Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Luciola offer distinct experiences for different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force of just 28g, providing a highly responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds a lively auditory element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola stands out not just for its unique ability to glow in the dark, but also for a medium heft and a smooth, bouncy feel that produces a distinctive "can of spray paint being shaken" sound profile, a characteristic that some typists may find particularly enjoyable. While the Chiikawa is ideal for those who prefer a light and fast touch, the Luciola caters to users who might appreciate a bit more weight and a playful aesthetic. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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 INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Luciola, it's evident that they exhibit distinct characteristics that influence their sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing that is noted for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile, largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. This stiffness contributes to a more resonant sound, making it an ideal choice for showcasing RGB lighting, as its clarity allows for vibrant visual effects. In contrast, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a high-pitched sound profile described as "pointed" yet not excessively sharp. While both switches retain a high-pitched sound, the polycarbonate of the Chiikawa has a more pronounced clarity, whereas the Luciola's composition may deliver a more rounded experience despite its elevated pitch.
Examining the bottom housing materials, the distinctions between the switches become more pronounced. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a nylon bottom housing, widely recognized for its ability to provide a deeper, fuller sound profile. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound waves, generating a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to harder materials. Conversely, the Luciola's proprietary INK blend bottom housing also possesses a higher-pitched sound profile, akin to its top housing, but emphasizes a satisfying "clacky" resonance. Here, the Luciola consistently maintains a potent and lively sound across both housings, whereas the Chiikawa's nylon base encourages a contrasting depth that enriches the overall texture of keystrokes.
In terms of the overall typing experience, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches plays a significant role. For the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, the clear, crisp response of the polycarbonate top housing combined with the fuller sound of the nylon bottom creates a balanced auditory profile, with each material enhancing different aspects of the sound experience. In the Gateron Luciola, the similarities in high-pitched qualities between both housings harmonize to produce a sound that is consistently sharp and satisfying. Ultimately, while the materials differ, users can achieve comparable auditory satisfaction through the characteristic sound profiles of each switch, reflecting how the specific design of each switch influences their unique yet compatible acoustic properties.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. 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 that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Luciola switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. Therefore, anyone looking for a lightweight switch for extended use would opt for the Chiikawa, while those desiring a firmer feel might lean towards the Luciola. In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter switch, and the Gateron Luciola is the heavier option, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when pressing down on a key with either switch, users can expect the same distance traveled from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile experience. With both switches sharing this travel distance, they will likely provide comparable performance and feel during typing or gaming activities, allowing users to achieve similar results regardless of their choice between the two.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright, crisp, and high-pitched tone that makes it particularly appealing for users who prefer a more responsive auditory feedback when typing. The light actuation force adds to this experience, producing a sharper sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola linear switch has a unique and distinct sound that can be described with several terms. It tends to produce a clacky and chirpy noise, offering a lively and percussive auditory experience, along with a marbly resonance that gives a sense of richness and depth to the sound. The hollow sound reminiscent of a "can of spray paint being shaken" further adds a playful dimension to its acoustics. While the Chiikawa offers a higher-pitched clarity, the Luciola provides a more varied and textured sound that may appeal to different tastes.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g lacks specific detailed descriptors, but its very light actuation can suggest a responsive and quick typing experience, which is typically favored for speed and precision. Conversely, the Gateron Luciola offers a smooth and bouncy typing sensation characterized as snappy, buttery, and polished. This blend of properties allows for an effortless keystroke, where the longer or dual-staged springs provide a lively encounter with every key press. The refined finish, likely attributed to quality materials and possibly factory lubing, ensures minimal friction, contributing to a comfortable and fluid typing experience.
In summary, those seeking a bright and high-pitched auditory experience may lean towards the Chiikawa - 28g switch due to its crisp sound and lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola, with its attention-grabbing design and a more complex sound profile, caters to users who favor a percussive, varied auditory feedback alongside a smooth and dynamic typing sensation. Depending on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, either switch could be a suitable choice, offering unique experiences that cater to the diverse needs of keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, consider your typing preferences and sound sensitivity. The Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice if you prefer a very light actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound profile; it is especially suited for those who enjoy rapid key presses, such as gamers or touch typists seeking a quick response without much effort. Its crisp audio signature adds to a lively typing experience, making it ideal for a fast-paced environment. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola, with its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, offers a more tactile and bouncy feel, which many typists may find satisfying for a steady typing rhythm. Additionally, if you appreciate unique aesthetics in your setup, the glowing feature of the Luciola is a captivating bonus. The switch produces a clacky and chirpy sound that stands out and creates an exciting atmosphere while typing, making it perfect for users who enjoy a more robust, engaging auditory experience. Ultimately, your choice should align with your preferred typing style, whether it be the nimble, light feel of the Chiikawa or the satisfying heaviness and unique acoustics of the Luciola.
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