Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Olive offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch that is celebrated for its incredibly light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a favorite for those who appreciate quick and responsive keystrokes paired with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. On the other hand, the BSUN Olive stands out as a tactile switch that provides a more robust typing experience, characterized by its medium weight and pronounced tactile feedback, enhanced by a long pole stem and all-POM housings that produce a deep, resonant sound. While the Chiikawa may be ideal for gamers seeking rapid inputs and a nearly effortless typing experience, the Olive is better suited for typists who value that satisfying tactile feedback and a snappier auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Olive utilize distinct housing materials for their tops, which greatly influences their respective sound profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing known for producing a sharper and crisper sound, making it an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory experience. This polycarbonate housing allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively due to its translucence, enhancing the visual aspect of the switch. In contrast, the Olive utilizes a POM top housing that yields a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both housings create unique auditory experiences, the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa emphasizes brightness and clarity, while the POM top of the Olive leans towards a more subdued and softer sound.
When we turn our attention to the bottom housings, both models feature materials that contribute to a richer listening experience but in slightly different ways. The Chiikawa employs a nylon bottom housing, a staple in the keyboard switch market known for producing a fuller, more resonant sound. Its softer nature absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a duller yet rounded auditory output. In comparison, the Olive uses a POM bottom housing, which also delivers a unique sound profile that is just as deep and muted as its top housing. Although both switches feature a material that promotes a deep sound, the Chiikawa's nylon bottom provides additional fullness compared to the muted quality of the Olive's POM bottom.
Ultimately, the combination of materials used in the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Bsun Olive presents distinct sound experiences for users. The Chiikawa's contrasting polycarbonate top and nylon bottom result in a switch that delivers clarity on the release and depth during bottoming out. Conversely, the Olive’s POM top and bottom housing maintain a consistent deep and muted quality throughout its operation. While the differences in materials create unique sound profiles, the use of POM in both models for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will provide satisfying auditory results, albeit through different avenues of sound differentiation. This understanding highlights how the materials work together, where each switch's individual characteristics come to the forefront under different typing conditions.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes, compared to the Olive switch, which requires a medium-heavy actuation force of 45 grams. This difference means that typists or gamers who use the Chiikawa may enjoy longer sessions without fatigue, while those who prefer a firmer push will find the Olive more satisfying. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Chiikawa is 34 grams, noticeably less than the Olive's 65 grams, resulting in a more gentle landing for the former. These variations suggest that the Chiikawa is the lighter option overall, appealing to users looking for an effortless typing experience, while the Olive provides a heavier feel for those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, the Chiikawa boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive comes in shorter at 3.4 mm. This slight difference means that the Chiikawa will provide a deeper keystroke, potentially offering a more satisfying tactile experience for those who prefer a hearty depth in their typing. On the other hand, the Olive's shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, making it more appealing for gamers who favor quick actions. Ultimately, users aiming for immediacy and responsiveness may lean towards the Olive, while those valuing a more pronounced feedback might prefer the Chiikawa, with its longer travel distance.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by a bright, high-pitched profile that offers a crisp auditory experience while typing. This lighter switch produces a pleasant and responsive sound, making it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively typing environment. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch produces a deep, resonant sound. This is achieved through its all-POM housing, creating a distinctive auditory experience that is richer and more pronounced than the Chiikawa. The difference in sound is largely dictated by the design and materials of each switch, though it's worth noting that the overall sound will also vary depending on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a very light actuation force, resulting in a fluid typing experience that is both smooth and responsive. While it lacks significant tactile feedback, its quick actuation is ideal for those who favor speed. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch provides a medium level of tactile feedback, thanks to its unique design and long pole stem. Descriptors such as "accented," "invigorating," "sharp," and "snappy" encapsulate the Olive's engaging feel, which merges tactile qualities with a satisfying actuation that enhances the typing experience.
Overall, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch excels in producing a light and bright sound profile coupled with a responsive feel, the Bsun Olive switch stands out for its deeper sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Both switches cater to different typing preferences; the Chiikawa is perfect for those prioritizing lightness and speed, while the Olive offers a more engaged and tactile experience. Your choice between them would ultimately depend on whether you prefer a lightweight, crisp auditory feedback or a deeper, more tactile engagement with pronounced auditory qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the overall experience you desire. If you value a light touch and responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. With its low actuation force and bright sound profile, it's particularly suitable for fast typists and those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. It's ideal for casual typists or gamers who require swift, agile movements without the distraction of tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you enjoy the satisfying feel of tactile feedback and a more robust typing experience, the Olive switch is likely the better choice for you. Its pronounced tactile bump, medium-heavy actuation force, and deep sound make it perfect for typists who appreciate the feeling of each keypress and want a clear auditory signal with every stroke. Ultimately, consider how you type, what sounds you enjoy, and the type of feedback that resonates with you most—either the light, airy experience of the Chiikawa or the invigorating, responsive feel of the Olive. Each switch offers unique qualities that cater to different needs and preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your typing style.
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