Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro reflects distinct typing preferences and user experiences. The Chiikawa switch stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28g, delivering a highly responsive feel and a bright, high-pitched sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a smooth, minimal resistance for quick typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a tactile experience that is both satisfying and engaging, thanks to its pronounced tactile bump and polished sound profile. This switch caters to users who appreciate a more nuanced feedback with every keystroke, enhancing the overall typing pleasure. In summary, while the Chiikawa is perfect for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Lavender Purple Pro is suited for those who enjoy a tactile and bouncy experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a remarkably similar sound profile. Specifically, the polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. This is largely due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, enhancing the resonance and clarity of the sound created during keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects to shine through, amplifying the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Thus, using either switch can yield comparable results in terms of auditory feedback and visual flair when it comes to RGB illumination.
In contrast to their matching top housings, the bottom housings diverge in material, with both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro incorporating nylon for this part of the switch design. Nylon is recognized for its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. This creates a more muted auditory output when the key is bottomed out, giving a plush sensation while typing. The nylon construction partially absorbs sound, contributing to a rounder overall sound, which offers a soothing typing experience. Both switches thus facilitate a blend of high-pitched clarity from the polycarbonate top and the warm, full-bodied sound from the nylon bottom.
In terms of performance, the combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom in both switches means users can expect an overall balanced typing experience. Although different materials contribute unique auditory characteristics, the end result is a delightful synergy. The Chiikawa - 28g benefits from the crispness of the polycarbonate while simultaneously achieving the warmth introduced by the nylon. Similarly, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a consistent auditory experience that harmonizes the qualities of both materials, ensuring that users of either switch can enjoy a satisfying typing feel and sound that embraces the best features of each housing type.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a softer touch that facilitates prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, offering a more substantial and tactile experience favored by users who enjoy a stronger push. Therefore, if you're looking for a lighter switch to ease long periods of use, the Chiikawa is the preferable option, while the Lavender Purple Pro caters to those who appreciate a firmer typing feel. Overall, these differences highlight how users' preferences can dictate their choice of switches based on the tactile experience they seek.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch differ in their travel distances, providing distinct tactile experiences for users. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender Purple Pro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times due to the shorter travel. Conversely, the Lavender Purple Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, offering a richer tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding response time and keypress feel.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone that can be very satisfying when typing. This lighter switch creates a noticeable auditory response that enhances the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a distinctly higher-pitched sound profile as well, accompanied by a satisfying tactile bump. This combination accentuates the sound, making each keystroke feel more impactful. While both switches share a tendency towards higher frequencies, how they resonate can vary depending on the keyboard's construction and chosen keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, which complements its responsive nature, allowing for seamless and effortless typing experiences. In contrast, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a notable tactile bump that strikes a balance between being subtle and overwhelming, offering what is often referred to as a "medium tactile" sensation. These switches are described as accented and bouncy, providing not only a lively feedback upon actuation but also a polished, smooth travel that contributes to a refined typing experience. The snappy response of the Lavender Purple Pro enhances the typing dynamics, making every keystroke feel enhanced, which can be particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate feedback in their interactions.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. While the Chiikawa switches excel with their bright sound and light touch, the Lavender Purple Pro's combination of a tactile bump, lively feedback, and polished feel makes it an appealing option for those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two will largely depend on whether one prefers the light and airy feel of a linear switch or the more tactile, engaging interaction offered by a tactile switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a very light actuation force and crave a snappy, responsive feel with a bright, high-pitched sound that adds character to your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who require swift keystrokes, such as gamers or individuals who type quickly, as its lightweight nature allows for rapid key presses with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a satisfying bump and a medium-light bottom-out force, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is ideal for you. This switch offers a balanced tactile feedback that enhances typing comfort and can be beneficial for long writing sessions or data entry work, while still providing a delightful sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should resonate with your typing habits—be it for speed, accuracy, or a comfortable, tactile experience.
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