Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference, particularly between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch known for its incredibly light 28g actuation force, which allows for swift and effortless keystrokes. Its bright sound profile adds a unique auditory element to typing, making it an appealing choice for those who value a snappy, responsive feel. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a tactile experience that blends classic and innovative design elements. With its medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring, it provides a satisfying tactile bump that many typists and gamers appreciate for its feedback and control. The enhanced backlight effects further elevate its aesthetic appeal, making it both a functional and visually pleasing option. While the Chiikawa - 28g excels in offering a lightweight and responsive experience, the Jupiter Brown caters to those who prefer a more traditional tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Spring steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches share a commonality in their construction, specifically in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches benefit from the distinctive sound profile that polycarbonate offers. The material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This characteristic stems from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances the resonance and clarity of the sound produced. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is advantageous for users who want to utilize RGB lighting, as it allows the light to pass through effectively, illuminating the switch for an appealing aesthetic.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches diverge in their contributions to the overall auditory experience. Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Jupiter Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which introduces a contrasting sound profile to the switches. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a deeper and fuller sound that is perceived during typing. This combination creates a balanced auditory experience, where the polycarbonate top adds clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom provides a rounded and rich sound. Consequently, when engaged, users will notice how the materials work together to produce a unique, integrated typing sound.
In conclusion, while both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, they complement each other with nylon in the bottom housing to create distinct yet harmonious sound profiles. The shared properties of polycarbonate enhance clarity and brightness, especially during key releases, while the nylon bottom generates a fuller and weightier sound when the key is actuated. Therefore, users can expect a similar type of auditory experience from both switches, marked by a balance of crispness from the top housing and depth from the bottom housing. This layered combination in each switch contributes to a nuanced typing experience that appeals to enthusiasts seeking both aesthetic and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch offer distinctly different typing experiences due to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who seek a more tactile and substantial typing experience. This difference means that while both switches can offer unique advantages, the Chiikawa is better suited for those who prioritize comfort over long periods, whereas the Jupiter Brown is a better fit for those who enjoy a firmer press. Ultimately, if you desire a lighter switch, the Chiikawa stands out, while the Jupiter Brown will satisfy those looking for a heavier key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, it's clear that they differ, with the Chiikawa switch featuring a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Brown has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This distinction highlights the Chiikawa as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive keypress. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown, being the longer switch, provides a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance; if you favor a snappier action, the Chiikawa might be the better fit, whereas if you appreciate a deeper keypress, the Jupiter Brown could be the preferred selection.
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 Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Chiikawa - 28g switch produces a notably bright and crisp sound profile, often described as high-pitched when typing, which can create an engaging and almost euphoric auditory experience for users who enjoy that clarity. This quality can be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, allowing for some customization of the acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Brown offers a more subdued sound, typical of tactile switches, characterized by a gentle thock rather than a pronounced click. While both switches provide satisfying auditory feedback, the Chiikawa's brightness stands in contrast to the Jupiter Brown's softer tones, making each suitable for different sound preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is recognized for its very light actuation force, resulting in a highly responsive typing experience that is perfect for those who appreciate speed and precision. This lightness can allow for rapid keystrokes with minimal finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown presents a more traditional tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight and a mild tactile bump. This tactile feedback creates a reassuring sensation with each keystroke, offering a polished and refined touch that many users find pleasing. The stepped characteristic of the Jupiter Brown allows for a gentle acknowledgement of the actuation point without overwhelming the typist. Together, these qualities ensure that while the feeling of the switches diverges, each can deliver a distinct typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels with its bright audio feedback and very light actuation providing an incredibly responsive typing experience, while the Jupiter Brown offers a more traditional tactile feel combined with a softer sound profile. The choice ultimately rests on your typing style and sound preferences; if you enjoy a lighter, more responsive switch, the Chiikawa may be ideal, while those who prefer a tactile feedback might gravitate towards the Jupiter Brown's balanced characteristics. Each brings unique qualities to the table, ensuring that whether you opt for one or the other, you will have distinct experiences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a key role. If you're someone who enjoys a lightweight, responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force and high-pitched sound profile make it ideal for those who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes, such as gamers or fast typists seeking a lively and engaging feel. Conversely, if you prefer a more traditional typing experience with a tactile response, the Jupiter Brown is the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force, combined with its mild and polished feedback, provides a balanced and satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for both daily productivity tasks and casual gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize speed and sound with the Chiikawa, or comfort and tactile feedback with the Jupiter Brown.
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