Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between various options, each with unique characteristics. Take, for instance, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Black. The Chiikawa - 28g is distinguished by its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a fantastic choice for those who value responsiveness and a lively typing experience. Its high-pitched sound adds a playful element to typing, appealing to users who appreciate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black is revered for its robust design, featuring a deeper sound profile and a stiffer actuation force thanks to Cherry's refined Hyperglide tooling. This switch provides a smooth, textured experience that many gamers and typists enjoy, lending itself to a more subdued yet satisfying keystroke. While both switches are linear and cater to distinct preferences, they each offer compelling advantages that may suit different users' styles and needs. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Black switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, specifically in the use of polycarbonate for the Chiikawa and nylon for the MX Black. The polycarbonate top housing of the Chiikawa provides a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, enhanced by its stiffer composition, which contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory feedback. This quality is particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination effects. In contrast, the MX Black’s nylon top housing creates a more muted sound experience, offering a deeper and fuller auditory profile thanks to its softer plastic nature. This material choice leads to a sound that is less resonant yet potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions, making the two switches more suited to different preferences and typing experiences.
However, both the Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Black share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, allowing for a degree of auditory consistency between the two switches. Nylon’s characteristic softness means that both switches will provide a similar deeper and rounder sound profile when the key is bottomed out. This commonality allows users to expect a smooth and plush typing feel, regardless of the switch used, since the bottom housing's acoustic properties largely influence the bottom-out sound and feel of both models. The shared nylon composition provides a familiar sensation that typists may find appealing, enhancing an overall cohesive experience even amidst the differences in their top housings.
When considering the complete assembly of each switch, it becomes clear how the variations in top housing material can lead to different typing sounds and experiences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Chiikawa contributes to the upper sound profile, while the nylon bottoms of both switches work together to modulate the deeper, fuller sounds produced upon key bottoming. Therefore, while users may experience distinct auditory responses when engaging with the Chiikawa and MX Black, the underlying similarities in the bottom housing ensure that both switches remain rooted in a familiar auditory landscape. Ultimately, the choice between the two may hinge on user preference for sound clarity versus richness, but both deliver an enjoyable typing experience overall.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch present a marked contrast in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, which highlights their suitability for different user preferences. The Chiikawa switch has a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a lighter touch, enabling longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the MX Black switch is considerably heavier, with an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. This increased resistance provides a more substantial feel, which can be appealing to users who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, catering to users who prioritize comfort and ease of use, while the Cherry MX Black is the heavier choice, designed for those who appreciate a stronger keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Black measures 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can lead to quicker response times that are often favored by gamers seeking heightened performance. On the other hand, the MX Black, with its longer 4 mm travel, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you opt for the Chiikawa switch, you'll enjoy a more responsive typing experience, while the MX Black caters to users who appreciate a more conventional, deeper feel.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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
When it comes to sound, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright, high-pitched profile that resonates crisply during typing. This creates an engaging acoustic experience, particularly for those who appreciate a more responsive auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black produces a deeper, low-pitched sound, which is more mellow and bass-heavy. This difference in sound may appeal to users who prefer a quieter, less intrusive typing experience. However, it's important to note that the overall sound is subject to influence from the specific keyboard chassis and keycap materials being used.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and relatively easy to press. This can be particularly advantageous for long typing sessions where minimal effort is desired. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black is described as stiff and textured, requiring more force to actuate than lighter switches like the Chiikawa. The textured nature of the MX Black adds a sense of friction during each key press, which can be preferred by users who enjoy a more tactile feedback from their switches, albeit at the cost of requiring added pressure for activation.
In conclusion, the Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Black switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. While the Chiikawa offers a light, bright sound with a responsive feel ideal for speed and efficiency, the MX Black provides a deep, resonant sound along with a textured, stiff experience suited for those who appreciate more weight and stability in each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound clarity and actuation force or prefer a deeper, more substantial tactile response when typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenario. If you favor a lighter touch, enjoy a responsive feel, and appreciate a bright, higher-pitched sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. It’s particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who benefit from the reduced effort required for actuation, allowing for quicker keystrokes over extended periods. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier feel for a more deliberate typing experience and enjoy the deeper, low-pitched sound profile that the Cherry MX Black offers, then this switch will likely suit you better. It’s ideal for those who appreciate the tactile feedback of a textured switch and a more substantial actuation force, often favored by writers or individuals who only type occasionally. Ultimately, your preference for switch weight, sound profile, and tactile feedback will dictate your choice, so consider what feels best for your usage to find the switch that enhances your keyboard experience.
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