Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options that cater to different typing preferences. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound profile, making it a top choice for those who favor a responsive and airy typing experience. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also offers a linear feel but distinguishes itself with a smooth typing experience characterized by a clacky sound signature, courtesy of its innovative design that includes a light diffuser for enhanced RGB illumination. The Chiikawa switch appeals to users seeking speed and agility, while the Lightning Silver V3 attracts those who appreciate seamless operation and vibrant visual aesthetics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 share a commonality in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate. This results in a similarly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhance the clarity and resonance of sounds produced when keys are pressed. Furthermore, both switches benefit from polycarbonate’s translucency, making them ideal for RGB lighting as they allow light to pass through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing effect.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly. The Chiikawa - 28g features a nylon bottom housing, which is traditionally known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is attributed to nylon’s softer plastic characteristics, which absorb more sound and contribute to a rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3's bottom housing is also made from polycarbonate, aligning it more closely with the qualities of its top housing. Consequently, while both switches share the crisp traits derived from polycarbonate on their tops, the Chiikawa - 28g will offer a more muffled sound due to its nylon bottom, compared to the high-pitched sound produced by the polycarbonate base of the Lightning Silver V3.
Overall, the differences in bottom housing materials create distinct audio signatures, even as both switch designs leverage the benefits of polycarbonate in their top housings. When pressing the switches, users will experience the nylon's absorbing qualities in the Chiikawa - 28g, resulting in a more muted feel, while the Lightning Silver V3 will deliver a brighter and more resonant experience due to its uniform use of polycarbonate. Therefore, despite the similarity in top housing materials, the overall acoustic experience will vary significantly due to the contrasting materials used in the bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. 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 softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a significantly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feedback with their keystrokes. As such, the Chiikawa switch would be suitable for users looking for a lighter option, while the Lightning Silver V3 would cater to those who favor a firmer push feel. Overall, the differences in their respective forces suggest that users’ preferences will influence their choice, depending on whether they seek comfort during long-term use or a robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that when pressing down on these switches, the Chiikawa will provide a deeper experience due to its longer 3.6 mm travel, which some users may appreciate for a more satisfying tactile feedback. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3, with its 3.4 mm travel, can offer a more responsive feel that may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker actuation times. Thus, if you're inclined towards a responsive experience, the shorter Lightning Silver V3 might be the better choice, while those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke may lean towards the Chiikawa. Overall, these differences highlight the trade-offs between depth and responsiveness in switch design, catering to various user preferences.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is renowned for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that offers an invigorating auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 features a clacky sound signature, characterized by sharp, snappy sounds and a high-pitched quality similar to that of the Chiikawa. Both switches deliver a vibrant and engaging typing sound; however, the Lightning Silver V3 leans more toward a percussive impact, creating a clackier atmosphere that some users may find appealing, particularly in a gaming context. It's worth noting that the overall sound experience can vary based on the keyboard and keycap configuration used with either switch.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g's notable element is its very light actuation force, which generally results in a responsive typing experience that feels agile and effortless. Unfortunately, the specific tactile feedback characteristics of the Chiikawa are not provided, leaving an unknown variable in how it stacks up against other switches. On the other hand, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 is described as offering a silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness throughout key presses with minimal resistance during actuation and release. While both switches likely cater to a seamless experience, the Chiikawa’s light actuation could make it feel even more responsive, appealing to those who favor less effort in their keystrokes.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 present enticing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches, with complementary strengths in sound and feel. The Chiikawa provides a bright auditory experience with a very light actuation, perfect for those prioritizing responsiveness, while the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clappy tone and a silky, smooth typing journey, catering slightly more towards gamers and those who enjoy a tactile sound. Regardless of choice, users can expect to enjoy a lively, engaging typing experience from either switch, though the specific qualities they favor may determine the best fit for individual preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, your preferences and typing style will play a crucial role. If you enjoy an ultra-light actuation force and a bright, responsive sound profile that can really elevate your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suitable for those who prefer quick, snappy keystrokes without much resistance, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for rapid key presses. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a medium bottom-out force along with a silky, seamless typing experience and a clacky, high-pitched sound, the Lightning Silver V3 would be your best bet. It excels in providing a smooth feel and a satisfying audio feedback that many users find enjoyable, particularly for extended typing sessions or casual use where sound and feedback enhance the experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences in sound, feel, and the type of tasks you typically undertake.
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