Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Lime (V3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lime (V3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, tactile feedback and actuation force play pivotal roles in user experience, making the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Lime stand out for different reasons. The Chiikawa - 28g excels with its very light actuation force and a vibrant sound profile, delivering a super responsive and crisp typing experience that many enthusiasts love. In contrast, the Outemu Lime offers a tactile yet silent experience, blending lightweight maneuverability with a gentle tactile bump that caters to those who appreciate a more subtle feedback without the distraction of noise. This makes the Lime switches particularly appealing to users who crave a balanced feel without overwhelming auditory stimulation. Each switch serves distinct preferences: the Chiikawa for those who enjoy a sharp sonic feedback, and the Lime for individuals seeking understated tactility. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lime switches exhibit significant contrasts, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing that is noted for producing a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, attributed to the material’s stiffness. This quality makes polycarbonate particularly effective when paired with RGB lighting, as its translucency allows for vibrant light diffusion. In contrast, the Outemu Lime uses a nylon top housing, which is well-regarded for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, contributing to a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, the fundamental difference in their top housing materials results in distinct sound characteristics, with the Chiikawa emphasizing clarity and brightness, while the Lime leans toward warmth and depth.
Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lime switch designs incorporate nylon in their bottom housings, which creates a common ground in terms of sound profile. As nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, switches with nylon bottom housings deliver a fuller sound that resonates deeper. This is beneficial for both switches, as the nylon material helps to soften the auditory output when keys are bottomed out, contributing to a rounder feel. Thus, while the top housing materials significantly differentiate their overall sound emission, the shared nylon element in the bottom housing ensures that both switches present a similar tactile and auditory experience during key presses, reinforcing the deep and rich sound profile.
In essence, the combination of different housing materials in the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lime leads to unique but complementary sound profiles. Each switch's auditory performance is shaped by the interplay of its top and bottom materials; the Chiikawa's crisp sound on release contrasts with the Lime's warmer tone, though both maintain the cohesive depth provided by their nylon bottom housings. Consequently, users may find that while they may favor one switch over the other based on the distinctiveness of the top housing, the common use of nylon in the bottoms does provide a baseline level of acoustic compatibility. Thus, while the switches will offer varied auditory experiences, their shared nylon bottom housing aligns them on certain fundamental characteristics, allowing users to achieve satisfactory results regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we can see clear differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, while the Outemu Lime features a higher actuation force of 35 grams, making the Chiikawa the preferable option for those seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In terms of bottom out force, the Chiikawa reaches 34 grams compared to the Lime's 45 grams, reinforcing the Chiikawa's status as the heavier option in terms of required force. Consequently, users who favor a more substantial typing experience with a robust feedback will likely gravitate towards the Outemu Lime, while those who prefer a lighter, more responsive feel will appreciate the Bsun Chiikawa. Overall, the differences in force characteristics highlight the thoughtful considerations keyboard enthusiasts must make based on their typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, we notice a distinct difference: the Chiikawa boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lime has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Lime might be the preferable choice due to its quicker activation. Conversely, for those who appreciate a more substantial keypress, the Chiikawa’s longer 3.6 mm travel distance offers a deeper experience. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in tactile feedback, they are clearly not equal in travel distance, with the Chiikawa providing a longer press and the Lime offering a shorter, more immediate response.
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 Outemu Lime (V3) comes in at $3.40 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is renowned for its bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that stands out during typing. This lively auditory feedback can be particularly satisfying for users who enjoy the acoustic responses of mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch offers a more muted sound experience. With a neutral sound profile, it maintains a moderate acoustics suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office. The muted nature of the Lime switch minimizes the typical clackiness associated with mechanical keyboards, making it a better choice for those who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is celebrated for its very light actuation force, allowing for rapid and responsive keystrokes that can enhance typing speed. Conversely, the Outemu Lime switch features a mild tactile response, providing just enough feedback without being overwhelming. The Lime’s feathery lightness also favors extended typing sessions by reducing finger fatigue, which is complemented by its polished finish, ensuring a smooth and pleasurable experience. In essence, while both switches cater to users looking for light typing experiences, the Chiikawa leans more towards a purely linear feel, whereas the Lime offers a balance of tactility and feedback.
In summary, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lime switches target lightweight typing experiences but with distinct characteristics. The Chiikawa's bright and crisp sound paired with its extremely light actuation makes it ideal for those seeking a lively and responsive switch. On the other hand, the subdued sound and mild tactility of the Lime switch create a more muted atmosphere, appealing to users in shared spaces or those who prefer a gentle typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, but both promise comfort and ease during use.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a lightweight, responsive feel that minimizes fatigue during long typing sessions, the Chiikawa - 28g may be your ideal choice. Its light actuation force and bright sound profile make it particularly enjoyable for fast typing or gaming, where rapid key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience without a loud sound, the Outemu Lime switch would be better suited for you. Their muted sound and gentle tactility provide an approachable typing experience while still delivering enough feedback to ensure you're accurately engaging each key. Particularly in quieter environments like shared offices or libraries, the Lime's subtle characteristics can help you maintain a comfortable typing experience without disturbing those around you. In essence, select the Chiikawa if you desire lightness and responsiveness, while the Lime will serve you well if you value tactility and reduced noise.
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