Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. PH Studio Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the PH Studio Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in sound and actuation force can significantly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is known for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28 grams, resulting in a highly responsive feel that delivers a bright, high-pitched sound profile with every keystroke. This makes it an enticing choice for those who prioritize quick, effortless typing and a crisp auditory experience. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch, also linear in nature, offers a fascinating auditory blend—a fairly high-pitched sound paired with a more muted essence, creating a gentle balance of presence and subtlety. The use of Ly for the stem material enhances the tactile experience, making typing feel fluid and polished. While both switches boast a linear design, their sound characteristics and actuation forces cater to different preferences: the Chiikawa is ideal for users seeking sharp clarity, while the Milk Tea appeals to those who appreciate a more nuanced auditory experience. 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
37.5g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
43.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the PH Studio Milk Tea, notable differences emerge that affect their overall acoustic profile and physical characteristics. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This stiffness leads to a sharper and crisper sound, enhancing the key feedback during typing. In contrast, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM top housing, which is designed to produce a deeper and more muted sound, reflecting a unique auditory experience. The polycarbonate's clear casing also makes it particularly beneficial for setups featuring RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch, an aspect that the Milk Tea, with its opaque POM top, lacks.
The comparison extends to the bottom housing of each switch, where differences in materials further influence their acoustics. The Chiikawa - 28g employs a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer plastic properties that naturally absorb sound. Conversely, the Milk Tea's POM bottom housing similarly offers a muted and deeper sound, although it may not achieve the same level of fullness as the nylon. Thus, while both switches aim for a pleasant sound experience with a deeper tone, the Chiikawa's combination of polycarbonate and nylon tends to produce a more rounded profile, while the Milk Tea delivers a distinctive yet subtler sound.
In terms of overall performance, the impact of the housing materials is significant. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top emphasizes clarity and responsiveness, making it ideal for gaming or fast typing. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea's POM setup provides a softer, more subdued feedback, which some typists might prefer for a quieter working environment. Despite these differences, both switches can still yield similar results in terms of sound quality if a user compensates for the differing acoustics; for instance, altering typing dynamics or adjusting the typing environment may bridge the gap between the two experiences. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on individual preference for sharp versus muted auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams to the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, which has a higher actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, we can see some distinct differences in their performance. The Chiikawa switch is lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer a gentler touch and want to avoid fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch offers a heavier feel, providing a more substantial typing experience that some users might find preferable for tactile feedback. Overall, while both switches serve the same purpose, the Chiikawa is designed for those who appreciate a lighter keystroke, whereas the Milk Tea appeals to those who favor more resistance and weight in their switches.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when pressing down on the keys, resulting in a uniform typing experience. Since both switches share the same travel distance, they will provide similar results in terms of key actuation and overall performance, making either option a viable choice for those seeking a consistent linear switch 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 PH Studio Milk Tea has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milk Tea for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp profile that produces a high-pitched tone. This makes it remarkably responsive, creating an auditory experience that can be quite engaging for the user. While the Chiikawa's sound is lively and clear, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch offers a unique twist with its gentle blend of high-pitched and muted qualities. The Milk Tea is designed to present a balance between presence and subtlety, with descriptors like "clacky", "marbly", and "resonant" highlighting the sharpness and clarity of its sound, alongside a smooth richness. If you enjoy a switch that offers a vibrant typing sound, either option will provide an enjoyable auditory experience, though the Milk Tea may appeal more to those seeking a nuanced blend.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch remains largely undocumented, making it challenging to compare directly. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch stands out for its polished and silky characteristics, offering an exceptionally smooth and refined typing experience. This quality is achieved through careful material selection and likely factory lubing, which minimizes friction and enhances key travel. The success of the Milk Tea's feel relies profoundly on its manufacturing process, leading to a typing experience that feels streamlined and effortless. While the Chiikawa’s tactile qualities are not detailed, it's plausible that both switches aim for an enjoyable and low-resistance keystroke feeling, albeit with one lacking specific documented attributes.
In summation, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch both cater to distinct auditory and tactile preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound profile that is notably responsive, while the Milk Tea provides a more balanced auditory experience with its combination of sharpness and subtlety. On the feel front, the Milk Tea excels with its polished and silky touch, although the Chiikawa remains enigmatic in that regard. Ultimately, both switches present qualities that can appeal to different typing preferences, allowing newcomers to choose based on their sound and feel priorities.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches, the choice ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a highly responsive experience with extremely light actuation, the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal, particularly if you appreciate a bright and crisp sound profile that invigorates your typing sessions. This switch is particularly suited for fast-paced typists or gamers who value speed and feedback over resistance, making it a perfect match for those who favor a light touch. On the other hand, if you seek a balance of efficiency and subtlety in your keystrokes, the Milk Tea switch may be your best bet. With its slightly heavier actuation force and a unique auditory experience that feels polished and silky, this switch caters well to individuals who enjoy a smooth typing action with a refined sound. In essence, if you prioritize a more tactile and controlled performance with a pleasant auditory backdrop, the Milk Tea switch stands out as the superior choice. Ultimately, both switches bring distinct advantages to the table, so consider your personal preferences and which qualities matter most to you in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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