Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often boils down to personal preference and typing style. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, appeals to those who favor a quick and responsive feel. Its crisp, high-pitched sound can make typing feel lively and engaging, perfect for users who enjoy a more agile typing experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch stands out with its tactile feedback, providing a refined experience that features a noticeable bump during actuation. Developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiast Glarses, this switch strikes a balance between responsive keypresses and a satisfying tactile interaction, making it ideal for those who appreciate feedback while typing. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Chiikawa leaning towards speed and sound, while the Cherry MX Purple emphasizes tactile engagement. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Purple RGB switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound. This quality leads to a more resonant acoustic profile, enhanced further by the translucency of polycarbonate that allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively. In contrast, the MX Purple RGB is equipped with a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Consequently, the top housing type plays a significant role in shaping the acoustics, with the Chiikawa leaning towards a higher-pitched resonance, while the MX Purple RGB offers a more muted tone.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Purple RGB utilize nylon, allowing for a shared similarity in sound character between the two switches. The nylon material in the bottom housing contributes to a duller and rounder sound profile that dampens the noise and creates a more cushioned typing experience. The softness of nylon absorbs vibrations effectively, leading to a pleasant bottom-out feel for both switches. Since both models employ the same material for their bottom housings, users can expect a comparable feel and sound signature during key presses, which plays a crucial role in how they interact with their keyboards.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials results in distinct nuances in the overall sound and feel of each switch. With the Chiikawa - 28g's polycarbonate top providing a bright and sharp acoustic impact, and the nylon bottom creating a controlled and smooth feel, users may favor one over the other based on personal preference for sound profile and typing sensations. Conversely, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB offers a fuller sound through its nylon top, its nylon bottom similarly lends comfort and consistency, appealing to those who appreciate a deeper auditory experience. Thus, despite the variance in their top housing materials, both switches can provide satisfying results in tactile feedback and auditory response, depending on individual user preferences and expectations.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Chiikawa switch has a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams, making it easier to press and ideal for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Its bottom out force is 34 grams, which provides a cushioned feel upon bottoming out. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, demanding more effort with each keystroke. The bottom out force for the Cherry MX Purple is unknown, making it difficult to provide a direct comparison in that aspect. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, providing a gentle typing experience, while the Cherry MX Purple appeals to those who prefer a more substantial push feel due to its heavier actuation force. Users seeking a lighter switch may find the Chiikawa preferable, especially for extended use, whereas those desiring a firmer tactile feedback might opt for the Cherry MX Purple.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, it becomes clear that they differ, with the Chiikawa switch having a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB measures 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, appealing to gamers who favor faster response times, as shorter travel distances can enhance quick actions. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB's longer travel distance caters to those who appreciate a more robust keypress, offering a deeper tactile feedback that some users find satisfying. Therefore, depending on your preference, you can choose the Bsun Chiikawa for a more responsive gaming experience or the Cherry MX Purple RGB for a more substantial 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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 produces a bright, high-pitched sound profile that comes across as crisp and responsive. This makes it particularly appealing for typists who enjoy a lively auditory feedback as they type. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a more refined and muted sound, characterized by its tactile bump. This bump, while adding a pleasant element of feedback, results in a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Chiikawa switch. As with most switches, keep in mind that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard construction and keycap material, so variations can exist.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press. This can be particularly advantageous for speedy typists who seek minimal resistance during long typing sessions. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch features a short, medium-strength tactile bump that provides a noticeable point of feedback when pressed. This tactile bump helps typists feel the actuation point more distinctly, which can enhance typing accuracy and pleasure but may not suit those who prefer lighter switches.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa’s bright sound and lightweight feel make it a strong choice for those prioritizing speed and auditory feedback, while the Cherry MX Purple's tactile bump and moderate sound deliver a more controlled and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you’re looking for a light, crisp sound and feel or a more tactile, refined experience during typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your mechanical keyboard. If you prefer a responsive typing experience with a light actuation force, the Chiikawa's high-pitched sound profile will be delightful, making it an excellent option for gaming and fast-paced typing where quick reactions matter. Its lighter feel means you can type rapidly with less finger fatigue, perfect for those long sessions in front of your computer. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback that provides a satisfying bump with each keystroke, the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the way to go. This switch not only offers a refined tactile experience, but also caters well to users who value a more deliberate typing method, especially beneficial for writing or coding, where the clear tactile response helps in maintaining accuracy. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you lean more towards a lightweight, responsive switch like the Chiikawa or a tactile, medium-strength experience like the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
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