Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28g, delivering an incredibly responsive typing experience accompanied by a bright, high-pitched sound profile that many typists find engaging. This makes it an excellent choice for users who favor speed and agility while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) stands out with its buttery smooth keystrokes and a deep, low-pitched thock sound that adds a pleasing auditory element to each press. This switch is particularly appealing to those seeking a budget-friendly option without sacrificing performance or satisfaction. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their distinct sound profiles and actuation characteristics appeal to different types of users. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) exhibit notable contrasts, especially in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by its higher stiffness and tendency to produce a sharper, crisper sound profile. This rigidity allows for a more resonant auditory experience, making it particularly appealing for those who favor games or tasks requiring a distinct sound when pressing keys. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, a material known for its flexibility and dampening properties, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer consistency of nylon absorbs more sound energy, giving it a rounder audio signature that caters to users who prefer a more muted and less pronounced keypress noise.
As for the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro utilize nylon. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a similar auditory experience when it comes to the bottoming out of the keypress, as the softer nature of nylon typically yields a deeper and fuller sound. Given that the bottom housing more heavily influences the bottom-out sound and feel, users can expect that aspect of both switches to feel quite alike. Despite the differences in their top housing materials, the shared nylon bottom ensures a consistent lower sound profile among both models.
When assessing the overall acoustics and typing feel of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), the differences in their top housing materials will most significantly affect the feel during release, while the similarities in their bottom materials create familiar ground during actuation. Hence, users can anticipate a contrasting auditory profile when pressing and releasing keys, as the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa will generate a sharper sound compared to the rounded sound of the Gateron's nylon top. Despite these differences, the common nylon bottom housing means that the typing experience's lower-end resonance will remain consistent, bridging some of the gap between the two switches and allowing users to enjoy distinct yet complementary auditory signatures.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience for those who enjoy a firmer push feel. As a result, the Chiikawa is lighter, while the Milky Red Pro is heavier, catering to different user preferences depending on their typing style and needs.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a more responsive feel, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker response times during intense gameplay. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and pronounced keystroke, as it offers a deeper depth that some might find more satisfying. Overall, the Chiikawa's travel distance is shorter, promoting swifter actuation, whereas the Milky Red Pro's longer travel distance caters to those who enjoy a more substantial key press 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 Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 can be characterized as bright and crisp, providing a high-pitched tone that resonates with a more responsive typing experience. This sharp auditory feedback can enhance the enjoyment of typing, drawing attention with its lively timbre. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) offers a much deeper sound, often described as thocky and bassy. It produces a low-pitched, satisfying “thock” when pressed, creating a rich auditory experience that many users find warm and comforting. The distinct difference in sound can lead to markedly different typing environments, with the Chiikawa being more suited for a bright and refreshing auditory experience and the Milky Red Pro appealing to those who prefer a more robust, deep sound.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, which results in an overall responsive and quick actuation. This makes for an engaging typing experience that can feel nimble but may lack the tactile feedback that some users prefer. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is noted for its buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a seamless typing experience that promotes fluidity and ease during prolonged use. The Milky Red Pro's smooth action may appeal more to users who prioritize a consistent and effortless keypress while typing, setting it apart from the Chiikawa in terms of the overall tactile experience.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) both offer linear switch characteristics, they deliver different auditory and tactile experiences to the user. The Chiikawa excites with its light actuation and bright sound, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a more energetic typing environment. Meanwhile, the Milky Red Pro provides an appealingly deep and thocky sound, paired with a buttery smooth feel that caters to those who value comfort and fluidity in their typing experience. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch can deliver enjoyable typing results, but the distinct characteristics of each will cater to varying styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your decision between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch largely depends on your typing preference and experience. If you enjoy a light actuation force and a responsive, high-pitched sound that adds a lively twist to your typing, then the Chiikawa - 28g could be the ideal choice for you. Its bright sound profile and lightweight feel can enhance agility, making it an excellent option for fast typists or gamers who value quick reactions. Conversely, if you favor a more substantial and smooth keystroke with a deeper, bassy sound, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) may better suit your needs. Its medium-light force and buttery tactile feedback provide a more traditional typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a satisfying thock with each keystroke, perfect for extensive typing sessions or when you want a richer auditory feedback. Ultimately, understanding your personal preferences in sound, feel, and actuation force will help you make the right choice between these two switches.
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