Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Mallo
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mallo switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mallo present two distinct typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its incredibly light 28g actuation force, offers a linear feel characterized by a bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched feedback that invigorates typing with every keystroke. This level of responsiveness is ideal for those who enjoy swift, uninterrupted linear typing. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo switch provides a nuanced tactile experience with a medium-light feel, delivering just enough feedback without being overwhelming. Its gentle tactility paired with a neutral sound signature makes it a versatile choice suited for diverse environments, appealing to those who prefer a more subtle interaction with their keys. While each switch has its unique strengths—be it the Chiikawa's playful responsiveness or the Mallo's refined tactile feedback—understanding the finer details can help you make an informed choice for your typing preferences. 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
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 the KTT Mallo share a similarity in their housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is consistent across both models. This characteristic arises from polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which promotes clarity and resonance when key presses occur. The aesthetic benefits of polycarbonate are also noteworthy; its translucent nature allows for effective RGB lighting display, enhancing the visual appeal of both switches and giving users an engaging experience.
In contrast to the polycarbonate top housing, which amplifies the higher frequencies of sound, the nylon bottom housing in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mallo serves to create a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively than its stiffer counterpart, resulting in a rounder and duller auditory experience when the key bottoms out. This design choice means that while both switches share the same top housing characteristics, their unique sound profiles during key presses are shaped significantly by the different bottom materials.
Ultimately, while the Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Mallo exhibit slight differences in their overall sound profiles due to the varying effects of their respective housings, they also maintain a level of consistency through their shared materials. Users can expect a lively and clear sound upon pressing a key, thanks to the polycarbonate top, while the deeper tones, rounded out during bottom-out, are attributed to the nylon bottom. As such, both switches, despite their slight variances in user experience, can yield similar results when it comes to sound quality, especially in terms of clarity during the actuation phase and richness upon bottoming out.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, there are significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lightweight actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch has a bottom out force of 55 grams, but its actuation force is unspecified. This indicates that the Mallo switch is heavier overall, providing a firmer feel that some users may find more satisfying for a substantial typing experience. Because the Chiikawa switch has a lower total actuation force, it will allow for quicker keystrokes and less fatigue over time, while the KTT Mallo, being presumably heavier, may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push in their keystrokes. Overall, the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter option, while the Mallo switch is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mallo extends to 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for users who favor quicker keystrokes, a characteristic often desired by gamers. On the other hand, the Mallo’s longer 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback with each key press, providing a sense of depth that could enhance typing satisfaction. Therefore, if you're looking for a more immediate response, the Chiikawa might be your best bet, while those who prefer a more substantial key feel may opt for the Mallo.
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 KTT Mallo has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mallo for $4.40.
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 produces a bright and crisp sound profile, characterized by its high-pitched tone that offers an engaging auditory experience while typing. This responsiveness can make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy the tactile sensations of a lively switch. In contrast, the KTT Mallo switch features a neutral sound signature that strikes a balance between not overpowering the surrounding environment and still providing enough feedback to be satisfying. The Mallo’s sound is described as subdued, creating a more muted typing experience. This versatility makes the Mallo suitable for various settings, whether you’re in a quiet home office or a bustling shared space.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g leverages its very light actuation force, making it an effortless switch to type on. This characteristic promotes quick and responsive keystrokes, which can be ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for rapid key responses. On the other hand, the KTT Mallo offers a gentle, yet noticeable tactility through its mild and stepped nature. The feathery actuation and subtle resistance cater to users who prefer a typing experience that is easy on the fingers and reduces fatigue over long periods, thus being comfortable for extensive use. The balanced feedback lends itself well to both casual typing and more serious endeavors.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Mallo switches present unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who favor a light, fast, and bright auditory experience, while the Mallo excels in providing a reliable and versatile option suitable for quieter environments. These differences in sound and feel highlight the importance of personal preference when selecting a mechanical switch, as each offers distinctive qualities that can enhance the typing experience differently. Whether you gravitate towards the lively engagement of the Chiikawa or the understated finesse of the Mallo, both switches deliver enjoyable performance suited to diverse needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Mallo tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing styles. If you prefer a lightweight, responsive feel with a bright acoustic profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice, particularly for speed-oriented tasks like gaming or for those long typing sessions where you want to minimize finger fatigue. Its light actuation and high-pitched sound make it ideal for an energetic typing experience, best suited for environments where sound isn’t an issue. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more balanced approach that offers subtle tactile feedback without being overwhelming, the KTT Mallo is designed for versatility. With its medium-light actuation force and neutral sound signature, it serves well in both office settings and quieter home environments, catering more towards those who appreciate a refined feel while typing. So, assess your needs based on your typing habits and the environments you frequent, and choose the switch that aligns best with your workflow and comfort.
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