Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gazzew LT
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew LT switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two captivating options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew LT. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, which creates a responsive and lively typing experience, making it ideal for those who value a quick response and a sharp auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT switches, with their delightful lilac hue, provide a deeper, resonant thock that appeals to users who prefer a more satisfying sound and a smooth typing experience with every keystroke. While the Chiikawa offers a clear and crisp sound with a feather-light touch, the LT switches promise a plush and engaging interaction with a basier resonance. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew LT, it's evident that both switches utilize different types of plastic that influence their acoustic characteristics. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is advantageous when paired with RGB lighting, as the translucency of the polycarbonate enhances the visual effects. In contrast, the Gazzew LT utilizes a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing, which is designed to provide a softer sound profile. This contributes to a richer and deeper audio experience, indicating that while both switches may aim for appealing sound characteristics, they take divergent paths due to the differences in their top housing materials.
The bottom housings of the switches also showcase a contrast in materials. The Chiikawa - 28g employs nylon for its bottom housing, a classic choice in the keyboard community known for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a duller, fuller sound profile. On the other hand, the Gazzew LT similarly uses its proprietary boba plastic blend for the bottom housing, which is intended to create a similarly rich and deep sound. Despite the different types of plastics in use, both switches are focused on delivering a punchy and evocative auditory experience with their respective bottom housings. Here, the soft characteristics of their materials act cohesively to produce a pleasing sound profile that emphasizes the rounded qualities of each switch.
When put to use, the distinct approaches taken with the housing materials of each switch can yield similar results in terms of sound quality. Though the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g relies on a combination of polycarbonate and nylon to achieve its sound signature, while the Gazzew LT employs a complete "boba plastic" approach, both designs cater to individuals seeking satisfying auditory feedback. The Chiikawa's sharper response from the polycarbonate top pairs with the fuller sound produced by the nylon base, whereas the Gazzew LT creates a deep sound profile consistently across both the top and bottom housing with its proprietary blend. Ultimately, users can expect a rewarding typing experience from both switches, albeit through different material philosophies that align their resultant acoustics.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch present contrasting profiles in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for those who appreciate a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew LT lacks a specified actuation force, but its bottom out force of 65 grams indicates a significantly heavier feel, likely appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, users seeking a lighter switch would find the Chiikawa preferable, while those desiring a heavier push would gravitate toward the Gazzew LT. Therefore, the two switches cater to different preferences regarding actuation sensitivity and tactile feedback, ultimately influencing the choice based on individual typing styles and ergonomic needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew LT has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This makes the LT switch better suited for those seeking faster response times, as the shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, which is particularly beneficial for gamers. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more tactile and less abrupt keypress experience. Therefore, users should choose the switch that best aligns with their preferences for response time and depth.
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 Gazzew LT comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched noise that can be quite pleasing to some typists. This light auditory feedback aligns well with its very light actuation force, making for a responsive typing experience. In stark contrast, the Gazzew LT linear switches deliver a rich auditory experience characterized by deep, resonant thockiness. The sound produced by these switches is bass-heavy and low-pitched, evoking a satisfying "thud" when keys are pressed. This resonates well with typists who prefer a more substantial auditory feedback, lending a different vibe overall during typing sessions.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g's lightweight actuation force means that the switches provide a very agile typing experience, making it easy to actuate keys even with little pressure. This results in a nimble feel that can be particularly favorable for fast typists or gamers who require quick reactions. In contrast, the Gazzew LT switches are designed to offer a smooth and seamless glide with each keystroke, which contributes to a more satisfying sense of linearity and flow. The tactile experience tends to feel more robust due to the deeper sound profile, enhancing the overall sensation of key presses.
Considering all these qualities, the Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew LT linear switches embody distinctly different experiences. The Chiikawa switches cater to users who favor a lightweight and bright auditory experience, while the LT switches appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, resonant sound accompanied by a smooth keystroke feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two options depends on personal preferences for auditory feedback and tactile sensation, as both switches will deliver unique yet satisfying typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gazzew LT linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer an exceptionally light and responsive switch that allows for quick typing with a high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is a great fit. Its lower actuation force means you can achieve rapid key presses with minimal effort, making it ideal for gamers or anyone who enjoys fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more dynamic auditory experience and a heftier feel while typing, the Gazzew LT is your go-to switch. With its robust 65-gram actuation force and a deep, thocky sound, it offers a rich and satisfying auditory feedback, which many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming sessions. In short, choose the Chiikawa - 28g for lightness and responsiveness, while the LT should be your pick for a resonating, tactile experience.
Mentioned in this article
