Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often narrows down to personal preferences for feel and sound. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is a linear switch known for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an enticing option for those who favor a responsive typing experience coupled with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. This switch allows for swift key presses, ideal for gamers or those who type quickly and seek smooth keystrokes without resistance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch embodies subtlety with its gentle tactile feedback and subdued sound, perfectly catering to users looking for a balanced typing experience. The tactile bump provides reassurance during typing, making it suitable for both casual typists and professionals who appreciate a slight tactile cue without overwhelming noise. While both switches have their unique merits, the Chiikawa appeals to those who prioritize lightness and sound, whereas the MX Brown caters to those who appreciate a more tactile 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Brown switches, a notable distinction emerges in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer characteristics. This material's translucency also plays a significant role when paired with RGB lighting, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and light diffusion of the switch. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and consequently absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper, fuller, and more rounded audio experience. While both switches deliver a satisfying feedback experience, the Chiikawa - 28g leans towards a brighter tone, making it ideal for users who appreciate a more expressive sound when typing.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are made from nylon, which creates a cohesive auditory profile between the two models. This shared material contributes to the sound-dampening characteristics and richer, deeper tones that arise from the bottom-out actuation of both switches. Since the bottom housing generally influences the feel and sound when keys are pressed down, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Brown will provide users with a similar tactile experience in terms of bottoming out. This commonality creates a fascinating synthesis in their auditory signatures, as the softer nylon in the bottom housing helps to balance the sharper top sound of the Chiikawa - 28g, while still retaining the smoother tones characteristic of the Cherry MX Brown.
Ultimately, the integration of distinct materials in the top housings creates a unique experience for each switch. The Chiikawa - 28g’s polycarbonate top enriches its acoustic delivery with clarity and brightness, particularly when letting go of the key, while the MX Brown’s nylon top offers a more muted sound. Despite their differences, the nylon bottom housing ensures that users can still achieve a deeper auditory experience across both switches. Those looking for a crisp, vibrant typing experience might gravitate towards the Chiikawa - 28g, while others might appreciate the mellow warmth of the Cherry MX Brown, showcasing how differing housing materials can shape the perception of performance while still delivering a satisfying typing feel with ample sound dampening.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch exhibit significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. As a result, those who favor a lighter touch will find the Chiikawa more suitable, while those who enjoy a firmer push may lean towards the MX Brown. Since both switches exhibit different bottom out forces, they provide distinct feedback when pressed fully, diverging further in user experience. This means the two switches will not yield similar results in force feedback, reinforcing the notion that typists' preferences can significantly influence their choice between a lighter or heavier switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown, with its more traditional 4 mm distance, provides a deeper feel that some users may prefer for comfort and tactile feedback. Ultimately, those who favor a shorter travel distance, like that of the Chiikawa switch, can expect a more responsive experience, while those who appreciate the pronounced depth of the Cherry MX Brown can enjoy a satisfying tactile sensation with its longer travel distance.
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 Brown 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright and crisp sound profile. This switch produces a high-pitched sound during key presses that can feel lively and engaging, making every keystroke feel responsive and dynamic. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch offers a more muted audio experience characterized by a bassy depth and low-pitched tone. The subtler auditory feedback of the MX Brown is less intrusive, providing a calm ambiance for typing, which contrasts sharply with the Chiikawa switch’s invigorating brightness.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is renowned for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive for quick keystrokes without much resistance. This leads to a smooth and effortless typing experience, ideal for users who enjoy a more fluid approach to typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switches offer a more textured feel due to their tactile bump. While the MX Browns are not overly heavy, the presence of the tactile feedback offers a distinct sensation that guides users through each keystroke, creating a sense of accomplishment with every press, albeit with a bit more resistance compared to the Chiikawa switch.
In conclusion, the Chiikawa - 28g linear and Cherry MX Brown tactile switches cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Chiikawa appeals to those who appreciate a bright sound and a very light, responsive feel, whereas the MX Brown suits individuals who prefer a subdued audio experience combined with tactile feedback. Both switches deliver distinctive qualities that can enhance typing experiences, so your choice ultimately depends on whether you lean towards a more lively or more subdued keyboard atmosphere.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch will primarily depend on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lightweight, responsive typing experience where rapid keystrokes are essential, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its low actuation force and bright sound profile deliver a tactile experience that’s perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming, alongside a crisp auditory feedback that can enhance engagement. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced feel with a touch of tactile feedback, the Cherry MX Brown is your go-to. With a moderate actuation force and a subtle bassy sound, it provides a satisfying sensation during each keystroke without being overly noisy, making it ideal for both typing and general use in quieter environments. Ultimately, understanding your needs and context will guide your decision—whether you desire a light and lively switch or a more composed and tactile one.
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