Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Red are two popular linear options that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering an incredibly responsive typing experience that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. This makes it a great choice for users who prioritize speed and clarity in their typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red offers a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, providing a more robust and textured typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback while typing. While both switches are linear, their distinct characteristics can influence your typing experience significantly. 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
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 housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Red switches present distinct differences in their top housings, while both switches utilize the same material—nylon— for their bottom housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer and clearer sound profile, which produces a sharper and crisper auditory feedback. This is particularly advantageous for users who prioritize an expressive sound when typing or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch sports a nylon top housing, which offers a noticeably deeper and fuller sound experience due to nylon's sound-absorbing properties. Consequently, the two switches cater to different auditory preferences: the Chiikawa's superior clarity paired with a polycarbonate top meets the need for a bright sound, while the MX Red delivers a softer, muted sound character typical of nylon.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, contributing to a warm, rounded sound profile that reflects the properties of this classic material. This similarity means that regardless of the top housing material, when bottoming out the switches, users will experience a consistent depth of sound and tactile experience. Specifically, the nylon bottom housing in both models absorbs vibrations, resulting in a sound that is deep and full without the harshness that can sometimes accompany stiffer materials. Thus, although the feel and sound of the top housing can diverge significantly, the shared nylon composition at the bottom helps maintain uniformity in sound perception during actual actuation.
When considering the overall impact of the materials on switch performance, it is essential to recognize that the distinct characteristics of the top housings significantly influence the typing sound and tactile feedback. For the Chiikawa - 28g, the polycarbonate top allows for an articulate sound profile on release, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback during their typing experience. In contrast, the nylon top of the Cherry MX Red favors a subdued acoustic quality, creating a quieter ambiance that some users find more suitable for prolonged periods of use. Despite sharing similar qualities in their bottom housings, the overall experience dramatically shifts with the choice of top housing, illustrating how the interplay of materials can greatly affect switch dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a comparatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams. While the bottom out force for the MX Red is unknown, its heavier actuation signifies a more substantial push feel, catering to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and reduced finger fatigue, whereas the MX Red caters to users who favor a more robust tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may contribute to quicker response times—an advantage for those who prioritize rapid keystrokes, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a heartier feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences; opting for the Chiikawa will yield a more responsive feel, whereas the MX Red caters to those who enjoy a deeper key travel.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 offers a bright sound profile characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that can be quite responsive and engaging while typing. This makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more lively auditory experience. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red switch features a deeper, thocky sound, producing a rich auditory feedback that resonates more profoundly with a deeper, low-pitched tone. This sound profile lends itself to a more robust typing experience, providing a satisfying auditory depth that some typists find comforting and reassuring. Ultimately, the Chiikawa's bright notes and the MX Red's deeper tones cater to different auditory preferences, and the overall sound output can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard design and keycap material.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, which contributes to a noticeably smooth and swift experience while typing. This ensures quick responsiveness, ideal for users looking for swift and effortless keystrokes. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switches are characterized by their textured feel, which can introduce a certain degree of friction during key presses. This texture might not be as smooth as the Chiikawa's, potentially providing a different tactile sensation. Typists who appreciate a bit of feedback while pressing keys may prefer the added texture of the MX Red, while those who seek a feather-light touch will likely lean towards the Chiikawa.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry MX Red switches present distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa’s bright sound and light feel are perfect for those who prioritize responsiveness and playful auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the MX Red's deeper tone and textured feel offer a more substantial typing experience that many users find satisfying. Ultimately, whether you choose one over the other will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but both switches promise to deliver solid performance suited to a range of typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a switch with a very light actuation force and a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa switch might be the right choice for you, especially if you enjoy a responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound. This switch is ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming where you want quick feedback and minimal force required to actuate. On the other hand, if you favor a more classic and robust typing feel, the Cherry MX Red switch offers a slightly heftier bottom-out force and a deeper, thocky sound that can provide a satisfying auditory experience. The MX Red could be more suited for those who prefer a textured feel, as it delivers a richer, more grounded sound and a sense of heft that many typists find appealing. Ultimately, both switches have their unique characteristics, so it’s important to consider how each aligns with your typing habits and desired auditory feedback to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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