Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cold Plum offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences, both within the linear switch category. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28g, contributing to a responsive typing experience coupled with a bright, high-pitched sound profile that resonates with users who favor a quick, snappy feel. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum features a thocky sound profile and a fully nylon construction, providing a smooth keystroke that yields a satisfying auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who enjoy a more robust and pronounced typing experience. Both switches cater to unique preferences; the Chiikawa excels in responsiveness and brightness, while the Cold Plum shines in its tactile satisfaction and acoustic richness. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cold Plum switches, notable differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is primarily due to polycarbonate's rigidity, which enhances clarity and resonance in sound. Additionally, the transparency of polycarbonate makes it advantageous for RGB lighting effects, allowing for a brighter and more vivid display. In contrast, the Cold Plum employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Given nylon's softer texture, it absorbs sound, resulting in a more rounded and mellow auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials indicates that while both switches can perform well, they inherently deliver distinct acoustic experiences.
Turning our attention to their bottom housings reveals a divergence in material usage that is consistent across both switches. Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cold Plum feature nylon bottom housings, which are celebrated for their ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared characteristic allows for a more grounded typing experience, as the nylon absorbs more sound, providing a rounded bottom-out noise. When a user presses down on these switches, the qualities of the nylon material significantly influence the auditory feedback and feel, regardless of the contrasting attributes of the top housings. This commonality in bottom housing materials creates a foundational similarity in both switches, as they both manage to deliver consistencies in sound quality during the keystroke.
To summarize the overall performance of the two switches, while they differ in top housing materials, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cold Plum resemble each other in their bottom housing construction, leading to a unique balance of auditory results. The polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa affords it a distinct high-pitched sound, meanwhile the Cold Plum's nylon top lends a rounded quality, together creating a diverse tactile experience for users. However, as both switches employ nylon in their bottom design, users can expect a fuller bottom-out sound that resonates nicely. Thus, while the top housing variation may lead to differing sound profiles when releasing keys, the shared qualities of their nylon bottom housings ensure that both switches can ultimately yield similar desirable results during everyday typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The Chiikawa - 28g features a significantly lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience suitable for extended use. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, catering to users who enjoy a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa - 28g is lighter overall, the Cold Plum presents a heavier option. This variance means that users seeking a light switch for long gaming sessions or typing may gravitate toward the Chiikawa, whereas those who favor a firmer response might choose the Cold Plum.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly longer than the Outemu Cold Plum's 3.3 mm travel distance. This makes the Cold Plum the shorter option, making it potentially more responsive for gamers who favor quicker key presses. Conversely, the Chiikawa's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feeling when typing, providing a heartier depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your preference for responsiveness versus a deeper typing experience will inform your choice between these two switches.
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 Cold Plum 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 and high-pitched noise that contributes to a very responsive typing experience. This sharp auditory cue can enhance the engagement of the typist, making each keystroke feel more pronounced. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch offers a thocky sound profile, characterized by a deeper, more muted resonance due to its fully nylon construction. The combination of these factors results in a sound that is more satisfying for some enthusiasts, particularly those who prefer a less acute auditory feedback during their typing sessions. While both switches vary in their auditory feedback, it’s important to remember that the final sound also depends on the keyboard's materials, construction, and chosen keycaps.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is appreciated for its very light actuation force of 28g, which allows for effortless keystrokes that can enhance speed and comfort during extensive typing sessions. This feature is particularly appealing to users who prioritize swift keystrokes and reduced finger fatigue. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch is celebrated for its smooth keystroke, providing a distinct tactile experience that is both satisfying and enjoyable; however, the specific actuation force is not mentioned. This contrast highlights the different preferences users may have—whether they value a light touch conducive to rapid typing, or a smooth and possibly heavier feel that enhances the overall enjoyable experience of typing.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switches present unique auditory and tactile profiles that cater to different types of typists. The Chiikawa impresses with its bright sound and light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for speed and responsiveness. Meanwhile, the Cold Plum provides a deeper thocky sound and a smooth keystroke that can offer a distinct and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound and feel, but enthusiasts can expect a compelling typing experience from either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch largely depends on your preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and tactile sensation. If you appreciate a lighter touch and a more responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its 34g actuation force, paired with a bright sound profile, makes it ideal for fast typists who enjoy a higher-pitched sound and quick response, making it suitable for gaming and intensive typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel to your keystrokes, the Cold Plum’s 70g bottom-out force delivers a medium-heavy experience that many enthusiasts find satisfying. Its thocky sound profile offers a deeper resonance that can enhance your typing experience, especially if you appreciate a sound that is both rich and smooth. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want your keyboard to perform, whether you lean towards an exhilaratingly light sensation or a more robust and thocky feeling that can make typing more enjoyable.
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