Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Mamba 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 Durock Mamba both offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, with its very light actuation force of 28 grams, is renowned for its bright sound profile and rapid responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for those who favor a light touch and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switches provide a richer, creamier typing experience with their polished feel, reminiscent of a gliding motion, and they resonate a deeper, thocky sound, ideal for typists who appreciate a more substantial auditory feedback and a balanced actuation. While the Chiikawa focuses on nimbleness and clarity, the Mamba emphasizes depth and smoothness, appealing to vastly different typing styles. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Mamba, it is clear that each switch employs different top housing materials that contribute distinct acoustic characteristics to the overall sound profile. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, celebrated for its rigidity and translucence, which creates a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound. This quality is particularly suited for showcasing RGB lighting due to the material's ability to allow light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend for its top housing, which offers a sound profile that leans toward the brighter end of the spectrum but lacks the sharpness found in the polycarbonate. The combination of these materials indicates that while both switches aim for clarity, they achieve it through different acoustic performances.
Turning to the bottom housings, the Chiikawa's nylon bottom housing serves to introduce a fuller and deeper sound profile that contrasts starkly with the Mamba's POM bottom housing. Nylon is noted for its softer nature, which absorbs sound effectively to generate a rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, POM provides a more muted sound but still maintains depth, resulting in a uniquely pleasing auditory effect. While the differences between nylon and POM are evident, both materials are utilized to create a robust sound experience that enhances the typing feel. The Chiikawa’s more pronounced sound absorption complements its sharp top housing, while the Mamba’s POM base harmonizes with its brighter blend, showcasing varied approaches to achieving distinct sound profiles.
Ultimately, the framework of the Chiikawa - 28g and Durock Mamba demonstrates how the interplay between top and bottom housing materials influences tactile and auditory experiences in mechanical switches. Although differing in materials—polycarbonate versus a nylon and UHMWPE blend at the top and nylon versus POM at the bottom—both switches are designed to provide satisfying acoustic feedback. Users can expect that both switches will deliver unique yet fulfilling sound experiences, with the Chiikawa producing sharper highs and rounder lows, while the Mamba aims for a brighter sound with more muted undertones. The differing dimensions in sound profiles not only reflect their distinct material choices but also illustrate how these designs appeal to various personal preferences in tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams, alongside a bottom out force of 34 grams. In contrast, while the exact actuation force for the Mamba switch is not specified, its bottom out force is substantially heavier at 60 grams, indicating a firmer resistance when pressed all the way down. This means that the Chiikawa switch is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, potentially making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. The Mamba, with its heavier bottom out force, caters to those who desire a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Mamba provides a heavier feel, making them suitable for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mamba offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a more pronounced feel as you press down, which may appeal to those who prefer a greater depth in their keystrokes for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Durock Mamba, with its shorter travel distance, may be favored by gamers and users seeking quicker responsiveness, as it allows for a faster actuation. While the differences in travel distance are minor, those who appreciate a more gradual press might lean towards the Chiikawa, whereas those who prefer snappier keystrokes may opt for the Mamba. Overall, the choice between the two switches may ultimately depend on personal preference for travel depth and responsiveness.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 linear switch is known for its bright and high-pitched sound profile, reminiscent of a crisp ping. This distinctively light sound combines with its very light actuation force to create an engaging auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch offers a rich and creamy auditory experience that is noted for being thocky, producing a deeper, more satisfying sound reminiscent of a thud or soft knock when pressed. This contrast presents two very different auditory landscapes—one that is high and energetic versus one that is more rounded and deep—though both can be influenced by the type of keyboard and keycap used.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive and lively typing experience, although its specific tactile characteristics are not detailed. Conversely, the Durock Mamba brings forth a mild and polished feel; the mild nature makes it approachable for a wide range of typists, while the polished finish ensures smooth key travel with reduced friction. This combination of smoothness and gentle response offers a refined typing sensation that is pleasing for prolonged use.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Durock Mamba linear switches provide distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa excels with its bright sound and light actuation, ideal for those who enjoy a responsive typing feel. Meanwhile, the Mamba enriches the typing experience with its thocky sound and polished feel, making it approachable and smooth. Choosing between these options largely depends on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback; however, both switches promise to deliver enjoyable typing experiences suitable for different types of users.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch largely depends on your typing style, preferences, and the environment in which you're using your keyboard. If you appreciate a lighter, more responsive activation with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa switches are ideal for you. Their 34g bottom-out force makes them exceptionally easy to press, which can enhance your speed and agility during quick typing sessions, making them perfect for gamers or anyone who enjoys fast-paced writing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a smooth, gliding typing sensation with medium resistance, the Durock Mamba switches, with their 60g bottom-out force, would be a better fit. Their creamy auditory experience and polished feel strike a balance that is both satisfying and approachable, appealing to a wide range of users whether at home or in a professional setting. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your tactile and auditory preferences, so consider how each switch resonates with your typing habits and the context in which you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard.
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