Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Black offer distinct experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, with its notably light 28g actuation force, is celebrated for its bright sound profile and high-pitched auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize quick response times and enjoy a pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, while the Outemu Black also falls under the linear switch category, it is characterized by a heavier actuation force, creating a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for more deliberate keystrokes. The Chiikawa's lightness makes it ideal for rapid typing and gaming, while the robust nature of the Outemu Black lends itself well to users who appreciate stability and firmness in their press. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
82g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Black, it is notable that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. This commonality produces a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, a characteristic inherent to the stiffness of polycarbonate. The translucency of this material enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially for users who favor RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant backlighting to shine through. This shared feature ensures that both switches can produce visually striking effects while maintaining similar audio qualities when keys are released, making them excellent choices for users seeking a balance of functionality and style.
Diving deeper into the bottom housing, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Black employ nylon materials. This choice contributes a profound contrast to the sound profile, as nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more vibrations, resulting in a deeper and fuller tone when keys are pressed down. This characteristic is crucial, as the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches. Consequently, both switches offer a unique combination of qualities that enhance the tactile and auditory experience during use. The collaborative effect of polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom allows each switch to create a well-rounded auditory palette.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Black share similar top and bottom housing compositions, which leads to uniform sound characteristics throughout their functionality. While the polycarbonate top presents a sharper sound profile upon releasing keys, the nylon bottom accommodates a rounder sound upon bottoming out. This convergence of materials results in an optimized typing experience that marries the benefits of both rigid and flexible plastic formulations. Therefore, users can expect a harmonious blend of auditory experiences regardless of their preference for either switch, making their ultimate choice largely a matter of personalized aesthetics or brand loyalty.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Black switch features a much heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 82 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel. This stark contrast means that users seeking a lightweight option will find the Chiikawa more appealing, while individuals preferring a firmer typing experience should opt for the Outemu Black. Thus, if you're looking for lighter switches that won't strain your fingers during extended use, the Bsun Chiikawa is the clear choice, whereas the Outemu Black is more suited for those desiring a heavier, more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch, the differences are notable. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Black has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, offering a quicker response time that many gamers appreciate. Conversely, the Outemu Black, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press and a less abrupt feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, your choice between these switches should reflect your preference for speed versus tactile depth.
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 Outemu Black comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that is both engaging and lively. This auditory quality makes it appealing for those who enjoy a more energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Outemu Black linear switch remains unspecified, which leaves its acoustic characteristics unknown. It’s important to note that the overall sound of a switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard construction, plate material, and keycap choice; thus, for typists seeking a particular auditory experience, trying different setups may yield different results.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is described as having a very light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive typing experience. This sensitivity allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, making it a great option for fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Black switch is not documented, leading to an unknown quality in tactile feedback and resistance. As with sound, the overall tactile experience can also be influenced by other factors like keyboard design and stabilizers, so trying different configurations may provide insights into personal preferences.
In conclusion, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, making it ideal for those who appreciate an engaging and responsive typing experience. While the sound and feel of the Outemu Black switch remain unknown, both switches could potentially be fitted into various keyboard layouts for unique outcomes based on the user’s setup. Ultimately, experimenting with these switches in different configurations will help any newcomer discover which qualities best suit their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Black linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and use case scenarios. If you lean towards a light and responsive typing experience, particularly for fast-paced gaming or long typing sessions, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its lower actuation force of 28 grams and bottom-out force of 34 grams make it a joy to type on, allowing for quick key presses and reducing finger fatigue. Additionally, its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched feedback can enhance your overall typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier feel and are more comfortable with a heavier switch, the Outemu Black linear switch will suit you better. With a bottom-out force of 82 grams, it offers a more substantial response that can be rewarding for typing applications where tactile feedback is essential. It’s also worth noting that the Black switches do not have the distinct sound characteristics of the Chiikawa switches, making them a more understated choice in environments where noise level is a concern. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal style, typing speed, and the primary activities you engage in while using your keyboard.
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