Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Cherry MX Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Orange stand out as two intriguing options, both being linear switches yet offering distinct characteristics appealing to different users. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of 28 grams, making it exceptionally responsive and efficient for fast typing. Its bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch, a revival of the much-sought-after original MX Orange by Hirose, has been reengineered to meet contemporary demands while maintaining its smooth linear action. Known for its more substantial feel and slightly higher actuation force, the MX Orange caters to users who prefer a balance between tactile feedback and smooth keystrokes. Each switch offers unique benefits: the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal for those who crave speed and a lively sound, while the MX Orange appeals to those seeking a more robust typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Orange switches, a distinct difference in the top housings emerges. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g uses a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer composition, which promotes a more clear resonance when a key is released. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange features a nylon top housing that promotes a deeper and rounder sound profile, reflective of nylon’s softer structure that absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. This material variance suggests that the user experience will differ notably during gaming or typing sessions, as the Chiikawa will produce brighter notes while the MX Orange will offer a muted, fuller sound.
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Orange utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a point of similarity between the two switches. The nylon material in both cases results in a more subdued sound profile during key presses, fostering a deeper and more enveloping auditory experience. The characteristics of nylon—specifically its ability to absorb sound—yield common ground in how these two switches feel at the point of bottoming out. Consequently, while the top housing materials shape the auditory response to key release, the consistent usage of nylon in the bottom housing results in a similar depth and fullness of sound when keys are pressed.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials of the top housings highlight how these switches diverge in their overall sound aesthetics, while their shared nylon bottom housings unify their performance at key activation. For those who favor a crisp and clear typing experience, the polycarbonate top housing of the Chiikawa may be more appealing, whereas those who prefer a more rounded and muted sound will likely enjoy the Cherry MX Orange's nylon top housing. However, both switches can yield satisfying results in terms of typing sound and feel due to the consistent qualities offered by their nylon bottom housings, thereby creating a unique yet familiar auditory experience tailored by the type of top housing selected.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, making it an excellent option for users who prioritize ease of typing during extended sessions, whether for work or gaming. Its bottom out force is 34 grams, indicating that while it requires slightly more effort to press down completely, it still maintains a relatively light overall feel. In contrast, the Cherry MX Orange switch boasts a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Interestingly, the bottom out force for the MX Orange switch is unknown, which leaves uncertainty regarding its full key travel. While the Chiikawa switch is favored for its lighter tactile response, the Cherry MX Orange's heavier actuation force appeals to users seeking a more substantial and resistant feedback when typing. Thus, they serve different preferences; those who want a lighter touch should choose the Chiikawa, while those wanting a firmer press would lean towards the Cherry MX Orange.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, the Chiikawa switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the MX Orange features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This slight difference highlights a key consideration for users: if you prioritize responsiveness and quicker key actuation, the Chiikawa switch may be preferable due to its shorter travel. On the other hand, those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel in their keystrokes might opt for the Cherry MX Orange, which offers a more traditional travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to personal preference, as both options cater to different typing styles and user experiences.
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 Orange has an MSRP of $4.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Orange for $3.89.
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 sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This distinct auditory quality can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for those who enjoy a more lively sound. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Orange linear switch, while revived to capture the essence of its predecessor with enhancements, does not have its exact sound characteristics readily available. However, Cherry switches often exhibit a defined but subdued auditory presence compared to the Chiikawa, which might appeal to users looking for a more grounded audio experience.
When assessing their feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is noted for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press. This can lead to a smooth typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended sessions. The Cherry MX Orange switch, historically honored for its unique feel, benefits from the advancements of the MX2A generation, but specific tactile feedback descriptions are not clear. Generally, Cherry switches are recognized for their smooth keystroke, offering a consistent and reliable typing sensation, which could parallel the lightness of the Chiikawa to some extent.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, appealing to distinct types of users. The Chiikawa - 28g offers a bright auditory experience combined with a very light touch, ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and a lively sound. The Cherry MX Orange, while lacking a detailed description of its sound and tactile feedback, comes with a legacy of quality and performance. Depending on your priorities—whether it's a bright sound or a familiar typeface feel—you could find satisfaction in either option. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your typing style and personal preferences for auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Orange linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the environments in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a very light actuation stroke that offers quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g, with its 34-gram bottom out force, is an excellent option. Its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched feedback can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy a more dynamic and lively sound while you type. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more traditional and robust feel with a well-established design that has received enhancements over time, the Cherry MX Orange may be more to your liking. Although its specific bottom out force is unknown, it is known to deliver a reliable typing experience that many users appreciate. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards the lightweight and audible delight of the Chiikawa or the trustworthy familiarity of the MX Orange, ensuring your mechanical keyboard experience is tailored to your unique style and preferences.
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