Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Hutt offer distinct yet appealing alternatives tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, classified as a linear switch, is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a highly responsive typing experience that many users find exhilarating and satisfying. Conversely, the Bsun Hutt, a tactile switch, is recognized for its medium-heavy spring and pronounced tactile bump, offering a balanced sound profile that enhances the typing experience with satisfying feedback and an invigorating sensation. While the Chiikawa might be ideal for those seeking a quick and airy keypress, the Hutt appeals to users who enjoy a noticeable tactile response and a deeper connection to each keystroke. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
49g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Hutt, it is clear that both switches utilize the same polycarbonate material for their top housing. This consistency in material choice lends itself to similar acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate top housing is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which perfectly aligns with the needs of RGB enthusiasts due to its inherent translucency. The clarity and resonance afforded by polycarbonate ensure that both switches will perform similarly in terms of sound quality, particularly when considering light diffusion that enhances the visual aspect of RGB lighting.
Conversely, when examining the bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 28g and the Hutt, we find that both employ nylon, a classic material known for its unique sound characteristics. Nylon’s softer plastic composition results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the material effectively absorbs more sound compared to its harder counterparts. This shared use of nylon in both switches implies that users can expect a similar bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience with a satisfying thud that characterizes switches utilizing this material.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Bsun Hutt results in a complementary balance of sound profiles. While the top housing’s polycarbonate contributes to the clarity and high-pitched tones of key releases, the nylon bottom housing adds depth and fullness during typing. Therefore, even though the materials are the same in both switches, the interplay of these materials ensures that users will enjoy a cohesive yet nuanced experience that highlights the distinctive properties of each housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, clear distinctions emerge between the two options. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, and its bottom out force is slightly higher at 34 grams. In contrast, the Hutt switch has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams. This means that the Chiikawa is the lighter option, making it preferable for those who seek a low-force typing experience suitable for extended use or long gaming sessions. Conversely, the Hutt switch's greater resistance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial push feel while typing, as the heavier forces provide a tactile feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience. Overall, while both the switches serve different preferences based on weight, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct characteristics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, we find that the Chiikawa offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hutt features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer of the two switches, providing a more substantial keypress experience. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation, the shorter travel distance of the Hutt may be more suitable, as it allows for faster response times. However, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback might prefer the Chiikawa for its deeper travel distance, which can feel more satisfying for typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference regarding switch feel and response.
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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 recognized for its bright and high-pitched sound profile, producing a crisp auditory feedback that can make typing feel lively and engaging. The light actuation force of this switch contributes to its quick response time, resulting in a typing experience that is both responsive and cheerful. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch offers a balanced sound profile, described as resonant. The Hutt switch’s higher-pitched sound provides a clean and sharp auditory experience that can be immersive. While both switches produce distinctive sounds, the Chiikawa offers a brighter, more cheerful tone, while the Hutt’s sound is more muted and balanced.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out due to its very light actuation force, which typically leads to a smooth keystroke that promotes a fluid typing experience. However, the absence of a tactile bump means that it lacks the pronounced feedback found in tactile switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Hutt switch is characterized by a medium-heavy spring and a prominent tactile bump. This provides a compelling and responsive typing sensation, with descriptors like snappy, invigorating, and sharp highlighting the degree of feedback it offers. Users can expect to experience a distinct tactile response with each keystroke, making it ideal for those who prefer more engagement during typing.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. While the Chiikawa provides a light, bright, and cheerful typing experience without tactile feedback, the Hutt switch offers a more auditory balance with prominent tactile feedback and a snappier feel. Your choice between the two will depend on whether you prioritize the light and responsive nature of the Chiikawa or the engaging tactile sensation of the Hutt. Both switches excel in their realms and can deliver a satisfying typing experience, albeit with different qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the intended use of your keyboard. If you prioritize a light and nimble typing experience, favoring quick keystrokes and a high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g would be ideal for you. Its notably responsive nature, paired with a crisp auditory feedback, makes it suitable for fast-paced typists, gamers who require swift key presses, or individuals who enjoy a gentle touch while typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile sensation with a balanced sound profile, the Hutt switch is the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and pronounced tactile bump cater to those who enjoy a snappy, invigorating typing experience with clear feedback on each keypress. This makes it ideal for typists who want to feel more connected to their work and enjoy a satisfying tactile response. In essence, consider the Chiikawa - 28g for lighter, quicker typing tasks and the Hutt for a more grounded, tactile experience.
Mentioned in this article
