Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the selection can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry Nixie, both of which are linear switches but offer distinctly different experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a sensitive and responsive touch with an airy, high-pitched auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize quick response times and a lively typing sound in their setup. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie is a revered classic that offers a more substantial feel with its textured and low-pitched sound, resulting in a tactile and thocky typing experience. Its updated materials and springs enhance durability while marrying traditional design with modern innovation, appealing to typists who appreciate a more grounded, textured interaction with their keys. Choosing between these two switches largely depends on whether you lean towards a lighter, brighter typing experience or a more robust, textured feel. 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
63.5g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry Nixie switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly influence the overall typing experience. The Chiikawa’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a material that is known for its strength and stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly enhanced when the switch is equipped with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate’s translucence allows the light to pass through clearly. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie utilizes a nylon top housing, which is celebrated for its softer properties. This softness yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more vibrations and resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top brings clarity and brightness to the typing sound, the Nixie’s nylon top creates a more muted and velvety aural ambiance.
In regard to the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cherry Nixie employ nylon, providing a point of similarity that deepens their connection. The nylon material in both switches contributes to a consistent and rich sound profile that is fuller and enhances the overall typing experience. The dampening properties of nylon foster a more subdued sound when bottoming out, making it preferable for users seeking a quieter keyboard. Thus, while the top housings of the switches diverge in material and resultant sound characteristics, the use of nylon in both bottom housings ensures a certain level of uniformity in the auditory profile during the act of pressing the keys.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the Chiikawa - 28g’s polycarbonate top housing and the Nixie’s nylon top housing indicate that they are designed to elicit different sound profiles. The polycarbonate enhances clarity and brightness while the nylon fosters warmth and depth. However, the shared nylon bottom housing creates a consistent foundation, contributing to a fuller sound and experience upon bottoming out for both switches. Ultimately, users can expect distinct sound profiles based on the top housing material, but will find a harmonious depth from the nylon bottom housing present in both models, allowing for a unique yet connected typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch illustrate a significant difference in typing experience due to their respective weights. The Chiikawa - 28g features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an ideal choice for users seeking a lighter touch that allows for more comfortable, prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie has a considerably heavier actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial push feel when typing. This heavier feel offers the tactile satisfaction that enthusiasts might seek. Therefore, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Nixie is the heavier one, leading to distinctly different user experiences based on personal preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Nixie offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa is the shorter of the two switches, which may appeal to users looking for a quicker response time, particularly favored by gamers. Conversely, the Nixie's greater travel distance may provide a more robust typing experience for those who prefer deeper keystrokes, thus offering a more tactile feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with the Chiikawa being well-suited for fast-paced gaming and the Nixie catering to those who enjoy a deeper key press.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 switch showcases a bright sound profile that adds a lively character to typing experiences. Its very light actuation force contributes to a crisp, high-pitched sound that can feel engaging and responsive, making it enjoyable for users who prefer a more upbeat auditory feedback. In contrast, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is recognized for its "thocky" sound, delivering a deep, rich, and satisfying auditory experience akin to a soft "knock" or deep "thud" when pressed. The low-pitched nature of the Nixie adds to this quality, offering a bass-heavy tone that provides an entirely different auditory feedback, emphasizing a more subdued yet profound sound signature that many enthusiasts appreciate.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g excels in its light actuation and responsiveness, which makes for an effortless typing experience, but specific descriptors about its tactile characteristics are not highlighted. Conversely, the Nixie promotes a textured feel, with noticeable friction when pressed. This textured quality appeals to users who enjoy a more tactile interaction while typing; the slight resistance can enhance the sensation and confidence of each keystroke. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa may cater to those seeking a smooth and weightless experience, the Nixie offers a more substantial tactile sensation that some may find satisfying.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Cherry Nixie linear switches bring unique characteristics to the table, appealing to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Chiikawa's bright and responsive sound is perfect for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience, whereas the Nixie delivers a deeper, more resonant sound that many find satisfying. When it comes to feel, while Chiikawa's specific smoothness is not explicitly characterized, the Nixie’s textured feedback stands out for those who prefer a richer tactile interaction. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you gravitate toward a more engaging and lightweight experience or a substantial and textured typing feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a responsive typing experience with an incredibly light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g would be an excellent choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 34 grams allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who value speed and agility. Additionally, the bright sound profile offers a satisfying auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel and a textured typing experience, the Cherry Nixie, with its heavier 80 grams of actuation force, will likely suit you better. The deeper, thocky sound adds a gratifying resonance to each keystroke, while the textured nature of the switch provides a tactile sensation that many find rewarding during longer typing sessions. Overall, understanding the key attributes of each switch will help you make a more informed decision that aligns with your typing needs and sensory preferences.
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