Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right option for your typing style and experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is celebrated for its ultra-light 28g actuation force, making it an incredibly responsive linear switch. Its bright, high-pitched sound profile ensures a lively typing experience, which can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more minimal tactile feedback while gaming or typing. On the other hand, the Durock Koala switch offers a balanced option for users who seek a tactile feel without overwhelming resistance. With a stepped tactility that delivers a pronounced bump during key presses, it strikes a compelling middle ground—providing the satisfying feedback many typists crave while maintaining a relatively subdued noise level. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing preferences: the Chiikawa for light, speedy actions, and the Koala for an engaging tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that meets your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Koala both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influence the auditory experience of keyboard enthusiasts. As described, polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which allows it to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. For both switches, the translucency of the polycarbonate not only enhances the sound quality but also makes them particularly appealing for users who intend to utilize RGB lighting. This uniformity in material leads to a similar audio experience in both switches when engaged, allowing users to enjoy clear and resonant sounds that are amplified further by the aesthetic appeal of vibrant lighting.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Koala utilize nylon—a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon as a softer plastic lead to better sound absorption, enabling a rounder and more subdued tone which contrasts with the brightness of the polycarbonate tops. Since the bottom housing has a pronounced effect on the typing feel and bottom-out sound, the combination of nylon and polycarbonate across both models ensures a cohesive sound experience while catering to different auditory preferences—sharp and crisp from the top, and fuller and deeper from the bottom.
Despite differing aesthetics that may appeal to personal taste, the shared attributes of polycarbonate and nylon in both switch designs create a harmonious interplay of sound and feel. This similarity means users can expect consistent results regarding the audio characteristics of both switches. Whether typing on the Chiikawa - 28g or the Durock Koala, they will experience the precise interaction between a bright top and a mellow bottom, leading to a satisfying overall typing experience that is marked by clarity and depth. The equal use of these housing materials suggests that users can enjoy an optimal blend of properties offered by both models, regardless of minor design differences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch present a clear contrast in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Koala switch's bottom out force is considerably heavier at 67 grams, although its actuation force is unknown, making it difficult to compare directly on that aspect. However, the Koala's higher bottom out force contributes to a more substantial typing experience preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Given that the Chiikawa is the lighter option, it may be better suited for prolonged use, while the Koala caters to those seeking a robust keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user favors lighter actions for ease and endurance or heavier feedback for a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Koala switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch provides a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more tactile feel. Conversely, the Koala's longer travel distance could offer a more pronounced depth, making it more suitable for users who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Thus, if you're looking for a quicker actuation, the shorter Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, while the Koala would be preferable for those who enjoy the sensation of a deeper key press.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright profile and crisp, high-pitched tones. This makes it particularly responsive, leading to a feedback that is immediate and engaging during typing. In contrast, the Durock Koala tactile switch offers a low-pitched and neutral sound. While it's described as having a bass-heavy resonance, it remains mellow enough to avoid being overly intrusive. This tonal difference results in a quieter experience for the Koala, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g excels in its lightweight actuation, delivering a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance. This results in an effortless typing experience that is perfect for rapid input. Conversely, the Durock Koala features a polished and accented feel, providing a smooth key travel while also delivering a notable tactile bump. This bump is pronounced but not overwhelming, thanks to the stepped design, which presents two stages of feedback during the keystroke. However, this switch requires more force to actuate, making it a stiffer typing experience overall.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch cater to different typing preferences with distinct auditory and tactile characteristics. While the Chiikawa is perfect for those seeking a bright, effortless response, the Koala serves well for users who appreciate a refined tactile feedback with more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel; each offers a unique experience that can significantly influence your overall satisfaction with a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a light and responsive touch that allows for quick typing and a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice, especially for tasks that require fast, fluid keystrokes, such as gaming or quick data entry. Its low actuation force and light overall feel make it ideal for those who prioritize speed and a crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing experience with tactile feedback, the Durock Koala switch is likely to serve you better. With a moderate to heavy actuation force and a pronounced, stepped tactile bump, this switch is designed for users who enjoy a tangible response during typing, making it suitable for both casual and extended use without feeling overwhelmed. The low-pitched sound profile also allows for a more subdued typing environment, which could be beneficial in both office and home settings. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize lightness and responsiveness or a more tactile and deliberate keystroke.
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