Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Lupine both offer distinctive characteristics, catering to different typing preferences despite being linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a highly responsive and sharp typing experience that can invigorate long typing sessions. In contrast, the Durock Lupine stands out with its two-stage long springs that ensure a balanced weight distribution during keystrokes, coupled with a classic clacky sound profile that brings a satisfying auditory feedback to each press. While the Chiikawa is ideal for those who favor a lightweight and crisp experience, the Lupine appeals to users seeking a more robust and dynamic tactile 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Lupine switches share notable similarities in their housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing. This material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for both switches. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity, making it an excellent option for auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, which is advantageous for users who prioritize visual aesthetics in their setups. As both switches incorporate polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect a consistent sound quality characterized by resonance and brightness.
In contrast to the top housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Lupine utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which adds a different dimension to the auditory experience. Nylon's relatively softer properties create a deeper, fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing vibrations that may otherwise lead to a harsh sound. This material’s ability to muffle and round out the auditory feedback provides a warm contrast to the crispness of the polycarbonate top, leading to a well-balanced typing experience across both switches. Users can anticipate a similar tonal depth when bottoming out on either switch, creating a harmonious interaction between the two housing materials.
When considering how the differing properties of the housing materials affect the overall performance of each switch, it is essential to recognize how the combination of these materials contributes to the end-user experience. While the top housings dramatically influence the sound upon releasing a key due to their clarity, the bottom housings play a more significant role in the feel and sound during key presses. Users of either the Chiikawa - 28g or the Durock Lupine will enjoy a balanced acoustic environment, where the combination of polycarbonate's crispness and nylon's depth converge to deliver a satisfying and nuanced typing experience. By leveraging the strengths of both materials, the switches promote a rich, engaging interaction with each keystroke.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that may influence user preference. The Chiikawa features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option, which is ideal for users who prioritize extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Lupine's bottom out force is significantly higher at 62 grams, although its actuation force is unspecified, suggesting a potentially heavier feel overall. This increased force in the Lupine would appeal to those who favor a more substantial typing experience and a stronger tactile response. While the Chiikawa offers a more gentle touch with lower resistance, the Lupine caters to users looking for a firmer push. Ultimately, for typing comfort and endurance, the Chiikawa is the superior lighter switch, while the Lupine, with its higher bottom out force, provides a heftier option for users seeking more substantial feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Lupine linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option by 0.1 mm. The smaller travel distance of the Chiikawa can offer a more responsive and rapid feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker actuation for their key presses. Conversely, the Durock Lupine, with its greater 3.7 mm travel, may cater to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, providing a less abrupt feel during typing or gaming. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Chiikawa’s shorter movement could be the better choice for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness, while the Lupine may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial actuation experience.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 switch is known for its bright and sharp audio profile, delivering a high-pitched sound that adds a crispness to typing. This makes it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory response from their keyboard. In contrast, the Durock Lupine linear switch produces a classic clacky sound, which is more neutral and moderate in tone. This sound profile makes the Lupine versatile for various environments, whether you're a beginner or an advanced user, and suitable for both home and work settings. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa's sound is sharper and more exciting, the Lupine offers a balanced experience that caters to a wider range of preferences.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a very light actuation force, which results in a highly responsive typing experience. However, specifics about its feel aren't fully detailed; we can assume it delivers a smooth action based on its bright sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Durock Lupine is characterized by its two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution when pressed down, followed by a more powerful upward movement upon release. This results in a mild and polished feel, making for a gentle and refined typing experience. The Lupine's engineered response allows for smoother key travel, making it approachable for most typists.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Durock Lupine linear switches cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in providing a bright, responsive sound that pairs well with its light actuation force, ideal for users who enjoy a sharp typing experience. In contrast, the Lupine offers a well-rounded sound and feel characteristic, balancing a classic clacky sound with a refined touch thanks to its unique spring design. Depending on individual preference for sound and typing sensation, both switches can serve remarkably different but enjoyable typing experiences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a very light actuation and vibrant sound, along with a swift and responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks, as its low bottom-out force of 34 grams enhances speed and agility. Furthermore, the bright, high-pitched sound profile can add an element of excitement to your keystrokes, making it appealing for those who value auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing feel with consistent weight distribution and a classic clacky sound, the Durock Lupine—characterized by its medium bottom-out force of 62 grams—offers a polished and mild experience. This switch is ideal for users who might be tackling a variety of tasks, from daily typing to extended gaming sessions, without wanting to feel overwhelmed by either a heavy or overly light switch. In summary, consider the Chiikawa for agility and an engaging sound profile, while the Lupine is perfect if you seek a refined and balanced typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
