Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) offer distinct experiences for different types of users. The Chiikawa - 28g, with its impressively light actuation force of just 28 grams, is ideal for those who prioritize rapid response and a nimble feel, making it a great choice for gamers or typists who thrive on speed and accuracy. Its bright sound profile adds a delightful auditory layer to the typing experience, providing a high-pitched feedback that many find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5 grams, delivering a bouncy and tactile feel that appeals to users who prefer more resistance and feedback with each keystroke. Its bright, resonant sound further enhances the typing experience, making it a pleasure for those who enjoy a solid, pronounced response. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in typing style and auditory feedback; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy), a clear distinction lies in the material used for the top housing. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This rigidity allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a pronounced audio feedback when typing. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that produce a deeper and fuller sound. The nylon's ability to absorb sound creates a duller and rounder auditory experience, appealing to those who prefer a more muted sound signature.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) share a commonality with their use of nylon, which enhances the auditory experience by absorbing more sound. This leads to a consistently deeper and more resonant typing sound across both switches, as nylon's softer texture provides a pleasant tactile feedback. Thus, while the top housing of the Chiikawa contributes to a higher-pitched sound when the keys are released, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that the bottom-out sound remains fuller and richer, producing an overall satisfying typing experience.
Ultimately, users will find that, despite the difference in top housing materials, both switches can yield similar results in sound profiles when considering the bottom housings. The Chiikawa - 28g's polycarbonate top enhances the clarity and brightness of sound during key release, while the HMX Lotus (Heavy) provides a more muted sound from the nylon top. Each switch brings its own character to the typing experience; however, the combination of nylon in both bottom housings ensures that the depth and resonance are retained, regardless of the distinctive auditory profile produced by the respective top materials. This interplay between the hard and soft materials ultimately allows for versatile sonic outcomes, catering to varying preferences among users.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch represent two distinctive choices for keyboard enthusiasts, particularly in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g offers a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a softer touch and extended typing sessions without as much finger fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) features a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to users who favor a more robust typing experience that provides a sense of substance. As such, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Lotus switch is the heavier one, making them suitable for different user preferences. Those seeking a lightweight switch for prolonged use will feel more comfortable with the Chiikawa, while users looking for a firmer push may gravitate towards the Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and a more pronounced tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 28g would be the better choice, whereas the Lotus may provide a quicker, more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance. While both switches are designed for specific user preferences—Chiikawa for those who favor a more robust typing experience and Lotus for gamers seeking rapid response times—the difference is minimal, allowing users to achieve relatively similar results in typing performance.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch produces a bright and crisp high-pitched tone that is particularly noticeable when typing. This auditory quality, coupled with its lightweight design, creates an engaging experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of use. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch also features a bright sound profile, but it emits a more resonant timbre due to its medium-heavy weight of 62.5g. This results in a deeper, fuller sound compared to the Chiikawa, and both switches can generate delightful acoustic feedback, though the specific character will depend on the keyboard they are used with and the keycap materials.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press down, which can lead to rapid typing without much fatigue. This lightness can create a floating sensation as fingers glide over the keys. The HMX Lotus (Heavy), on the other hand, boasts a super bouncy tactile feel, thanks to its heavier actuation force, which provides a reassuring resistance that many typists find satisfying. This weight encourages deliberate keystrokes, enhancing the mechanical experience and potentially improving typing accuracy for those who prefer more feedback from their switches.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, making them appealing in different ways. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who enjoy a light, bright performance with responsive keystrokes, while the Lotus caters to users who favor a heavier, bouncier typing experience with a resonant sound. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preference and typing style, but either way, you can expect a quality experience from these linear switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch will largely depend on your typing style and preferences. If you're someone who enjoys a light touch and wants a switch that provides quick responsiveness with a softer bottom-out force of 34 grams, the Chiikawa - 28g is a fantastic pick. Its bright sound profile and crisp actuation make it ideal for rapid typing, gaming, or simply for those who prefer a more delicate feel under their fingers. On the other hand, if you desire a more substantial typing experience with a medium-heavy weight of 62.5 grams, the Lotus (Heavy) offers a delightful bouncy sensation and a bright, resonant sound that can enhance your overall typing rhythm and feel. The Lotus switch's responsive yet firm feedback may give you more confidence while typing or gaming, especially in situations that require precise keystrokes. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize a light and nimble typing experience or a more robust and feedback-rich interaction.
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