Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the switch type can significantly influence both performance and experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force, delivering a bright sound profile coupled with a crisp, high-pitched tone that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke. This responsiveness can make it an excellent choice for typists who prefer a lighter touch and enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switch is designed for speed and precision, making it perfect for competitive gamers where every millisecond counts. With its slick typing feel and clacky sound profile, this switch appeals to those seeking a blend of agility and a robust auditory feedback. Both switches cater to different preferences—while the Chiikawa emphasizes a light and crisp experience, the Lightning offers a polished, speed-oriented feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Lightning share the same materials in their construction, featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in both switches contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is particularly notable when employing RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. This shared housing material allows users of either switch to expect a similar aesthetic appeal and auditory clarity, particularly when engaged in typing or gaming scenarios that benefit from enhanced sound feedback. Thus, regardless of the brand, users will likely experience comparable performance in terms of sound quality when utilizing these switches.
On the other hand, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb more sound than its harder counterparts. As a result, both the Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Lightning will deliver a rounder and more muted sound when bottoming out, influencing the tactile experience of typing. Although each switch presents unique brand identities, the reliance on nylon for the bottom housing in both cases ensures that users can enjoy a familiar typing feel, as both designs inherently absorb sound and result in a similar aural impact.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Lightning showcase distinct branding and design aesthetics, their choice of housing materials results in some striking similarities in performance. With polycarbonate tops providing a crisp and clear sound profile complemented by nylon bottoms that contribute depth and fullness, both switches effectively blend these materials to create an appealing auditory experience. Users can expect similar outcomes when typing or gaming, whether they opt for the Chiikawa or the Lightning, allowing for a seamless and satisfying engagement with either product.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch reveals distinct differences in their design and user experience. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentle touch for longer typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Lightning has a significantly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Lightning provides a more robust feel. For users seeking comfort during prolonged use, the lighter Chiikawa may be preferable, while those who appreciate a firmer pressing sensation should gravitate towards the heavier Lightning switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the Lightning has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference reflects a broader trend in keyboard switches, where shorter travel distances are increasingly favored, particularly by gamers seeking faster response times. Consequently, those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Lightning switch, benefiting from its shallower 3 mm travel. On the other hand, the Chiikawa switch offers a more pronounced 3.6 mm distance, catering to users who appreciate a fuller, more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a balance of speed and depth, the Chiikawa would be the preferable choice, whereas the Lightning might appeal to those who prioritize quick action and responsiveness.
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 KTT Lightning comes in at $3.41 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 considering the auditory characteristics of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, both offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that delivers a responsive auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the KTT Lightning switches produce a clacky sound profile that is sharp and snappy, accompanied by high-pitched and occasionally chirpy tones. This means that while both switches lean towards brighter sounds, the Lightning's clacky quality introduces an element of percussiveness that results in a more dynamic auditory experience, particularly suitable for those who enjoy a lively typing sound.
In terms of tactile feedback, the Chiikawa - 28g is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press. This can lead to a feeling of effortless typing, which might appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch provides a more subtle yet polished feel. While the Lightning is also light, it offers gentle resistance, which can enhance the typing experience with a touch of refinement. The polished feel of the Lightning switch suggests a well-crafted switch that reduces friction, contributing to a smooth key travel compared to the Chiikawa’s lighter and more straightforward actuation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Lightning switches present unique options for users with distinct preferences for sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels with its bright, high-pitched sound and very light actuation, which is excellent for fast-paced typing. The KTT Lightning, while also featuring a lighter actuation, distinguishes itself with a clacky sound profile and a polished feel that offers a refined typing experience. Both switches will manage to deliver satisfactory results, albeit with nuances suited to different typing styles and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it ultimately depends on your typing style and ergonomic preferences. If you prioritize a very light actuation force and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound when typing, the Chiikawa - 28g would be an excellent choice. Its 34-gram bottom-out force allows for a responsive experience, making it particularly suitable for those who prefer a fast-paced typing interaction or casual gaming. On the other hand, if speed and performance are paramount for you, especially in competitive gaming scenarios, the KTT Lightning switch, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, provides a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile that can enhance your performance during intense moments. Its polished and subtle characteristics make it versatile enough for both gaming and professional environments, where you need a balance between feedback and quiet operation. Ultimately, assess your needs, preferences, and the environments in which you’ll be using these switches to make an informed decision that elevates your overall typing experience.
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