Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Jelly

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Jelly offer two distinct yet captivating linear experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of only 28 grams, making it a favorite among typists seeking swift responsiveness and a crisp, high-pitched sound profile that provides an energetic typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Jelly features a heavier actuation force of 42 grams, paired with a deep, thocky sound signature that appeals to those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. The Jelly's superior factory lubrication enhances its smoothness, creating a tactile experience that many users find satisfying. While the Chiikawa may be the go-to for those seeking speed and brightness, the Jelly caters to users who prefer a robust sound and feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 28g Linear

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Jelly, it is notable that the Chiikawa utilizes a polycarbonate top housing while the Jelly features a nylon top housing. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This characteristic makes it ideal for applications involving RGB lighting, as its translucency enhances the visual effects of illumination. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Jelly provides a softer, deeper sound that absorbs sound waves, leading to a fuller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches can deliver unique sound profiles, the Chiikawa emphasizes clarity and brightness through its polycarbonate material, whereas the Jelly leans towards warmth and depth.

Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Jelly utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This shared characteristic allows both switches to achieve a rich and resonant sound profile that results from nylon's ability to absorb sound. The effect on typing experience is similar in both switches with respect to the bottom-out sound and feel, as the nylon material dampens the impact sounds and creates a more satisfying thock when pressed. As both switches utilize nylon at the bottom, they retain a sense of continuity in the auditory experience, showcasing how a common material can greatly influence the feel and sound delivery during typing.

Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the combined effect of the switch constructions allows for diverse sound characteristics. In scenarios where the bottom housing significantly shapes the tactile feedback and auditory response, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Jelly can elicit satisfying typing experiences, showcasing how the characteristics of these materials interact. Overall, while the two designs present different aesthetics and upper sound profiles, they share a fundamental similarity in the bottom-end experience, proving that thoughtful material selection can produce comparable results even when the top housings diverge.

Weight

The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch exhibit notable differences in both 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 ideal for users who prefer a softer touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Jelly switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Jelly switch is the heavier choice. These varying forces cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa appealing to those seeking ease and comfort, while the Jelly is suitable for those who enjoy a more pronounced resistance when typing.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter of the two, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor quicker responses and faster action due to the reduced distance they need to press down. Conversely, the HMX Jelly's 3.8 mm travel distance provides a bit more depth, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience without feeling too abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences, with the Chiikawa catering to those seeking speed and the Jelly accommodating those who appreciate a deeper keystroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp and high-pitched tone during typing. This makes it particularly lively and responsive, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a low-pitched, deep, thocky sound signature that provides a more grounded auditory experience. The Jelly's sound is notably richer and may appeal to users who prefer a more subdued acoustic environment. It’s important to note that the overall sound can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials, so personal preferences may vary.

Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press, which can enhance the typing experience for users who favor minimal resistance. This lightness helps reduce finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly switch features a slightly heavier actuation force at 42g, offering a more solid feel that can provide a sense of control and precision as you type. The Jelly is also super smooth, thanks to excellent factory lube, yielding an effortless glide that adds to the enjoyment of typing.

In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Jelly switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences, they each offer unique benefits. Users who enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound and a light actuation force will likely gravitate toward the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a richer, thocky sound alongside a smoother feel and a bit more resistance may opt for the Jelly. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal typing style and the audio-physical characteristics that resonate best with you.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a very light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile that adds an element of responsiveness to your typist experience, the Chiikawa switch is ideal for you. Its lightweight nature at 28g makes it perfect for fast typists or gamers who want to minimize effort during long sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound signature combined with a smoother, more substantial feel while typing, the HMX Jelly switch is the better choice. Its 42g actuation force, though slightly heavier, provides a satisfying tactile response that many users find enjoyable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider the type of feedback and sound you desire, as well as how these switches align with your typical usage scenarios.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 28g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

HMX Jelly Linear

$3.50

$2.99 per 10

Learn more