Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct experiences tailored for different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch, renowned for its light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, delivers a quick, responsive feel that many typists and gamers appreciate, making it ideal for those who prioritize speed and clarity in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow, classified as a tactile switch, provides a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction, making it a great choice for users who enjoy a more tactile feedback experience. While both switches present unique advantages—such as the Chiikawa's crisp auditory feedback and the Cream Yellow's textured feel—it's important to consider your personal preferences and intended usage. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Cream Yellow, we see a fundamental difference in the composition of their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, enhancing the performance of RGB lighting due to its clear nature. In contrast, the Cream Yellow utilizes a nylon top housing, a softer plastic that produces a deeper, fuller sound by absorbing sound waves rather than reflecting them. This fundamental difference in material affects the overall auditory experience when typing, with the Chiikawa delivering a more vibrant sound while the Cream Yellow offers a warmer tone.
Both switches share nylon as the material for their bottom housings, which contributes to creating a sound profile that is more subdued and rounded. This similarity means that when key presses bottom out, both switches produce a sound that is dampened and rich due to the nylon's ability to absorb sound. Consequently, the tactile and audible feedback experienced during the act of bottoming out will echo similar qualities across both switches, despite the differences in their top housings. This highlights the influence of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of mechanical switches, as the bottom housing generally drives the sound when keys are pressed.
Ultimately, the distinct advantages of each switch's upper housing material—polycarbonate for the Chiikawa - 28g and nylon for the Cream Yellow—result in contrasting sound profiles that cater to different preferences. However, the shared nylon bottom housing effectively aligns certain performance characteristics, ensuring both switches deliver a rich typing experience. Those who prefer a bolder auditory feedback from their switches may gravitate towards the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top, while users who appreciate a more cushioned and rounded sound will likely favor the Cream Yellow. Understanding these differences allows enthusiasts to select switches that best suit their typing habits and acoustic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, the most notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who enjoy a softer touch, which can facilitate prolonged typing sessions or extensive gaming without fatigue. In contrast, the Cream Yellow switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial and resistant typing experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Cream Yellow switch is the heavier choice. Users seeking a softer feel should gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those who appreciate added resistance and weight in their keystrokes may find the Outemu Cream Yellow more satisfying.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch will provide a deeper and potentially more satisfying keystroke for users who enjoy that sensation, making it suitable for those who prefer a sturdy feel when typing. In contrast, the Cream Yellow’s shorter travel distance caters to gamers or those who favor a quicker response time, as it allows for faster actuation. While both switches fall into the trend of shorter travel distances preferred in modern designs, the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm makes it the longer option compared to the Cream Yellow's 3.3 mm. Ultimately, the choice between these two options may come down to personal preference: those seeking a more pronounced typing experience may lean toward the Chiikawa, while others looking for rapid action might opt for the Cream Yellow.
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 Yellow 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 characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone with each keypress. This can create an engaging and lively typing experience, particularly appealing to those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch does not have a unique sound profile described, leaving a gap in this comparison. However, it’s worth noting that sound can vary significantly depending on the specific keyboard, keycap materials, and overall build, so factors outside of the switches themselves can heavily influence audio output.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, contributing to a notably responsive typing experience. This lightweight nature allows for quick keystrokes, making it conducive for rapid typing and gaming alike. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch is not specified, which makes it difficult to compare directly. Yet, tactile switches generally provide a distinct bump at the actuation point, giving typists a physical indication of keystrokes, which can enhance the typing experience for users who prefer discernible feedback.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch boasts a bright sound and a very light actuation force that results in a responsive feel, the Outemu Cream Yellow switch lacks specific descriptions for both its sound and feel characteristics. Consequently, if you value a high-pitched, crisp auditory feedback along with a lightweight typing experience, the Chiikawa would be the superior choice. Without additional information on the Cream Yellow's sound and feel, it remains difficult to distinctly evaluate its qualities against the Chiikawa. Ultimately, your choice may depend on personal preferences, particularly regarding the weight of the switch and the sound experience you seek.
Conclusion
To summarize, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a very light actuation force and a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa switch with its 28g actuation will be your best bet. Its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback can enhance your overall typing experience, making it well-suited for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where agility and speed are key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced resistance with a medium 60g bottom out force that can provide satisfying tactile feedback, the Cream Yellow switch might be the right choice for you. While this switch doesn’t have a specific sound profile highlighted, the heavier actuation can offer a more deliberate typing experience that some users find rewarding, especially for long writing tasks. In the end, choosing between these switches boils down to whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more solid, tactile engagement during your typing sessions.
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