Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron New North Pole V2 each offer unique experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a quick and responsive feel along with a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. This switch is ideal for those who prioritize speed and auditory feedback in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 takes a different approach by eliminating the rubber dampener found in its predecessor, promoting a frictionless typing feel that enhances smoothness and ease of use. This makes the New North Pole V2 an attractive option for users who appreciate a seamless glide and polished performance without sacrificing responsiveness. Both switches have their unique advantages, making them appealing for different reasons. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
When comparing the housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron New North Pole V2, both switches exhibit similar characteristics due to their use of polycarbonate in the top housing. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material choice ensures that users can expect a clear and resonant sound when actuating either switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly for setups with RGB lighting, whereby the light can effectively shine through the housing to create visually striking effects. This similarity in the top housing material suggests that sound performance will be consistently pronounced across both switch types when it comes to the sound produced during key release.
Contrastingly, the bottom housings of the two switches introduce a distinct difference in sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Chiikawa - 28g features a nylon bottom housing, while the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. Nylon’s softer characteristics contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and creating a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 maintains the impact of clarity and resonance but may not provide the same level of sound dampening that a nylon housing would. As a result, while the Chiikawa - 28g may offer a more muted and rich sound during bottoming out, the Gateron switch could deliver a snappier feedback sensation.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the bottom housing means that users will experience varied sound and feel characteristics when pressing down on the switches. For the Chiikawa - 28g, the nylon housing primarily influences the bottom-out sound, resulting in a softer feel, while the polycarbonate bottom of the New North Pole V2 enhances the clarity of sound and tactile feedback. However, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Chiikawa providing a rounded auditory profile and the New North Pole ensuring a crisper escape sound, appealing to users based on personal preference for either deep resonance or sharp clarity.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch present a noticeable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lightweight actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a lighter touch, facilitating extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the New North Pole V2 boasts a firmer actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while the Chiikawa switch is decidedly lighter and may be preferable for users seeking ease and comfort, the New North Pole V2 is the heavier option, providing a more pronounced tactile feedback. If one were to choose based on actuation force preference—lighter versus heavier—these distinct specifications clearly guide the decision-making process.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the New North Pole V2 measures 4 mm. This means that the New North Pole V2 has a longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key, as it offers a heartier depth. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa can lead to quicker response times, making it a better option for gamers who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that provides rapid actuation, the Chiikawa may be the more suitable choice, whereas those who appreciate a traditional, deeper key press might lean toward the New North Pole V2.
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 Gateron New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch produces a bright and crisp sound profile that is notably high-pitched. This lively acoustic signature can enhance the overall typing experience by providing auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron New North Pole V2, having removed the rubber dampener, boasts an even crisper typing sound, allowing the key presses to resonate more clearly without any dampened tones. Both switches yield fairly distinct audio qualities that cater to those seeking a more pronounced typing sound, although the Chiikawa might appeal more to those who enjoy a bright, airy tone.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by its very light actuation force, resulting in an incredibly responsive typing experience that can feel effortless. In comparison, the Gateron New North Pole V2 excels in providing a polished, creamy, and frictionless feel. This refined finish not only enhances key travel but also allows for a remarkably smooth and buttery response, emphasizing user comfort and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Chiikawa is all about lightness and responsiveness, the New North Pole V2 focuses on delivering a silk-like gliding experience, making each keystroke delightful in its own right.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa provides a bright sound profile with a light touch, ideal for those who appreciate immediate feedback, while the New North Pole V2 takes the experience a step further with a crisper sound and an exceptionally smooth typing feel. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lively sound or a refined tactile experience, as both switches can deliver enjoyable typing results in their own ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is your best bet. Its 34-gram bottom-out force and crisp sound make it ideal for fast typists and those who enjoy a responsive feel without much resistance. This switch shines in contexts like gaming or even prolonged typing sessions where you might appreciate a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel with a medium 62.5-gram bottom-out force, the Gateron New North Pole V2 is the way to go. Its polished, creamy texture provides a truly frictionless typing experience that is perfect for users who enjoy a smooth glide when typing or gaming. Furthermore, if you value a more subdued sound profile and a refined feel, the New North Pole V2 without the rubber dampener offers the crisp typing experience many enthusiasts love. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and preferences, ensuring that your keyboard setup is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
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