Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Hyacinth
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Hyacinth switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches like the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Hyacinth, it becomes evident that each switch caters to distinct typing preferences and experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28g, is celebrated for its quick responsiveness and crisp, high-pitched sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prioritize speed and auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Hyacinth offers a unique blend of comfort and design with its 3.5mm travel distance, which was intentionally crafted to minimize the discomfort of bottoming out, and its single-stage elongated spring provides a consistent force curve ensuring tactile feedback without the harshness often associated with longer-stem switches. While the Chiikawa is ideal for users seeking an invigorating and lively typing experience, the Hyacinth focuses on maintaining a serene balance of feedback and sound, appealing to those who value a smoother, more muted typing environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can make the best decision on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
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
22mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Hyacinth demonstrate remarkable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This commonality ensures that users of either switch will experience a clear and resonant audio feedback, especially when incorporating RGB lighting. The translucent nature of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also amplifies the effects of lighting, making both switches visually striking in setups that utilize RGB features.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, another material that promotes a different character in sound. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, which help create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic contrasts with the brightness of the polycarbonate top, leading to a rich tonal balance during typing. The distinct sound qualities from both the top and bottom housings allow for a hybrid audio experience where the top housing contributes to the initial sound upon key release, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Thus, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Hyacinth provide a comprehensive and satisfying auditory experience.
Overall, while the Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Hyacinth employ the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the interplay between these materials leads to unique sound profiles that enhance the user experience of each switch. The shared polycarbonate top ensures crispness and clarity, while the nylon bottom introduces a cushioning effect that creates a more pronounced and richer sound. This synergy results in two switches that, although identical in their specifications, offer slight variations in tactile feedback and acoustic qualities, appealing to different preferences among users. Whether one is looking for a more vibrant top-end or a warm, full-bodied bottom-end, both switches successfully deliver on different aspects of performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become apparent. The Chiikawa switch requires a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and has a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Hyacinth switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Hyacinth is the heavier choice, which means that with the Chiikawa, users will likely experience less fatigue during prolonged use, while the Hyacinth offers a firmer push feel for those who prefer a more robust keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hyacinth measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option by a margin of 0.1 mm. While both switches offer relatively shallow travel distances compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the shorter travel of the Hyacinth could be more appealing for gamers seeking quick response times. Conversely, the additional depth of the Chiikawa may provide a more pronounced tactile experience for those who prefer a little more feedback when pressing down on keys. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches would depend on individual preferences regarding responsiveness and key feel.
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 Hyacinth has an MSRP of $4.03 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hyacinth for $3.75.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch, there’s a distinct contrast. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its bright and crisp sound, producing a high-pitched auditory feedback that can be particularly appealing to users looking for a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Hyacinth has a more neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate sound level, making it versatile enough for both home and office environments. This means while the Chiikawa might stand out in terms of volume and brightness, the Hyacinth is designed to be unobtrusive and suitable for a wider range of settings.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g boasts an impressively light actuation force, which contributes to its responsive typing experience. This switch allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, but specific tactile feedback descriptions are not provided. On the other hand, the Hyacinth switch prioritizes a silky smooth typing experience, enhancing the fluidity of keystrokes and minimizing resistance as you type. It also features subtle resistance that maintains a light typing feel, which can be particularly advantageous in shared spaces where noise and distraction need to be minimized. The difference here is notable; the Hyacinth offers a more refined touch while the Chiikawa emphasizes a quick and easy press.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Hyacinth linear switches cater to different preferences. For those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience with a very light actuation, the Chiikawa - 28g is a solid choice. Conversely, if you prefer an exceptionally smooth and subtle feel with a more neutral sound, the Hyacinth may suit you better. Both switches will provide a favorable typing experience, but your personal preference on sound and feel will guide your final choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Hyacinth linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use case. If you prefer a notably light actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g will be a great fit, particularly if you enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming sessions where responsiveness is key. The switch’s 34g bottom-out force allows for effortless typing, making it ideal for long hours of use without fatigue. However, if you’re looking for a more balanced typing experience with a slightly firmer feel, the KTT Hyacinth, with its 56g bottom-out force, is a fantastic option. Its design prioritizes comfort and reduces hard bottoming-out, which can be beneficial in longer typing sessions, particularly in a work environment where you might be sharing your setup. Moreover, the Hyacinth's silky feel and neutral sound profile make it versatile for various scenarios, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, your decision should align with your personal comfort, sound preference, and the environment in which you'll primarily be using your keyboard.
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