Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the decision often boils down to the desired typing experience, and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Haimu Neo White offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is renowned for its incredibly light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, providing users with a highly responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for typists who prioritize speed and feedback in their typing experience. Conversely, the Haimu Neo White also features a linear design but distinguishes itself with a medium weight and a slightly reduced total travel distance, resulting in a unique typing feel that balances control and comfort. The incorporation of a Ly stem enhances its smoothness, delivering satisfying actuation that many users find appealing for both typing and gaming. While each switch offers unique benefits—whether it's the ultra-light actuation of the Chiikawa or the more controlled response of the Neo White—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Haimu Neo White, it's notable that both switches feature polycarbonate as their top housing material. This commonality results in a very similar sound profile characterized by sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio feedback during use. Polycarbonate’s inherent stiffness enhances the switch's resonance, enabling a clearer sound that is especially pleasing when RGB lighting is utilized, given the material's translucency. For those who appreciate an aesthetic that pairs high-performance acoustics with visual flair, the polycarbonate top housing of both switches provides an advantageous mix.
The bottom housing of both switches diverges, with the Chiikawa - 28g and the Neo White each employing nylon. Nylon is renowned for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. This contrast in bottom housing materials means that although the top housings create a similar acoustic experience, the overall auditory outcome will be affected by the softer sound absorption properties of nylon. This variance adds depth to the switches’ sound profiles; while the top housing influences the sound emitted when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing significantly impacts the bottom-out sound, creating a rounder audio experience.
Despite the differences in bottom housing materials, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Haimu Neo White are expected to deliver a satisfying typing experience due to their complementary designs. The resonance and clarity of the polycarbonate top are enhanced by the depth provided by the nylon bottom, allowing typists to enjoy a well-rounded combination of sounds. While the unique attributes of each material contribute to different aspects of the switch's performance, the overall impact is a harmonious blend that offers a consistent typing experience across both models. Hence, users can achieve a similar satisfaction level in terms of sound and feel from either switch, with each boasting its own emotional listening experience while maintaining key similarities.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, there is a distinct difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa has an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option and ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly during extended use like long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Neo White's specific actuation force is unknown, but it boasts a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams, suggesting a stronger resistance when the key is fully pressed down, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. Overall, if the actuation force of the Neo White were similar, its greater bottom out force would make it comparatively heavier, emphasizing a more pronounced typing experience. However, due to the unknown value for its actuation force, the overall comparison leans more towards the Chiikawa being lighter and more user-friendly for prolonged use.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys of each switch, resulting in a nearly uniform typing experience. Since the travel distances are equal, users seeking consistent performance across different switches will find that either option will yield similar results in terms of key responsiveness and 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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch produces a bright and crisp sound profile that sets it apart from many other switches, creating a high-pitched auditory response that's quite distinct. This lively sound combines with the very light actuation force, making it not only responsive but also fun to type on. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White has a neutral sound signature that features a moderate actuation force, which results in an unobtrusive audio experience that is manageable in various settings. While both switches offer unique sound characteristics, the choice between the two will depend on whether you prefer the engaging brightness of the Chiikawa or the balanced neutrality of the Neo White.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it feel incredibly responsive and quick to activate. This aspect can lead to a fun and comfortable typing experience, particularly for users who prefer less resistance while typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White offers a mild feel, characterized by a smooth actuation thanks to the unique Ly stem. While not as light as the Chiikawa, the Neo White provides a gentle typing experience with a pleasant, smooth feedback on each keystroke, catering well to a broad audience of typists who appreciate comfort in their mechanical keyboards.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer distinctive qualities suited to different preferences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light feel lend themselves to a playful typing experience, while the Neo White offers a more neutral sound and mildly smooth feedback, making it versatile for various users. Ultimately, you can expect satisfying performances from both switches, though your choice should align with your personal typing style and acoustic preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you enjoy a lighter, more responsive typing experience and prefer a crisp, high-pitched sound that can add a playful quality to your typing, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. This switch is particularly suited for those who typists who appreciate a quick actuation, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you favor a medium weight switch that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and smoothness, the Haimu Neo White is the better choice. This switch offers a mildly pronounced typing experience, which is accessible for both beginners and seasoned typists, along with a neutral sound profile that works well in a variety of settings, whether at home or in an office. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual taste for actuation force, sound, and typing feel, allowing you to tailor your keyboard setup to enhance your overall typing experience.
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