. On the other hand, KTT Grapefruit switches are described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience. This polish not only enhances the tactile response but also minimizes friction, making key travel effortless. While both switches aim to deliver intuitive typing experiences, the Chiikawa emphasizes a lighter touch whereas the Grapefruit focuses on a sleek, smooth feel.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Grapefruit linear switches have their own unique attributes related to sound and feel. The Chiikawa offers a bright, high-pitched sound paired with a very light actuation, making it ideal for those who enjoy a highly responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Grapefruit provides a low, mellow sound and a smooth, polished feel, appealing to those who prefer a more subdued and refined typing action. Depending on your personal preferences, either switch can provide an enjoyable solution for your mechanical keyboard needs, allowing you to tailor your typing experience to match your tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Grapefruit linear switches, your choice should be guided by your personal preferences and typing environment. If you seek a lightweight switch that delivers a bright, responsive feel with a very light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its crisp, high-pitched sound profile and low bottom-out force make it ideal for users who enjoy a tactile and vibrant typing experience, which is particularly suited for gaming or rapid typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced typing experience with a medium-light bottom-out force and a deep, low-pitched sound, the KTT Grapefruit switches might be your best bet. Their polished feel offers a smooth typing experience and a deeper tone that is more mellow, making them versatile for both work and casual use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you prioritize a lively and lightweight typing sensation or a more refined and tempered feel, ensuring your mechanical keyboard provides the engagement you desire.
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