Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Orange offer distinct experiences tailored for different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its light 28g actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and perfect for quick, delicate presses, while its bright sound profile adds a crisp auditory feedback that many typists appreciate. In contrast, the KTT Orange comes equipped with a bouncy 22mm long spring and a carefully engineered design that promises a smooth, frictionless typing experience, enhanced by its low-pitched sound profile. The factory-lubed nature of the KTT Orange further contributes to its fluidity and reduced friction, appealing to those who prefer a more tactile, substantial feel. Each switch has its advantages; the Chiikawa is ideal for users who favor speed and a high-pitched, bright feedback, while the Orange caters to those who enjoy a deeper, bouncier key action with a luxurious typing experience. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Orange both feature polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, resulting in a shared characteristic sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience. This material enhances clarity and resonance, allowing both switches to provide a brightly pronounced sound that is especially effective when RGB lighting is utilized. Given the inherent translucency of polycarbonate, users can expect a vibrant visual experience alongside an articulate sound, making the Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Orange excellent choices for those prioritizing aesthetics and sound sharpness in their keyboard builds.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches diverges in material composition, thereby affecting the overall auditory experience. The Chiikawa - 28g incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, which is renowned for contributing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature. It absorbs sound more than stiffer materials, producing a warmer and rounder tone when the key is bottomed out. Conversely, the KTT Orange opts for polycarbonate for its bottom housing as well, aligning its characteristics with those of its top housing. This results in a consistently clear and crisp sound profile throughout the switch, emphasizing the high-pitched qualities that the polycarbonate materials contribute to both housing components.
The difference in bottom housing materials has a significant impact on the tactile experience when pressing the keys. The Chiikawa - 28g's nylon bottom housing enhances the tactile feel with a smoother, softer sound, making typing feel more cushioned, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the KTT Orange upholds the clarity and brightness of all key actions. Ultimately, both switches leverage their top polycarbonate housings for superior auditory clarity, but they manifest distinct acoustic profiles due to their differing bottom materials. Users who appreciate a rounded sound will find the Chiikawa - 28g ideal, while those who prefer consistent sharpness will likely favor the KTT Orange, highlighting the importance of housing materials in the overall keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Consequently, users opting for the Chiikawa switch can expect a less strenuous typing experience due to its lighter forces, whereas those who choose the KTT Orange will experience a firmer push feel. Overall, if you're seeking a lighter switch for prolonged use, the Chiikawa is the better choice, while the KTT Orange suits those who favor a stronger feel when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Orange has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Consequently, the Orange switch offers a marginally quicker response, making it an appealing choice for gamers seeking faster actuation. On the other hand, the Chiikawa's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying and hearty feel for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, both switches cater to different user preferences, with the KTT Orange being the shorter option and the Bsun Chiikawa being the longer one.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 produces a bright and crisp auditory profile, characterized by a high-pitched sound when typing. This unique sound can create an engaging and lively atmosphere while using the keyboard. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch boasts a low-pitched sound profile that provides a more mellow and bass-heavy tone. This difference in sound character could influence a user's typing experience, with those who prefer a sharper auditory feedback leaning towards the Chiikawa, while those who enjoy a softer, deeper tone may find the Orange switch more appealing. It's also important to note that the overall sound experience can vary significantly based on the keyboard model and keycap choice used.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is notably lighter with a very low actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive key presses. This responsiveness can lead to a more agile typing experience, but without specific descriptors provided for how it feels in terms of feedback and travel, it’s challenging to give a full comparison. Conversely, the KTT Orange switch is celebrated for its bouncy and frictionless nature. The bouncy quality provides a spring-like feedback that is engaging and lively, while the frictionless design ensures an effortlessly smooth typing experience. The contrast between the Chiikawa’s lightness and the Orange’s bounciness can create different typing sensations that cater to various user preferences.
In conclusion, both the Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Orange linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa stands out for its bright, high-pitched sound and light actuation force, making it ideal for users who enjoy a quick and responsive typing feel. The KTT Orange, with its low-pitched sound, bouncy feedback, and smooth actuation, provides a more weighted and fluid typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between the two will hinge on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, with both switches promising unique qualities to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you're deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, your choice should be influenced by your typing style and preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option if you favor a lighter actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile. Its 34-gram bottom-out force makes it particularly suitable for fast, responsive typing, especially if you're into gaming or if you often find yourself typing for extended periods and want to minimize finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bouncier, more tactile feel, the KTT Orange should be your go-to. With its medium-light 53-gram bottom-out force and factory-lubed design, it provides a smooth and frictionless typing experience that many users find highly enjoyable. Its low-pitched sound adds a mellow ambiance to your typing environment, which may be preferable in quieter settings or when you're seeking a less intrusive noise profile. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should reflect your individual preferences for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you desire.
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