Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the unique characteristics of different options is essential for ensuring an optimal typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Lotus stand out as two compelling linear switches, each with its own distinct appeal. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of just 28g, combined with a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched noise with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who favor speed and responsiveness. In contrast, the HMX Lotus offers a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, paired with a bright, resonant sound that delivers a delightful, bouncy feel, appealing to typists who appreciate a more solid tactile experience. While both switches provide the smooth actuation typical of linear switches, they cater to different preferences in weight and sound. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lotus, a clear distinction arises between the materials used for their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This is particularly advantageous for those who enjoy a crisp auditory feedback when typing, especially if they use RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the HMX Lotus incorporates a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon inherently absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference shows how each housing material plays a significant role in shaping the overall sound character of the switches.
Interestingly, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lotus utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which showcases a convergence in design philosophy. Nylon is a classic choice in switch manufacturing due to its sound-dampening properties, and in both cases, it creates a more substantial and round sound profile that enhances the tactile feedback when bottoming out a key. Since the bottom housing greatly influences the keystrokes' bottom-out sound and feel, this shared material leads to similarly rich auditory experiences, regardless of the different top housing materials. Hence, while the Chiikawa - 28g has a sharper response when you release a key due to its polycarbonate top, the two switches resonate similarly at the bottom due to their identical nylon bottom components.
However, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials results in differing acoustics and tactile sensations with each switch. The Chiikawa - 28g's tough polycarbonate creates a distinct high-pitched, clear tone upon releasing, whereas the Lotus's nylon top softens this sound, making it more muted. Despite having the same bottom housing material, which results in a fullness during key presses, the overall auditory signature is colored by the differences in the top materials. Thus, while both switches can deliver satisfying keystrokes thanks to their nylon bottoms, the final auditory experience diverges based on the dynamics introduced by their respective top housings. Consequently, users can expect different sound profiles when using either switch, showcasing the nuanced impact that housing materials provide in mechanical switch design.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, there is a significant difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus switch features a heftier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This means that while the Chiikawa is more suitable for users looking for a lightweight feel, the Lotus appeals to those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. Overall, the two switches serve different preferences, with the Chiikawa being the lighter option and the Lotus the heavier one.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Lotus linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience a marginally deeper feel with the Chiikawa switch, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers or individuals who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation times. Ultimately, while both switches are quite close in their travel distances, the Chiikawa offers a deeper press, making it the longer option, whereas the Lotus, with its slightly shallower distance, presents a 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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 examining the sound characteristics of both switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch features a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched noise with each keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more vibrant auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch also offers a bright sound, noted for its resonant quality. The sound signature of the Lotus is engaging and reverberates nicely, providing a satisfying auditory experience. It’s important to note that the sound of a switch can be influenced by other elements, such as the type of keyboard it is mounted on and the keycaps used. Therefore, while both switches have bright sound profiles, the individual setup can also play a significant role in how those sounds are perceived.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force of 28 grams, enabling a rapid and responsive typing experience. This lightweight design allows for easy key presses, making it beginner-friendly and ideal for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Lotus linear switch features a heavier actuation force with a medium weight of 50g at bottom out, offering a distinctly bouncy sensation upon typing. This weight can impart a sense of stability and deliberate keystroke, appealing to users who prefer more resistance when pressing keys. The differences in actuation force present two distinct typing experiences: the Chiikawa aiming for a more effortless touch, while the Lotus brings a satisfying weightiness.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Lotus linear switches present unique qualities tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels with its bright and crisp sound combined with a light touch, ideal for those seeking a quick and nimble feel. In contrast, the Lotus offers a resonant sound paired with a more substantial feel, catering to users who enjoy a fuller, bouncier typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will hinge on your personal typing style and what auditory and tactile feedback you prioritize.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and intended usage. If you prefer an ultra-light touch and enjoy a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is the way to go, as its 34-gram bottom-out force and bright sound profile enable quick and efficient typing, perfect for fast-paced activities like gaming or coding. Its crisp and high-pitched sound will also add a delightful auditory element to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel and a medium-weight response, the HMX Lotus, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, will provide a satisfying bouncy sensation that many find enjoyable for longer typing sessions or when doing intricate tasks that require precision. The Lotus also delivers a bright, resonant sound that can enhance your overall typing experience. Ultimately, consider what feels right for you—light and snappy versus bouncy and substantial—when making your final choice between these two impressive switches.
Mentioned in this article
