Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Keygeek Keylin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Keygeek Keylin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Keygeek Keylin both offer compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, yet they cater to different preferences and styles. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its incredibly light 28g actuation force, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. Paired with a bright sound profile, it offers a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that can enhance the tactile enjoyment of typing. In contrast, the Keygeek Keylin switches focus on achieving a premium typing experience thanks to their meticulously engineered molds, providing a smooth keystroke paired with rich acoustics that appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel while typing. While both switches deliver the linear smoothness favored by many gamers and typists, they embody different emotional responses—one is quick and lively, while the other emphasizes a delightful depth of sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
UPE
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Keygeek Keylin, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigid structure and translucency, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This quality enhances the overall auditory experience, especially if RGB lighting is incorporated, as the polycarbonate allows for bright illumination to shine through. Conversely, the Keygeek Keylin features a nylon top housing, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer plastic nature. This results in a duller, fuller sound profile that may appeal to users seeking a warmer auditory experience. While both switches offer unique sound qualities, the contrasting materials can lead users to prefer one over the other depending on their individual sound preferences.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and Keylin utilize nylon, which provides similar acoustic characteristics. The softness of the nylon allows for a deeper and more resonant sound profile that contributes significantly to the overall typing experience. This shared material choice ensures that both switches exhibit a rounded sound when bottoming out. This similarity in bottom housing means that users can expect consistent sound characteristics when pressing the keys, regardless of the differences in the top housing materials. Ultimately, the nylon bottom housing in both switches contributes to solid and pleasing auditory feedback, providing users with a satisfying typing experience.
Overall, while the different top housing materials create distinctive sound profiles for the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Keygeek Keylin, their shared nylon bottom housing means they will converge in auditory experience when the keys are fully depressed. The polycarbonate in the Chiikawa brings a clear, bright sound when the keys are released, while the Keylin’s nylon top presents a rounder tone. This variance invites users to explore their preferences, as the top housing's influence on release noise can dramatically shape individual experiences. In any case, the use of nylon in both bottom housings guarantees that users will recognize a consistent foundation, making both switches suitable for users who enjoy the benefits of nylon while still allowing for variety in sound profiling based on top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, there are distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams, which is favorable for users who engage in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, as it minimizes fatigue. Its bottom out force of 34 grams adds a modest resistance for a more satisfying keystroke feel. In contrast, the Keylin switch exhibits a heavier actuation force of 38 grams and a significantly greater bottom out force of 48 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial push feel and tactile feedback while typing. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, while the Keylin switch is the heavier option. This difference in force means that users will experience a more effortless activation with the Chiikawa, whereas the Keylin’s heavier resistance may provide a more deliberate typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience an identical distance traveled for both switches. Consequently, the typing experience and overall feedback will feel quite similar, allowing for consistent performance whether one is using the Chiikawa or the Keylin switch.
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 Keygeek Keylin has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Keylin for $3.29.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch, the distinct qualities stand out clearly. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its bright and high-pitched sound, which delivers a crisp auditory experience that is particularly resonant and engaging. This fittingly complements its light actuation force, allowing for an exhilarating typing sensation. In contrast, the Keylin linear switch focuses on delivering rich acoustics, yielding a deeper and more robust sound. While both switches produce pleasing audio feedback, the Chiikawa leans towards a sharper tone, while the Keylin offers a fuller, more premium sound, making the choice largely a matter of personal preference.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and effortless to type on, which can lead to a satisfying and quick typing experience. The switch’s lightness might appeal to users who prioritize speed and low resistance in their key presses. Meanwhile, the Keylin linear switch emphasizes exceptional smoothness, providing a buttery and consistent feel throughout the key travel. This smooth, uninterrupted motion can create a luxurious typing sensation that many typists cherish. While both switches cater to different tactile preferences—one focusing on lightweight responsiveness and the other on silky-smooth operation—each offers a unique feel that will suit different users depending on their typing style.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Keygeek Keylin linear switches present distinctive characteristics in terms of sound and feel, with the Chiikawa offering a bright auditory experience and a very light actuation force, while the Keylin focuses on rich acoustics and a smooth typing sensation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will greatly depend on your personal preferences regarding the auditory and tactile experiences you desire in a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Keygeek Keylin linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a very light actuation force paired with a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its responsiveness and high-pitched acoustics may be particularly appealing if you enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer bottom out force and a more premium, smooth typing experience, the Keylin switch would serve you well. Its rich acoustics and overall durability make it suitable for long typing sessions or those who prioritize a more substantial feel. Consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and the environment you’ll be using your keyboard in, as these factors will guide you to the switch that best suits your needs.
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