Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Durock Ice King Linear present compelling yet distinct choices for enthusiasts and casual users alike. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its notably light actuation force of just 28 grams, allowing for an incredibly responsive typing experience that is complemented by its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched sound that appeals to those who prefer auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear, with its full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication, promises a silky smooth and frictionless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a subdued and polished feel. While the Chiikawa is perfect for those who enjoy a quick, tactile response, the Ice King caters to those who prioritize smoothness and a low-noise environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond the generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Ice King Linear, it is evident that both switches utilize a combination of distinct materials for their top and bottom housings, leading to different auditory characteristics. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its sturdier construction. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal, especially when RGB lighting is a consideration, but it also contributes to a clear resonance that emphasizes the high frequencies in sound generation. In contrast, the Ice King Linear employs a nylon top housing, inherently softer and more sound-dampening, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This stark difference in top housing materials sets the tone for how each switch will perform in terms of auditory feedback.
Looking closely at the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which means they share similar qualities in terms of sound absorption and resonance. The use of nylon in the Chiikawa - 28g and Ice King Linear's bottom housings ensures that both switches will deliver a deeper and rounder sound when bottoming out. The softness of nylon contributes to a more muted auditory experience as it absorbs sound waves rather than allowing them to bounce back, making the lower frequencies more pronounced in both switches. This shared material, therefore, allows for a consistent and fulfilling auditory feedback during key presses, showcasing how bottom housing materials can play a critical role in the overall typing experience.
The combination of differing top housing materials in the Chiikawa and Ice King Linear switches creates an interesting juxtaposition in their performance and acoustic profiles. While the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top provides a brighter, sharper sensation during key release, the Ice King's nylon top housing dampens those frequencies, allowing for a more subdued sound. However, both switches maintain similar characteristics in their bottom housing due to the shared nylon material. Consequently, despite their contrasting top housing materials, the switches will still yield complementary outcomes by merging their unique upper and lower auditory experiences. Users may find themselves enjoying the strengths of each type of material, with the sharper sounds from the Chiikawa balanced by the fuller tones of the Ice King, proving that effective housing combinations can lead to rich and varied keystroke experiences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel for a robust typing experience. This fundamental difference highlights that while the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, ideal for those seeking comfort in long use, the Ice King Linear provides a firmer response, suitable for users who appreciate a stronger keystroke feedback. Overall, users seeking a lightweight and user-friendly switch may opt for the Chiikawa, whereas those desiring more resistance in their keystrokes might find the Ice King Linear more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, there is a slight difference that may influence a user's preference. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa is the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may find preferable for an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Ice King, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers or users who favor quick responsiveness and faster keystrokes. Thus, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, your choice between them can depend on whether you prioritize depth (Chiikawa - 28g) or speed (Durock Ice King).
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out with its bright, high-pitched noise that is crisp and responsive, making it particularly engaging for typing. This pronounced sound can create an invigorating typing atmosphere, especially for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear has a more subdued auditory profile. Its dampened sound signature provides a less obtrusive typing experience, allowing for a quieter environment while still offering an audible click. This difference in sound, however, may ultimately be influenced by other factors like the choice of board and keycaps, which can alter the overall acoustic characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is celebrated for its very light actuation force, contributing to a responsive typing experience that many users find enjoyable. However, specifics about its tactile qualities remain less defined. Meanwhile, the Ice King Linear offers a superbly silky, frictionless experience characterized by its creamy feel and smooth key travel. This switch's full nylon construction and generous factory lubrication result in a typing sensation that feels effortless, allowing for fast and fluid keystrokes. The overall feel of the Ice King comprises multiple descriptors like silky, creamy, and polished, indicating a refined and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Ice King Linear switches provide unique sensory experiences, especially in sound and feel. The Chiikawa's bright sound complements its lightweight actuation force, while the Ice King's subdued sound is paired with an exceptionally smooth typing feel that many users rave about. If you prefer a snappy, lively typing sound, the Chiikawa may cater to your needs, whereas those who favor a quieter yet silky experience will find the Ice King more appealing. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on personal preferences regarding auditory feedback and tactile sensations, as each switch offers its distinct advantages.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a very light actuation force and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its lightweight nature makes it particularly suitable for users who prefer rapid key presses, such as gamers or typists who enjoy a quick and responsive experience. However, if you value a smooth, silky typing experience with a more subdued sound profile, then the Ice King Linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom-out force and creamy, frictionless feel, the Ice King provides an exceptional tactile sensation that many typists find pleasurable for extended typing sessions. Overall, consider your needs based on your typing habits, preferred sound levels, and the amount of force you like to exert on keys; this will guide you in selecting the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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