Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Oil King (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Oil King (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g excels with its notably light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive and high-pitched auditory feedback that can invigorate typing sessions, making it a great choice for those who prefer a spirited and lively keyboard feel. In contrast, the Gateron Oil King (V2) stands out due to its remarkable buttery smoothness and low-pitched sound reminiscent of dark chocolate snapping, providing a velvety typing experience that appeals to those who favor a more polished and subdued interaction. While the Chiikawa - 28g may be ideal for users who enjoy an energetic and crisp touch, the Oil King (V2) caters to those who appreciate a deeper, creamy sound with an overall silky texture. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Oil King (V2), it's essential to note that both switches utilize differing types of plastic, which directly influences their sound profiles and overall feel. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucence, producing a sharply defined, higher-pitched sound. This quality makes it especially appealing for RGB lighting setups, as the light can pass through the clear polycarbonate, enhancing the aesthetic experience. Conversely, the Gateron Oil King (V2) opts for a nylon top housing, known for its softer material properties. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs vibrations more effectively, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience.
Examining the bottom housings further reveals additional contrasts and some interesting parallels. Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Oil King (V2) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which helps produce that characteristic depth and fullness in the sound profile. This shared material contributes to a more rounded bottom-out sound as both switches' designs leverage the same fundamental characteristics of nylon. However, the Oil King (V2) distinguishes itself with a proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which retains a slightly higher-pitched yet not harsh sound, providing a unique auditory signature. Thus, while they share one material, the combination with differing top housing elements results in diverse sound experiences across the two switch types.
In practical terms, the presence of both nylon in the bottom housing of the Chiikawa - 28g and the proprietary INK blend in the Oil King (V2) means that some sound characteristics will overlap. When actuating either switch, users can anticipate a well-rounded sound due to the nylon in both designs, but the differing top housings will create divergent sound experiences upon release. Therefore, if you're aiming for a specific auditory profile, the material combination of each switch becomes crucial, with the sharper, more resonant notes of the Chiikawa—28g contrasting with the deeper, more subdued tones produced by the Oil King (V2) due to their distinct top housing materials. In essence, while users may experience some similarities in sound and feel, the unique properties of the respective top materials guarantee distinctly different performances.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch present a clear contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it considerably lighter and more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming due to its less strenuous feel. In contrast, the Oil King (V2) has a notably heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. Therefore, if you're seeking a lighter switch, the Chiikawa is the ideal choice, while those desiring a heavier switch for greater resistance should opt for the Oil King. As the actuation forces are not equivalent, the typing experience will differ significantly, with the Chiikawa providing a softer touch compared to the more resistant Oil King.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, the Chiikawa features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Oil King (V2) has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference can significantly impact user experience: the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa may appeal to gamers who prioritize quick response times, allowing for faster key presses. In contrast, the longer travel distance of the Oil King (V2) may provide a more traditional and substantial feel, which some users prefer for a deeper typing experience. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you favor the responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the hearty depth offered by the Oil King.
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 Oil King (V2) comes in at $6.50 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch presents a bright and crisp auditory experience that is distinctively high-pitched. This specific sound profile contributes to an engaging, lively typing environment, making it quite responsive. On the other hand, the Gateron Oil King (V2) offers a more subdued auditory experience, characterized by a low-pitched, bassy tone reminiscent of a dark chocolate bar snapping. This richer, deeper sound provides a more mellow atmosphere while typing, contrasting nicely with the Chiikawa's lighter and more energetic sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will hinge on personal preference regarding the auditory feedback one wishes to experience while typing.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its notably light actuation force, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes. This switch may provide a unique sensation that encourages rapid typing but lacks the detailed characterization of its tactile feedback. In comparison, the Gateron Oil King (V2) delivers a plethora of pleasurable sensations, boasting a creamy, silky, and buttery typing experience. Thanks to factory-applied lubricant and refined materials, the Oil King feels incredibly smooth and polished, promoting a seamless keystroke. The distinct rolling sensation of a buttery switch can elevate the typing experience, offering a level of satisfaction that the Chiikawa - 28g may not match.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch favors a bright sound profile with a light keystroke feel, the Gateron Oil King (V2) distinguishes itself through its deep, bassy sound and an exceptionally smooth, buttery typing experience. Users seeking a lively auditory feedback may gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a more luxurious and polished feel complemented by a rich sound will likely find the Oil King (V2) to be the preferred choice. Ultimately, your selection will depend on your personal typing style and the qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Oil King (V2) linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and desired tactile experience. If you lean towards a light actuation force and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound profile that offers a crisp typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is the ideal option for you. Its 28g actuation makes it highly responsive, making it particularly suitable for fast typists and those who value a lighter touch. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a heavier bottom-out force of 65 grams and enjoy a richer, bassy sound reminiscent of dark chocolate snapping, then the Gateron Oil King (V2) will likely suit you better. The smooth, creamy, and refined typing experience of the Oil King can enhance your overall comfort during prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a lighter, more responsive feel or a heavier, more luxurious tactile sensation in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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