Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Cream Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cream Blue 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 Cream Blue offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28 grams, which makes it highly responsive and ideal for those who enjoy a quick and effortless typing experience. Its bright sound profile delivers a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback, perfect for users who appreciate an engaging acoustic element. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Blue switches are designed to provide a tactile and clicky feel, delivering satisfying feedback with each keystroke. While this switch is favored by typists who enjoy the tactile sensation and audible click, it may require slightly more force to actuate than the Chiikawa. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize a lightweight, responsive typing experience or a tactile, clicky feedback. 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
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cream Blue, a distinct difference can be found in the choice of materials for the top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, more resonant sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a clearer auditory experience, making it particularly effective for users who prioritize clarity and brightness in their keystrokes. The translucent nature of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making this switch visually appealing for those who want an illuminated keyboard. In contrast, the Cream Blue employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a more muted and deeper sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a rounder auditory experience that can be more satisfying for those who prefer a plush typing feel.
Examining the bottom housings shows a different context, as both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Cream Blue utilize nylon for this component. Both switches, therefore, share the classic characteristics associated with nylon, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile that emphasizes a softer touch during typing. The bottom housing plays an essential role here, as it influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback. Therefore, while the top housing materials offer contrasting audible experiences, the consistency in the bottom nylon housing of both switches ensures that users will enjoy a similar acoustical warmth and a cushioning effect in their keystrokes.
Overall, the combination of differing top housing materials between the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cream Blue underscores how nuanced typists' experiences can be. While the Chiikawa leverages the clarity and brightness of polycarbonate for an engaging and eye-catching outcome, the Cream Blue opts for a softer touch rooted in the depth of nylon for a rounded feel. However, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housings, which results in a similar base tactile experience. Users looking to bridge the gap between these two switches may find value in the unique characteristics of each while still achieving an overall familiar auditory experience rooted in the softness of nylon.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to distinct typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a favorable option for users who favor a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Cream Blue switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial push that some typists and gamers might find appealing for a tactile experience. Therefore, if you're looking for an effortless and lightweight typing experience, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, whereas the Cream Blue catering to those who prefer a firmer feel with a stronger resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, the difference is notable. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Cream Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you prefer a more responsive feel with a quicker actuation, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa switch may be more appealing. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper and more pronounced keystroke, the Cream Blue switch would be the better choice due to its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the Chiikawa offers a slightly more responsive experience, while the Cream Blue provides a more traditional, substantial feel.
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 Cream Blue 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, delivering a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This characteristic is enhanced by its very light actuation force, allowing for a pleasant auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch does not have a defined sound profile available, but as a clicky switch, one might expect a noticeable auditory feedback typical of clicky switches, which could create a more tactile and pronounced typing experience. However, due to the lack of specific information, the sound quality of the Cream Blue remains uncertain.
When examining the feel, the Chiikawa - 28g's very light actuation force makes it notably responsive, providing an effortless typing experience for users who prefer lighter switches. This can lead to faster typing speeds and less finger fatigue during prolonged use. The Cream Blue switch, meanwhile, being a clicky switch, typically offers a tactile bump with each keystroke, which can enhance the typing experience by giving clear feedback when a key has been actuated. However, without detailed information on the feel of the Cream Blue, a definitive comparison to the Chiikawa - 28g's lightness cannot be made.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a bright auditory experience combined with a very light and responsive feel, making it suitable for users who favor speed and minimal effort. The Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch, while lacking specific information, would likely provide a more tactile and possibly louder experience typical of clicky switches. Overall, users looking for a lightweight and crisp typing experience may gravitate towards the Chiikawa switch, while those who appreciate tactile feedback might find the Cream Blue advantageous, despite the uncertainty regarding its specific qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Blue clicky switch should largely be influenced by your typing style and preferences. If you prioritize a light and responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent choice. With its low actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, you’ll find that it allows for effortless key presses, ideal for fast typists or those who prefer a soft touch. Its bright sound profile enhances the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and enjoyable, especially if you appreciate a more subtle sound without a tactile bump. On the other hand, if you enjoy a tactile feedback and a more substantial typing experience, the Outemu Cream Blue will suit you better. Its bottom out force of 65 grams provides a medium-heavy feel that many typists and gamers appreciate, especially if you prefer the satisfaction of a solid key press. Plus, the clicky feedback adds an auditory element that can be both satisfying and motivating while working or gaming. Ultimately, you should choose the Chiikawa for a lightweight, responsive typing experience, and the Cream Blue when you want a firmer, clicky feel that makes each keystroke more pronounced.
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