Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Jupiter Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Jupiter Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, two switches that stand out are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its incredibly light 28g actuation force, resulting in an exceptionally responsive feel and a bright, crisp sound profile that many typists find invigorating. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a medium-heavy actuation force paired with a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke facilitated by its single-stage spring. Users who appreciate a consistent and seamless typing experience often gravitate toward these switches, especially given their refined manufacturing and softer backlight effects. Both switches cater to different preferences in typing styles, suggesting a variety of benefits based on personal priorities. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
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 Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to similar acoustic properties in the upper portion of these switches. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the sharpness and clarity of the sound profile, producing a resonant and higher-pitched auditory experience. This shared material choice means that users can expect a closely aligned sound signature when typing on either switch, particularly when playing with RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination effects. The use of clear polycarbonate in both switches emphasizes their aesthetic appeal as well, as the material's transparency displays the RGB glow beautifully.
On the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Jupiter Red adopt nylon as the material of choice. This softer plastic provides a contrasting character to the top housing, generating a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The nylon's ability to absorb sound allows for a more muted and pleasant bottom-out feel, complementing the brighter tones emitted by the polycarbonate top. Because both switches utilize the same nylon material for their bottom housing, users can expect a similarly rounded sound profile during key presses, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience when transitioning between the two.
Overall, while the top housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Jupiter Red are identical in their material properties, resulting in similar sound profiles, the differentiation in the bottom housing adds richness to the users' typing experience. The combination of a stiff polycarbonate top and a softer nylon bottom in both switches creates a well-balanced acoustic signature, where the resonance from the top is matched by the warmth of the bottom. As a result, whether one chooses the Chiikawa or the Jupiter Red, they can achieve harmonious auditory results with both switches, making them suitable for enthusiasts seeking nuanced sound performance in their keyboard setups.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its lower resistance. In contrast, the Jupiter Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Thus, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Jupiter Red is the heavier one. For users who prioritize a lighter touch, the Chiikawa will provide a more comfortable experience, while those who appreciate a firmer push should consider the Jupiter Red for its greater actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, we see a distinct difference. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a more responsive experience, suited for gamers who favor quicker key presses, whereas the Jupiter Red switch offers a fuller feel, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference; if you enjoy a more immediate response, the Chiikawa - 28g is the better option, while those who desire more depth in their keystrokes may lean toward the Jupiter Red.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by a bright and crisp tone, providing a high-pitched sound that can be particularly pleasing to users who enjoy audible feedback during typing. This bright sound profile, combined with its very light actuation force, makes the Chiikawa switches notably responsive, allowing for quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch delivers a more neutral sound signature. Its moderate sound profile is suitable for various uses, making it a versatile choice whether you're typing at home or in an office environment. Both switches’ sound qualities can, however, be influenced by other factors like the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its lightweight actuation, making it incredibly easy to press and conducive for fast typing. However, specific details about its overall tactile feedback are less defined in this context. By contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a polished typing experience that is both creamy and silky, providing a smoother and refined sensation during use. The combination of factory lubing and high-quality materials ensures reduced friction and effortless key travel, resulting in a typing experience that feels luxurious and fluid. The Jupiter Red also caters to users who prefer a milder touch, striking a balance that is approachable for everyone.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Jupiter Red switches have distinct sound and feel profiles, they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa switch excels in producing a bright auditory feedback with an exceptionally light touch, making it ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and brightness in sound. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Red offers a more neutral sound and a silky, polished typing experience that appeals to those who value smoothness and consistency in keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, as they deliver an engaging experience in their respective categories.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, you should consider your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you desire a very light actuation and an engaging, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal for you; it's particularly suited for fast-paced typing or gaming where responsiveness and auditory feedback enhance your experience. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a medium-heavy actuation force and a polished, creamy typing experience, the Gateron Jupiter Red will likely be your better choice. Its smooth and uninterrupted keystroke makes it appropriate for both work and leisure, offering a neutral sound profile that provides versatility for various settings. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you value a lightweight, bright sound profile or a more refined, consistent typing experience—choose accordingly to match your typing style and environment!
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