Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink present intriguing options for tactile enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound that can enhance the overall enjoyment of each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is known for its silky smoothness and polished feel, offering a lighter typing resistance while producing a satisfying clacky sound that elevates the auditory feedback during use. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa appealing to those who enjoy a pronounced auditory experience, while the Ink Box Pink may attract those who prioritize smoothness and elegance in their keystrokes. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches, notable distinctions arise in their top housing compositions, which influence their overall sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing that is well-regarded for its stiffness and translucency, leading to a sharper and more resonant sound, which is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is applied. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink features Gateron's proprietary INK blend for its top housing. This material delivers a pointed and high-pitched sound, although it aims for a softer touch, avoiding the overly sharp notes that can sometimes accompany stiffer plastics. Although these materials differ, both serve to deliver a higher-pitched auditory signature, suggesting that users can expect a satisfying keystroke response from either switch.
A further divergence appears in the bottom housing materials, which significantly impact the knob's acoustic properties. The Chiikawa - 28g employs a nylon bottom housing known for its capacity to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Conversely, the Ink Box Pink also utilizes a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, albeit this blend aims for a similarly thin and clacky sound profile without the depth associated with nylon. These differences indicate that while both switches can produce an engaging and responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa may gravitate towards a rounder and fuller sound, while the Ink Box Pink may maintain a more lively and sharp auditory response.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Ink Box Pink switches feature notable differences in their housing materials, they both promise engaging sound profiles conducive to an enjoyable typing experience. The Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top housing plays a significant role in ensuring sharper sounds, while its nylon bottom softens the overall auditory output. On the other hand, the Ink Box Pink's proprietary INK blends deliver a well-balanced, clacky feel with a sharper attack. Regardless of the variance in materials, both switches offer unique auditory experiences that enhance typing, and users will find pleasure in the tactile responses and soundscapes they provide.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lightweight actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer feel for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch could be the preferred choice for individuals seeking ease and comfort during prolonged use, while the Ink Box Pink would satisfy users looking for a more pronounced tactile feedback. Overall, these switches cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa being the lighter option and the Ink Box Pink being the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equal distance means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch, resulting in comparable feel and feedback during use. With both switches offering the same travel distance, one can anticipate consistent performance and similar results in typing or gaming scenarios, making either option a reliable choice for users seeking linear switches.
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 Gateron Ink Box Pink has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Pink for $7.65.
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 examining the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches, both deliver a bright and high-pitched auditory experience, although with subtle differences. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its crisp, bright sound, characterized by a sharp and airy tone that resonates well while typing. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink also features a high-pitched quality but emphasizes a clacky nature, producing a sharper and more percussive sound when the keys are engaged. Both switches cater to users who prefer a less bass-heavy sound profile, making them ideal for those looking for a crisp and clear auditory feedback during typing. However, it is essential to keep in mind that the overall sound experience can be influenced by the keyboard plate material, build quality, and keycap choice.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g boasts a very light actuation force, which contributes to a highly responsive typing experience. This lightness can lead to a less tactile feedback but enables faster key presses, which is desirable for users who value speed and agility in their typing. The Ink Box Pink, on the other hand, offers a silky and polished experience, characterized by an exceptionally smooth typing motion with minimized resistance. This smoothness is likely attributed to the materials used and potential factory lubing, resulting in a luxurious key travel that further enhances the typing experience. While both switches provide light touches, the Chiikawa might feel slightly less substantial compared to the more refined, polished aspect of the Ink Box Pink.
Overall, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches are designed to offer bright sounds and light actuation forces, they excel in different areas. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its quick responsiveness and crisp auditory feedback, making it suitable for fast typists. In contrast, the Ink Box Pink differentiates itself with its silky smoothness and polished feel, appealing to those who appreciate a refined typing experience. Ultimately, users seeking a light and bright switch will find both options to be effective, but the choice boils down to personal preferences regarding sound clarity and tactile smoothness.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter touch and responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Chiikawa - 28g with its 28g actuation force is an excellent option. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a brighter sound profile and an ultra-responsive feel that enhances your typing speed—ideal for gaming or fast-paced writing tasks. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced typing experience with a medium force of 60g, the Gateron Ink Box Pink is a fantastic choice. With its silky and polished feel, it offers a combination of smoothness and slight resistance, making it great for prolonged typing sessions or for users who prefer a more stable keystroke. The clacky, high-pitched sound of the Ink Box Pink adds personality to your typing experience, enriching the auditory feedback. Ultimately, your preference for sound, feel, and the amount of force required to actuate the switch will guide your decision, ensuring you select the switch that best fits your unique style.
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