Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Silent Red are two appealing options that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched audio feedback that many typists find energizing and responsive. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Silent Red, while also a linear switch, strikes a balance by offering a slightly heftier feel with a muted, low-pitched sound that prioritizes quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for those in noise-sensitive environments. Users may prefer the Chiikawa for its tactile responsiveness and acoustic brightness, while the MX Silent Red provides a familiar and satisfying typing experience devoid of disruptive noise. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Silent Red, the distinction between their housing materials is most evident 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 the stiffness of the material. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing that generates a deeper and fuller sound, primarily because nylon is softer and absorbs more sound waves. This difference means that the two switches provide unique auditory experiences, with the Chiikawa emphasizing clarity and brightness, while the MX Silent Red focuses on warmth and richness in sound.
Both switches, however, share the same bottom housing material: nylon. This commonality means that both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Silent Red are likely to deliver a similar sound profile when the keys bottom out, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing qualities, producing a duller, rounder sound. Therefore, the tactile feedback experienced when pressing the keys will have a similar feel across both switches, thanks to the nylon bottom housing. Whether you opt for the Chiikawa or the MX Silent Red, you can expect a satisfying typing experience characterized by the softer, more subdued sounds of nylon at play.
Ultimately, the combined effect of the different top housing materials results in subtle differences in overall sound and feel when typing. While the Chiikawa - 28g offers a more pronounced and high-frequency sound experience when releasing the key, the Cherry MX Silent Red maintains a smoother and quieter release due to its nylon top housing. If you appreciate the deeper tones during key presses but still want some higher-pitched resonance during sound release, both switches can provide satisfying results by balancing the qualities of their respective materials. Thus, despite their differences, you can achieve a pleasing typing experience with either switch, tailored to your personal preferences in sound and feel.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch exhibit notable differences in actuation force, which can significantly affect user experience. The Chiikawa switch has a light actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions, such as in a work environment or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. Additionally, the Chiikawa switch's bottom out force is 34 grams, indicating a relatively gentle bottoming out experience, whereas the bottom out force for the MX Silent Red is unknown. This further emphasizes the Chiikawa's lighter overall profile. In summary, for those seeking a lighter switch, the Chiikawa is the better choice, while individuals who prefer a firmer feel might lean towards the Cherry MX Silent Red.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the MX Silent Red. If you're looking for a switch that provides a quicker response time for gaming, the Chiikawa’s shorter travel distance may suit your needs better. Conversely, if you prefer the sensation of a bit more depth when typing, the Cherry MX Silent Red's longer travel distance could provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, both switches can deliver similar performance depending on your preference for responsiveness versus tactile feedback.
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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched auditory experience when typing. This makes each keystroke feel lively and responsive, creating a vibrant atmosphere as you type. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red features a significantly muted sound, designed for environments where noise reduction is crucial. Although the Silent Red maintains a satisfying typing experience, its quieter operation minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, making it ideal for situations that demand discretion. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa switch offers a more prominent auditory feedback, the MX Silent Red caters to those who appreciate a quieter environment.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch boasts a very light actuation force that enhances its responsiveness, making it almost effortless to type at speed. This lightness can lead to a fluid and dynamic typing experience, especially appealing for those who enjoy rapid input. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red is designed with a slightly heavier actuation, providing a more tactile sensation while maintaining a linear smoothness. The Silent Red can be described as textured, meaning some users may experience subtle friction while typing. This contrast in typing effort and feedback presents two distinct preferences, with Chiikawa offering a featherlight feel and MX Silent Red delivering an enhanced sense of control.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and Cherry MX Silent Red switch each cater to different user preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa appeals to those who enjoy a lively and bright typing experience, while the MX Silent Red is perfect for those seeking a quieter operation without compromising on a satisfying tactile response. If you prefer a light touch with crisper sounds, the Chiikawa is the way to go. However, if noise sensitivity is paramount, the MX Silent Red delivers a smooth, controlled typing experience that is significantly quieter, making both switches capable of providing enjoyable typing experiences but tailored for different environments and user needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches, consider your specific typing environment and preferences. If you enjoy a tactile experience with a very light actuation force, and appreciate the bright, crisp sound profile that the Chiikawa switches provide, then they might be the right choice for you. Their lightness and responsive nature make them ideal for casual typing or gaming where speed is essential, especially in a quiet setting where their louder sound can still fill the room without being overly intrusive.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial typing feel with the benefit of minimal noise, particularly in a work environment or shared space, then the Cherry MX Silent Red is likely your best bet. These switches provide the classic MX Red experience with a muted sound profile, offering a satisfying key feel without distracting clicks or pops. The textured feel might also appeal to those who enjoy some resistance during their typing sessions without compromising on smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound and actuation weight over noise reduction and typing feel.
Mentioned in this article
