Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Neo Lavender HE present intriguing options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivers a highly responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing, making it an appealing choice for those who value quick keystrokes and audible feedback. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE, a hall effect switch, is celebrated for its clean, low sound and compatibility with Wooting keyboards, offering a more subdued auditory experience that many users may prefer for a quieter environment. While the Chiikawa - 28g excites typists with its lively acoustic presence, the Lavender HE provides a smoother and potentially more versatile performance through its magnetic switch technology. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Neo Lavender HE, one can observe distinct differences in their top housings that significantly influence the overall sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency. This specific material inherently produces a sharper and crisper sound due to its ability to resonate and project sound effectively. This is particularly beneficial for users interested in RGB lighting, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced light diffusion, creating a visually appealing effect while typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE employs a nylon top housing, which is fundamentally softer and absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material contributes to a more subdued auditory experience during use, appealing to those who prefer a smoother, less piercing typing sound.
Looking at the bottom housings of both switches reveals a similarity that allows for some commonality in sound characteristics. Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Lavender HE utilize nylon for their bottom housings. As a well-established classic in switch design, nylon contributes to a deeper and more rounded sound profile in both cases, stemming from its capacity to absorb sound and soften the impact felt when a key bottoms out. This alignment in materials means that while the tops of the switches impact the release sound distinctly due to their differing properties, the bottom sound and overall typing experience will share a more cohesive, fuller tone, largely shaped by the nylon makeup in both designs.
In summary, while the Chiikawa - 28g and Neo Lavender HE offer contrasting sound profiles attributed to their varying top housings, their shared nylon bottom housings ensure a consistent core typing experience that many users may appreciate. Users can expect that, regardless of the difference in top sounds—sharp versus deep—the core experience during key actuation will resonate similarly due to the absorbing qualities of nylon. Therefore, both switches may cater to different aesthetic and auditory preferences, yet each promises a satisfying typing experience, particularly when considering the impact of their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch present interesting contrasts in terms of their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa, with an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, is significantly lighter, making it an excellent option for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to activate. In contrast, the Lavender HE switch has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which appeals to those who prefer a more substantial and engaging typing experience due to its heavier feel. While both switches serve different user preferences, choosing the lighter Chiikawa will be beneficial for users who need less strain during prolonged use, whereas the heavier Lavender HE will suit those who enjoy a firmer response times while typing. Overall, the Chiikawa switch stands out for its lighter actuation and bottom out forces, making it the choice for users seeking ease and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers who value faster response times. In contrast, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced depth for those who prefer a gradual key press, making it potentially more satisfying for typists seeking a hearty feel. As a result, if you're looking for responsiveness, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, while the Lavender HE could be ideal for those who appreciate a less abrupt tactile experience.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by its bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that can be quite pleasing to the ear. This distinct auditory quality is a result of its very light actuation force, contributing to a more immediate and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE switch offers a clean, low sound that tends to be more subdued, working harmoniously with Wooting keyboards to create a more refined auditory experience. While the Chiikawa switch delivers a more vibrant and cheerful sound, the Lavender HE stands out for its understated acoustic signature, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a notably light and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a quick and reactive response with each keystroke. The very low actuation force likely enhances this sensation, allowing for rapid typing with minimal effort. On the other hand, the Neo Lavender HE switch is defined by its magnetic mechanism, which often delivers a distinct tactile sensation that is recognized for its smoothness and consistent feedback throughout the keystroke. This difference in feel is significant, as the Chiikawa caters to users who enjoy a light and airy typing experience, while the Lavender HE appeals to those who appreciate a more stable and reliable tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch each offer unique auditory and tactile characteristics suited to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in delivering a bright, responsive sound and a light feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. Meanwhile, the Lavender HE switch provides a low, clean sound and smooth tactile feedback, appealing to users who prefer a quieter and more stable interaction with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize vibrancy and lightness or quiet cleanliness and stability in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a light touch with a quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g is a fantastic option, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing where you might want to minimize finger fatigue. Its bottom-out force of 34 grams combined with its bright, crisp sound profile makes it a delightful choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback with a bit of resistance and a cleaner, low sound, the Neo Lavender HE would be better suited for your needs. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams, it provides a more solid typing experience, which can enhance precision for typing or programming tasks. Ultimately, you should consider what typing experience resonates with you – whether it’s the lightweight and high-pitched engagement of the Chiikawa or the robust and refined feel of the Lavender. Each switch has its unique charm depending on how you plan to utilize your keyboard.
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