Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Blue Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Blue Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Blue Jade present two distinct experiences tailored for different typists. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28 grams, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for users who prefer quick, effortless keystrokes. Its bright sound profile produces a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience without being overtly intrusive, making it a great choice for those who value speed and subtlety in their typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade features a clicky switch design that offers tactile feedback with an audible click, which many typists find satisfying and engaging. This makes the Blue Jade a preferred option for users who appreciate a distinct keystroke sensation and enjoy the auditory feedback that confirms each press. While both switches cater to different preferences—sensitivity and responsiveness versus tactile and auditory feedback—understanding their unique characteristics will help you make an informed choice for your typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Blue Jade switches differ primarily in their top housing materials. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile. This quality stems from polycarbonate’s stiffness, allowing it to produce a clearer and more resonant sound. Additionally, since polycarbonate is often translucent, it enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting setups, making them more vibrant and visually engaging. In contrast, the Outemu Blue Jade employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a more subdued sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while both switches can offer an enjoyable typing experience, the tonal qualities will differ significantly due to the contrasting materials used in their top housings.
However, both switches share the same nylon material in their bottom housings, which creates a distinctive feature that affects their overall sound profile. The nylon bottom housing in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Blue Jade provides a richer and more resonant sound since it effectively absorbs sound waves and dampens noise. This results in a duller and rounder tonal quality when a key is bottomed out. While the top housing of each switch influences the sound produced when releasing a key, the bottom housing remains constant in both models. This shared characteristic can create a level of similarity in their bottom-out sound, ensuring that users enjoy a solid, cohesive experience across both switch types.
In summary, the differences in the top housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Blue Jade lead to unique sound characteristics that cater to varying preferences among typists. The polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa - 28g provides clarity and brightness, while the nylon top of the Outemu Blue Jade delivers warmth and depth. Nonetheless, their identical nylon bottom housing ensures that they deliver a comparable experience regarding sensation and sound profile during the key press's bottoming-out phase. Therefore, users can expect that regardless of the tonal differences caused by the top housings, the overall sound experience will still have shared qualities in the key response.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch requires a significantly lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for users seeking an effortless typing experience, especially during prolonged use. In contrast, the Blue Jade switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. While the Chiikawa is designed for lighter, less fatiguing typing, the Blue Jade provides a firmer push, satisfying users who enjoy a more robust keystroke. Overall, if you're looking for a lighter switch to enhance comfort during extended typing sessions, the Chiikawa is the preferable option, while the Blue Jade will appeal to those who appreciate a stronger force in their typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch, there is a clear difference. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Blue Jade switch has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker response time—an advantage for gamers who thrive on speed. On the other hand, the Blue Jade's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing a key, as it allows for a deeper actuation. Thus, if you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Chiikawa may be your choice; however, if you favor a more traditional and tactile feel, the Outemu Blue Jade would be the better option.
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 Blue Jade 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
The sound profile of the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is marked by a bright and crisp quality, offering a high-pitched sound that is both clear and pleasing. This distinctive audio characteristic is particularly noticeable when typing at speed, making each keystroke feel pronounced and lively. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch’s sound properties remain unspecified, which means there is little to compare directly in this regard. However, clicky switches typically produce a more tactile and audible response than linear switches, suggesting that if you prefer sound in your typing experience, the Blue Jade may offer a satisfying auditory feedback once its specifications are defined.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a very light actuation force, making them responsive and effortless to press. This lightness can enhance typing speed and reduce fatigue during prolonged use, appealing to those who prefer a nimble touch. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Blue Jade switch hasn’t been detailed, leaving a gap for assessment. Typically, clicky switches like the Blue Jade may provide a tactile bump accompanied by a click sound at the actuation point, which some users find satisfying and indicative of activation, while also potentially requiring more force than the Chiikawa.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright sound and light feel, making it a great option for users who enjoy speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch's characteristics remain undefined, leaving its auditory qualities and tactile feedback open for speculation. Each switch appeals to different preferences; those who favor a clean and quick activation may lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who might appreciate a distinctive clicking sound and tactile feedback may ultimately be drawn to the Blue Jade once more information becomes available.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Blue Jade clicky switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. If you crave a light and responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent choice. Its 28g actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound profile provide a delightful feedback loop that enhances typing speed and accuracy, making it particularly well-suited for those who type frequently or prefer a soft touch. Its smooth feel means you can enjoy hours of typing without fatigue, and the brightness of the switch can add a playful element to your setup. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile and pronounced experience, the Outemu Blue Jade with its 65g bottom-out force will satisfy that need, delivering a satisfying click that not only feels more substantial but also helps to confirm key presses audibly. This makes it ideal for both typists who enjoy tactile feedback and gamers who want to ensure every key press registers decisively. Ultimately, your choice boils down to whether you favor speed and lightness or a more tactile and heavier typing experience.
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