Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Lucky
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lucky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lucky emerge as two appealing options, each boasting unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivers a responsive and crisp typing experience that can enhance the speed and agility of typists who thrive on feedback. In contrast, the HMX Lucky's softer nylon housing not only offers a delightfully satisfying and neutral typing feel, but its glittery design adds a touch of aesthetic charm, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate both function and flair. While both switches are linear and cater to a similar audience, the Chiikawa leans towards a sharper auditory experience, while the Lucky emphasizes comfort and visual appeal. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lucky, it becomes evident that they utilize contrasting materials for their top housings, yet share the same material for their bottom housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity. This construction allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the typing experience, especially for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Lucky employs a nylon top housing that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. The softer quality of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Consequently, while both switches are capable of producing pleasing sounds, they cater to different auditory preferences based on their top housing materials.
The bottom housings of both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lucky are made from nylon, a classic choice that brings consistency to the typing experience. With both switches having the same bottom housing material, users can expect a similarly deep and full sound profile when bottoming out. The nylon composition will absorb sound, mitigating any harsher qualities that might have been introduced by a polycarbonate top. This shared nylon bottom housing leads to a unified experience when actuating the switch, regardless of the distinct sound profiles created by the top housing. This means that when users press down, both switches will provide a reminiscent tactile sensation that highlights the depth and warmth of the nylon material.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Lucky exemplify clear differences in their top housing materials—polycarbonate for the former and nylon for the latter—their bottom housings align closely by being made of nylon. This results in a cohesive feel and sound when bottoming out across both switches. Users looking to tailor their experience should consider the top housing materials based on their sound profile preferences; however, they can expect a consistent and familiar performance from the bottom housing, providing a balanced typing experience irrespective of the differences in the top materials. Ultimately, these variances reflect the nuanced preferences within the mechanical keyboard community, where sound and feel are paramount.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch, notable differences arise. The Chiikawa features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch that enables longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Lucky requires a stronger actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Lucky is the heavier one. As such, users seeking a more delicate feel will find the Chiikawa preferable, while those who favor a firmer push will gravitate towards the Lucky switch. Overall, these differences highlight the distinct user preferences that each switch serves, even though both options provide a linear typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Lucky linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm places the Chiikawa as the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker actuation and enhanced responsiveness, particularly beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Lucky's 3.8 mm travel distance offers a more pronounced tactile experience, which can be preferable for users who appreciate a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences: the Chiikawa caters to those who prioritize speed, while the Lucky provides a more traditional typing feel with greater 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 HMX Lucky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lucky 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
The sound produced by the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp profile, offering a high-pitched sound that can be very pleasant for typists who appreciate auditory feedback. This switch is particularly responsive, making every keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the HMX Lucky linear switch delivers a more neutral sound profile, primarily stemming from its softer, glittery nylon housing. While it may not provide the same level of auditory excitement as the Chiikawa, its sound is still satisfying, making it suitable for users who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, the sound you experience from either switch can vary depending on your keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a very light actuation force, creating an almost effortless typing experience. This lightweight characteristic allows for rapid key presses and swift response times, ideal for fast typists or gamers seeking speed. On the other hand, the HMX Lucky switch also offers a lightweight feel, but the typing experience is described as more neutral and deeply satisfying, which may appeal to users who appreciate a balanced sensation without either overwhelming lightness or heaviness. Both switches allow for a comfortable typing experience but cater to slightly different preferences in terms of responsiveness and weight.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch excels with its bright sound and extremely light actuation, the HMX Lucky linear switch prioritizes a more neutral sound paired with a satisfying feel. Depending on your typing style and preferences, each switch offers unique advantages. If you value a lively typing experience, the Chiikawa may be your choice, while if you lean toward comfort and a balanced feel, the Lucky could be more appealing. Whichever you choose, both switches will yield enjoyable results tailored to your specific needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Lucky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a switch that is incredibly light and responsive, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, the Chiikawa - 28g would be an excellent choice due to its low actuation force of just 34 grams. Its bright sound profile delivers a crisp and high-pitched auditory feedback that can enhance your overall typing experience, particularly if you enjoy the sound aspect of keyboards. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that offers a more neutral and satisfying tactile experience, the Lucky switch, with its bottom-out force of 43 grams, would suit you better. Its softer nylon housing contributes to a more plush feel, making it great for extended typing sessions where comfort is key. The choice also hinges on whether you prioritize a unique auditory signature or a deeper, more muted response—so consider your typing style and environment when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique attributes tailored to specific preferences, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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