Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Iron are two noteworthy contenders within the linear switch category, each offering a unique typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, allowing for a responsive keystroke with a crisp, high-pitched sound that many users find delightful. This switch is particularly appealing for those seeking an agile typing experience that minimizes fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the TTC Iron stands out with its pronounced clacky sound signature that resonates with each keypress, creating an engaging auditory sensation. Its buttery smooth travel combined with a remarkably light actuation also supports swift, effortless typing, making it a solid choice for both enthusiasts and everyday users alike. While both switches prioritize ease of use and lightness, their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback serve different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
41g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Iron, the distinctions primarily lie in the properties of their respective top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This material enhances the sound profile by generating sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper tones, particularly beneficial for RGB lighting applications. In contrast, the TTC Iron features a POM top housing, which contributes to a sound that, while deeper and more muted, offers a distinct auditory experience characterized by smoothness. These variations in top housing materials are reflective of the overall sound profile each switch produces, emphasizing how the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Turning to the bottom housings, the Chiikawa - 28g utilizes nylon, while the TTC Iron employs POM. Nylon is known for its classic switch housing properties, providing a deeper and fuller sound due to its relatively softer nature that absorbs sound waves, resulting in a rounder acoustic experience. POM, on the other hand, similarly delivers a deeper and muted sound profile, suggesting some overlap in audio characteristics between these two materials, despite their differences. Both materials influence the bottom-out sound and key feel when the switch is pressed. This indicates that both switches aim for a similar auditory quality at a foundational level, albeit through different materials that cater to unique preferences.
Ultimately, the interplay of top and bottom housing materials in both switches dictates their overall sound profile and tactile response during use. While the Chiikawa - 28g’s polycarbonate and nylon combination yields a sharper release sound and deeper bottom-out experience, the TTC Iron's POM housings provide a muted feel and sound, albeit with similarities in depth. Evaluating these attributes illustrates that even if the materials differ, users can achieve comparable results in certain acoustic qualities, tailoring their choice to specific sound preferences and use cases. Consequently, selecting between the two switches may largely depend on the user's personal auditory preferences and whether they favor a crisper or more muted typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the TTC Iron linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer effortless keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Iron switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 41 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial tactile feedback and a stronger push feel for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Consequently, if lightness and comfort during long use are a priority, the Chiikawa is the better choice; however, if users favor a stronger actuation, the TTC Iron may be more appealing. Overall, these differences indicate that the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Iron is the heavier choice in terms of force required for actuation and bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly. The Chiikawa - 28g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Iron switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers or users who prefer quicker response times. In contrast, the TTC Iron's longer travel distance could provide a more pronounced feel during keystrokes, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial depth when typing. Therefore, if you are looking for a snappier experience, the Chiikawa is the preferable choice, whereas the Iron would be more suitable for those who appreciate a more traditional keystroke 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 TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is renowned for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone that enhances the auditory experience while typing. This light and airy sound makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging. Conversely, the TTC Iron switch features a pronounced clacky sound signature, characterized by a sharp and percussive quality that resonates with each press. While both switches offer an enjoyable auditory experience, the Chiikawa leans towards a higher pitch and brightness, whereas the Iron emphasizes a more impactful clacky sound. It's worth noting that the sound produced by any switch is also influenced by the keyboard's build and keycap materials.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers an extremely light actuation force, making it notably responsive, though the specifics of its tactile feedback are less defined. On the other hand, the TTC Iron linear switch provides an easy-to-press feel, requiring minimal force for activation, which contributes to a fatigue-free typing experience. It also provides a mild typing sensation, striking a balance that caters to both novice and experienced typists. While the Chiikawa’s lightness promises a dynamic input, the Iron’s combination of effortless activation and gentle resistance may present a more comfortable option for extended use.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and TTC Iron linear switches cater to specific preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa’s bright sound and light actuation create an engaging typing atmosphere, whereas the Iron's clacky profile and easy-to-press nature offer a satisfying and fatigue-free experience. Depending on your priorities—whether they lean towards a lively auditory experience or a comfortable, responsive typing feel—both switches have distinctive qualities that can significantly impact your mechanical keyboard journey. Ultimately, opting for either switch will yield a delightful typing experience, with each providing its unique charm.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lightweight feel and swift actuation, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option; with its exceptionally low actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound profile, it makes for a responsive typing experience that is perfect for extended typing sessions, especially if you're prone to fatigue. On the other hand, if you desire a more substantial tactile response and enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback, the TTC Iron is the way to go. Its clacky sound offers a satisfying auditory experience, complemented by a buttery smooth travel that enhances precision during rapid typing. Thus, if you're looking for comfort and ease of use, lean towards the Chiikawa, whereas if you appreciate a bit more feedback and sound that resonates with each keystroke, the Iron will cater to your taste. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you: is it the lightweight ease and sound clarity of the Chiikawa, or the satisfying clack and robust feel of the Iron? By weighing these factors, you'll make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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