Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Mountain Top stand out as two compelling choices, each tailored for distinct typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an incredibly responsive option that delivers a crisp and high-pitched sound with every keystroke. This switch is perfect for users who enjoy an energetic typing experience that can enhance their productivity, especially in casual settings. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top's design is specifically aimed at office environments, prioritizing discretion without sacrificing performance. Its subtle yet comfortable actuation offers a balanced typing experience, catering to those who require unobtrusive operation during extended typing sessions in professional settings. Both switches have unique advantages; the Chiikawa excites with its lively feedback, while the Mountain Top emphasizes a quieter, more serene atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Mountain Top, notable differences and similarities emerge. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is praised for its ability to deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and inherent resonance. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback during typing, especially when RGB lighting is in use, as the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the lighting effects. In contrast, the Mountain Top utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile stemming from its softer nature that absorbs sound. This results in a duller sound that may appeal to users seeking a more muted typing experience.
Both switches share a nylon bottom housing, contributing to a similar auditory experience in terms of depth and fullness. The nylon material in the Chiikawa - 28g and Mountain Top helps create a rounder sound profile, which is beneficial for those who appreciate a softer typing experience. However, while the bottom housing quality will be similar for both switches, the overall sound profile will differ based on the top housing material. The Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top housing will enhance the sound during key releases, thereby amplifying the perceived sharpness of the typing sound, while the Mountain Top’s nylon top will soften those higher frequencies, resulting in a more subdued release clack.
The interplay between the two different top housing materials also means that the tactile feel of each switch will vary when pressed. Users will predominantly feel the effects of the bottom housing while bottoming out but will notice the distinct sonic character imparted by the top housing as they release the key. This characteristic makes the Chiikawa - 28g ideal for those who enjoy pronounced auditory feedback combined with the depth of sound from the nylon bottom, while the Mountain Top will suit users who prefer a more muted experience that still retains the richness afforded by nylon. In comparing and contrasting these materials, one can appreciate how different housing compositions influence both sound and feel, allowing users to choose switches that cater to their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch present a marked contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a light actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch requires a heavier actuation force of 40 grams, offering a more substantial feel that some typists may find preferable. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Chiikawa switch bottoms out at 34 grams, while the Mountain Top switches bottom out significantly heavier at 50 grams. This difference means that the Chiikawa provides a gentler typing experience overall, whereas the Gateron Mountain Top caters to those who enjoy a firmer push with more resistance. Thus, for users seeking a lightweight switch for long usage, the Chiikawa - 28g is the better choice, while those who favor a more resistant typing experience may gravitate towards the Gateron Mountain Top.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Chiikawa - 28g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Mountain Top has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. For those who favor a more responsive feel, the shorter travel distance of the Mountain Top may be preferable, as it allows for quicker actuation—ideal for fast-paced gaming. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a slightly more substantial press, which could appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced depth and tactile feedback in their keystrokes. Thus, your choice should be influenced by whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more grounded typing 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 Mountain Top comes in at $6.00 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its bright and crisp high-pitched sound, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. This characteristic can contribute to a satisfying auditory feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic profile. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch leans towards a more muted sound signature, engineered for office environments. It produces a neutral sound that balances discretion with a light actuation force, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the feedback that indicates each key press.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a very light actuation force, which enhances its responsiveness and can lead to a swift typing experience. However, its specific tactile attributes are not detailed here. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switches deliver a bouncy, spring-like feedback. They are designed for easy actuation, requiring minimal force to press, which significantly reduces finger fatigue during long typing sessions. This combination makes the Mountain Top feel both lively and approachable, with a mild and subtle resistance that makes it easy for users of all experience levels to type comfortably.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch present different auditory and tactile experiences that cater to distinct preferences. While the Chiikawa offers a more vibrant sound profile, the Mountain Top focuses on a balance suited for professional contexts, providing a quieter yet responsive typing experience. If you are in search of excellent typing feedback with minimal sound, either of these switches can deliver satisfaction although they achieve this in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing needs and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a very light actuation force and enjoy a responsive typing experience with a crisp and high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or personal projects where quick reactions are valued. Its bright sound and light feel cater to users who prefer a playful and engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if your keyboard will primarily serve a professional or office setting where discretion and comfort are paramount, the Gateron Mountain Top switch would better suit your needs. Its moderate actuation force, subdued sound profile, and bouncy feedback make for a comfortable yet efficient typing experience that minimizes disturbance to those around you. In short, prioritize the Chiikawa - 28g for a lively, expressive feel at home or gaming, while opting for the Gateron Mountain Top to maintain a peaceful and productive environment in the workplace.
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