Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Jammy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Jammy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Jammy, both of which exemplify the characteristics of linear switches but offer distinct experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound that can enhance the tactile pleasure of typing. In contrast, the HMX Jammy features a medium weight and a softer, glittery nylon housing that produces a muted yet deeply satisfying sound, offering a more subdued acoustic experience without sacrificing feel. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, whether you lean towards the lively feedback of the Chiikawa or the comforting softness of the Jammy, each switch has unique merits. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
57g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Jammy showcase contrasting approaches to sound profile and performance in keyboard switches. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency that enhances RGB lighting effects. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it an exemplary choice for those who prioritize bright auditory feedback in their typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jammy employs a nylon top housing. Nylon, as a softer material, tends to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile; therefore, users may find the auditory feedback from the Jammy to be more round and subdued, making for a more muted typing experience compared to the Chiikawa.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, we find that the Chiikawa - 28g also uses nylon, just like the HMX Jammy. Because both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they will likely elicit similar tonal qualities in terms of sound absorption. The nylon will help create a rounded and fuller sound upon bottoming out when a key is pressed. This commonality means that despite the differences in their top housings, both switches can achieve harmonious grounding in their sound profiles, making their overall auditory experiences distinct yet somewhat related.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Jammy diverge in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—they converge in the use of nylon for the bottom housing, which affects the bottom-out sound and feel. The sharpness of the Chiikawa's typing feedback contrasts with the Jammy's fuller and more subdued response, but the nylon's acoustic absorption allows for a synthesis of sound characteristics within each switch. Ultimately, users can expect different auditory experiences when engaging with the switches due to the varied top housing materials, while also enjoying a sense of continuity provided by the nylon's deeper, fuller sound profile in both models.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch present distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa features a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Jammy switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 57 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. This difference highlights the Jammy as a choice for users who enjoy a stronger push feel, while the Chiikawa offers a more effortless typing experience. As such, individuals will find that the Chiikawa is better for prolonged use and lighter typing, whereas the Jammy will appeal to those who favor a firmer touch. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, and the Jammy is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch, a distinct difference emerges. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jammy switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. With this 0.1 mm difference, the Jammy switch may provide a more pronounced feedback and deeper feel, which could appeal to users who prefer a heartier depth when keying. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa switch caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers or individuals who enjoy a snappier keystroke. Thus, while both switches offer unique advantages depending on user preference, the Chiikawa is the shorter option, and the Jammy is the longer one.
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 HMX Jammy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jammy for $2.99.
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright, crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched auditory feedback that makes typing feel lively and responsive. This is in stark contrast to the HMX Jammy linear switch, which offers a more muted sound with a softer, deeper quality due to its nylon housing. As a result, those who prefer a more pronounced acoustic feedback will likely favor the Chiikawa, while those who enjoy a subtler, quieter experience may lean towards the Jammy. However, it's important to keep in mind that the overall sound can also be influenced by the keyboard build and the type of keycaps used, meaning that individual setups could yield different auditory results for either switch.
In terms of tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a very light actuation force, resulting in an effortless and fluid typing experience. This makes it ideal for fast typists or those who favor rapid key strokes. Conversely, the Jammy switch offers a medium weight, which provides a satisfying amount of resistance while typing without being too taxing. This difference in weight contributes to a distinctly different tactile sensation: the Chiikawa may feel faster and more agile, while the Jammy delivers a balanced and satisfying feedback that can enhance typing comfort over extended periods.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Jammy linear switches offer unique qualities tailored to different preferences in both sound and feel. The Chiikawa's bright and responsive sound, paired with its light actuation, caters to those who enjoy dynamic feedback and swift key presses. On the other hand, the Jammy’s muted sound and moderate resistance provide a more soothing and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will come down to personal preference, and both can deliver an enjoyable typing experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Jammy linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you appreciate a light and responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. With its low actuation force of just 28 grams and a bottom-out force of 34 grams, this switch allows for quick keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who enjoy a lively response. Furthermore, its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched noise, adds an enjoyable auditory dimension to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and muted experience, the Jammy switch could be your go-to option. With a higher bottom-out force of 63 grams, it provides a more substantial feel that can be satisfying for those who like a bit of resistance while typing, especially during long typing sessions. Its soft nylon housing offers a cushioned touch and a quieter sound profile, making it a great fit for office environments or shared spaces where noise can be a concern. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you want the swift, airy sensation of the Chiikawa or the grounded, understated goodness of the Jammy switch.
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