Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Ink Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Ink Yellow 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 Yellow both present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that makes every keystroke feel ultra-responsive. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow is recognized for its shorter travel distance and smooth, clacky feel, appealing to those who desire a typing experience that blends the familiarity of laptop keyboards with the tactile feedback of traditional mechanical switches. While both switches are linear, making them ideal for swift and quiet typing, their distinct acoustic characteristics and actuation forces may sway your choice. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Ink Yellow switches, it’s evident that both switches utilize distinct materials that contribute differently to their acoustic profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for generating a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. This translucency also allows for effective RGB lighting display, adding a visual benefit beyond just sound. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Yellow employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, creating a similarly pointed and high-pitched sound that retains a satisfying clack without reaching excessive sharpness. While there are differences in composition, both switches are designed to deliver a lively acoustic experience, making them appealing options for enthusiasts seeking specific sound profiles.
The contrasting materials extend to the bottom housing of both switches, where the Chiikawa - 28g utilizes nylon, known for producing a deeper and more rounded sound thanks to its softer composition. Conversely, the Ink Yellow’s bottom housing also employs the proprietary INK blend, offering sound qualities that align with its top housing. This design characteristic results in a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound profile, which contributes to its signature clacky response. While both switches engage different materials that influence their acoustic output, the juxtaposition in housing materials creates a varied auditory experience, ensuring that users may favor one switch over the other based on personal sound preference.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Ink Yellow utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, users may achieve similar acoustic results due to the thoughtful design of each switch. The combination of a sharper sound from the Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top and a deeper sound from its nylon bottom melds well with the Ink Yellow's cohesive INK blend throughout both housings. Both switches have unique attributes that cater to specific auditory preferences, yet the meticulous engineering behind each ensures a sound experience that will delight typists and gamers alike, whether one opts for the fuller resonance of nylon or the crisper clarity of polycarbonate.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch present stark contrasts in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lighter feel for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch features a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. With this difference, typists using the Chiikawa can expect a gentler touch, while those opting for the Ink Yellow may find satisfaction in the tactile resistance. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, and the Ink Yellow is the heavier one, providing distinct sensations based on user preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option by just 0.1 mm. Although both distances are relatively close, they fall within the range preferred by gamers who seek shorter travel lengths for enhanced responsiveness. Therefore, if quicker actuation is your goal, you could opt for the Ink Yellow switch, which, being the shorter of the two, will still provide a swift response time. In contrast, the Chiikawa may offer a more substantial feel for those who appreciate a deeper keypress, making it better suited for users who prefer a more 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 Gateron Ink Yellow has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Yellow for $7.35.
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 profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its bright and crisp high-pitched sound, lending it a distinctly playful acoustic character when typing. In contrast, the Ink Yellow switch has a more neutral sound profile with clacky tones, offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that feels percussive and lively. While both switches can generate responsive sounds, the Chiikawa’s light and bright tones may appeal more to those who enjoy a more delicate auditory experience, while the Ink Yellow caters to users seeking a more traditional mechanical sound with its clacky nature.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switches are celebrated for their light actuation force, providing a very responsive and airy typing experience that feels effortless. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Yellow offers a mild and polished feel; this makes for a gentle and user-friendly experience, as it strikes a balance between comfort and engagement. The polished nature of the Ink Yellow ensures smooth key travel, reducing friction during use, which may appeal to those who value a refined typing sensation. While the Chiikawa may provide an exhilarating and nimble touch, the Ink Yellow presents a more mainstream, approachable feel, ensuring that both switches serve distinct preferences effectively.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Ink Yellow linear switches provide unique typing experiences that will cater to different tastes. Users seeking bright sound and light responsiveness may favor the Chiikawa, while those looking for a balanced, polished feel and clackiness might lean towards the Ink Yellow. While both switches differ in sound and feel, they share a reputation for responsiveness and smooth operation, presenting effective options for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Yellow linear switch should largely depend on your typing preferences and needs. If you lean towards a very light typing experience with minimal actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal for you. Its 28g actuation force makes it incredibly responsive, allowing for effortless typing, and its bright sound profile can add a bit of flair to your keystrokes, perfect for casual typing or if you enjoy a more playful auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers and a balance between the tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard and the comfort of a laptop, then the Gateron Ink Yellow might be your best option. With a 67g bottom-out force, it provides a medium-heavy touch, making it amenable to those who type with a firmer approach. Additionally, the Ink Yellow's shorter travel distance and polished smoothness offer a refined typing experience, making it suitable for professional environments or extended typing sessions without fatigue. Thus, your decision should hinge on whether you value light, responsive switches with a unique sound or the tactile satisfaction and stability of a heavier switch for productivity.
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