Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Brown stand out for their distinct characteristics and user experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its extremely light actuation force of just 28g, offering a smooth and fast keystroke without any tactile feedback, making it ideal for gamers or those who prefer a softer, noisier typing experience. Its bright sound profile adds an extra layer of auditory stimulation, making typing feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch is known for its tactile bump, providing a satisfying feedback during key presses without the loud click of other tactile switches. This makes it a popular choice among typists who enjoy a little more resistance and feedback to enhance their accuracy and typing rhythm. While both switches cater to different preferences—speed and sound versus tactile feedback and precision—they each offer unique advantages. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Brown switches share a commonality in their construction, both utilizing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity in materials results in a harmonious sound profile characteristic of each switch. The polycarbonate top housing in both switches contributes to a crisp, high-pitched sound due to its rigidity, enhancing the clarity of keystrokes. The translucency of the polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting effects, making both switches aesthetically pleasing for illuminated keyboards. Since both models employ the same materials, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing or gaming, marked by a pronounced and vibrant sound signature.
When examining the bottom half of the switches, we see another parallel, as both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Brown utilize nylon for their bottom housings. Nylon's softer texture results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, muffling some of the higher frequencies brought about by the polycarbonate tops. Typing on both switches will yield a more rounded sound, indicating the impact of the nylon’s sound-absorbing qualities. As a result, the combination of the nylon bottom and polycarbonate top leads to an amalgamation of sound characteristics, with the nylon contributing to the overall bottom-out feel, while the polycarbonate accentuates the key release sound.
However, despite these similarities, if one were to experiment with different housing materials for either the top or bottom, the auditory and tactile experience would inevitably change. For instance, using a different material for the top housing could result in a less responsive key release, while altering the bottom housing might lead to a sharper sound upon key bottoming out. Hence, while the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Brown provide a consistent sound experience due to their use of the same materials, exploring variations in their housings can lead to unique and distinct switch sounds and sensations.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a much lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Brown switch, with an actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, offers a medium-heavy tactile experience, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. As a result, users seeking a nimble, responsive switch may gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a stronger push feel will likely favor the Outemu Brown. Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa is the lighter switch, whereas the Outemu Brown is the heavier option, with no similar forces between them.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, catering to those who prefer a more responsive keypress, which is especially beneficial for gamers seeking quicker reaction times. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown's 4 mm travel distance provides a more traditional and deeper typing experience, which some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Therefore, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on personal preference: if you favor quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa is the better option, but for a more robust feel, the Outemu Brown is ideal.
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 Brown 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise that is particularly pleasing to the ears while typing. This clarity in sound often gives an impression of a more responsive experience, making each keystroke feel engaging. On the other hand, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Brown tactile switch remain unspecified. However, it’s important to note that the sound of any keyboard switch can be influenced by the specific keyboard plate and keycap material used, meaning that while the Chiikawa - 28g has a known auditory quality, the Brown's sound profile may vary depending on these factors.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch features a very light actuation force of 28g which allows for effortless typing and an overall fluidity that many find appealing. This weight makes it ideal for users who prefer a quick and responsive experience without feeling fatigued during extended typing sessions. In contrast, the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Brown switch are not described; however, its classification as a tactile switch typically suggests that it would provide a noticeable bump at the actuation point, offering a different kind of feedback compared to the linear smoothness of the Chiikawa switch.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch excels in producing a bright and crisper sound profile alongside a very light actuation force for a fluid typing experience. In contrast, information regarding the sound and feel of the Outemu Brown tactile switch is limited, making it challenging to draw direct comparisons. For users seeking an engaging auditory and tactile experience, the Chiikawa - 28g may be the preferred choice, but those interested in the tactile feedback of the Browns would benefit from testing the switches in person to assess if that characteristic suits their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch should be guided by your specific preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light typing experience with quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming. Its low actuation force and bright sound profile contribute to an airy and enjoyable typing experience, making it ideal for users who dislike heavy resistance or want a more playful feel. On the other hand, if you appreciate tactile feedback and a more substantial key press, the Outemu Brown with its medium-heavy actuation force would suit you better. This switch offers a tactile bump that can enhance your typing accuracy, making it suitable for those who enjoy a tangible response while typing or for general productivity tasks. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, whether you favor the lightweight, linear feel of the Chiikawa switches or the tactile reassurance of the Outemu Browns.
Mentioned in this article
