Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Magnetic Jade 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 Magnetic Jade stand out for their unique characteristics and typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 28 grams, allowing for a quick and responsive typing feel, complemented by a bright, high-pitched sound profile that many users find enjoyable. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who prioritize speed and a crisp auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches utilize hall effect technology, delivering a bright and clacky sound that can significantly enhance the auditory experience, particularly for gamers and those upgrading their Wooting Hall Effect keyboards. While the Magnetic Jade is ideal for users seeking durability and a superior typing response, the Chiikawa will attract those who favor a lightweight feel and rapid actuation. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches both showcase their use of polycarbonate for the top housing, which significantly influences their sound profile. This shared characteristic results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, thanks to the inherent properties of polycarbonate. Its stiffness allows for a more resonant sound, making both switches particularly appealing to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also accommodates RGB lighting, creating a visually striking effect when illuminated. Thus, users can expect similarly bright and clear sound profiles from both switches due to the top housing material.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Magnetic Jade are made of nylon, a material known for its classic application in switch design. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics like polycarbonate, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile during typing. The characteristics of nylon can result in a noticeably duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the sharper sound produced by polycarbonate. As such, both switches are designed with a balanced sound profile that contrasts the higher pitches from the top housing with a warmer and more rounded sound from the bottom, thereby enriching the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Magnetic Jade have different bottom housing materials, their shared polycarbonate top housing ensures similar acoustic characteristics when the switches are engaged. Users can expect a delightful blend of sounds from both the high-pitched resonance of the polycarbonate and the fuller tones provided by the nylon bottom. This dual-material design presents a harmonious interplay of sound qualities, with the stiffer polycarbonate enhancing the top-out sound while the softer nylon contributes to the bottom-out sound feel. Thus, both switches promise an appealing auditory experience through their carefully selected materials, encouraging users to appreciate the nuanced differences and similarities between them.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varied typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an ideal choice for users who prefer a softer touch and extended typing sessions. In contrast, the Magnetic Jade switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 30 grams and a significantly more demanding bottom out force of 55 grams, indicating a firmer keystroke that provides a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, the Magnetic Jade is heavier, which may appeal to those seeking a more tactile feedback during use. If one were to seek similar results in terms of typing experience, the lighter switch would be preferable for extended use, while the heavier option might be favored by those who prefer a robust feel when bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Magnetic Jade comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option by 0.1 mm. For gamers and those who prefer faster response times, the marginally shorter travel distance of the Magnetic Jade could provide a slight edge, enhancing quick keystrokes. However, enthusiasts who favor a more profound tactile experience might find the longer travel distance of the Chiikawa switch more satisfying, as it offers a more pronounced bottom-out feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a deeper, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is bright and produces a crisp, high-pitched tone that stands out during typing. This lively acoustic response adds an engaging auditory element to the experience of using the switch. In contrast, the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch is characterized by a bright and clacky sound. This auditory quality can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate a more pronounced acoustic feedback during their use. While both switches promise a bright sound, their unique characteristics cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa switch leaning towards a sharper pitch and the Magnetic Jade offering a more resonant clack.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is noted for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. This attribute allows for quick keystrokes and minimizes finger fatigue, particularly during prolonged use. On the other hand, while specific feel descriptions of the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch are unavailable, hall effect switches typically offer a smooth keystroke without the traditional tactile bump or resistance found in many mechanical switches. This difference suggests that the Magnetic Jade may provide a unique experience compared to the lighter and more immediate feel of the Chiikawa switch, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a consistently smooth line of travel.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that will cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa stands out with its bright and crisp sound combined with an extremely light actuation force, while the Magnetic Jade features a clacky sound profile and a smooth feel typical of hall effect technology. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences—whether one prioritizes a lighter, more responsive touch or the distinct acoustic quality of the Magnetic Jade.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, your choice should depend on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're looking to achieve. If you favor a very light actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is ideal for you. Its responsiveness and crisp sound profile make it perfect for quick and efficient typing, such as in fast-paced gaming scenarios or for those who appreciate a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier feel with more resistance, and are looking for enhanced acoustics, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch would suit you better. With a medium-light bottom out force and its signature clacky sound, it's perfect for individuals who enjoy a more robust typing experience, particularly in environments where sound and tactile feedback truly enhance their workflow. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize lightness and bright sound or a more substantial action coupled with rich acoustic feedback.
Mentioned in this article
