Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Crystal Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Crystal 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 Crystal Brown offer two distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch renowned for its bright sound profile and remarkably light actuation force of just 28g, resulting in a highly responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that can make typing feel exhilarating. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown is a tactile switch designed to offer a more pronounced feedback experience with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, making it ideal for users who appreciate the tactile reassurance of their keystrokes. While the Chiikawa might attract those who favor a smooth and swift typing experience, the Crystal Brown caters to those who enjoy a more engaged typing feel with auditory and physical feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches, it's evident that both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The use of polycarbonate in both switches results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to its stiffness and clarity. This quality is especially advantageous when using RGB lighting, as the translucency of clear polycarbonate allows for the effective diffusion of light, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of illuminated keyboards. Thus, both switch models will deliver similar visual and auditory experiences in terms of the top housing performance.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings are designed to provide the opposite sound characteristics. Nylon, being a relatively softer plastic, absorbs sound, which results in a deeper and fuller tone when typing. This inherent difference in the materials used for the bottom housing means that both switches will evoke a rounder and duller sound profile at the point of bottoming out, which is primarily influenced by the bottom housing's material properties. Therefore, while the top housings of both switches contribute to a bright sound, the bottom housings bring a warm and muted contrast, highlighting how the combined effects of the materials can create a unique typing experience for users.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate top housings with nylon bottom housings in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Crystal Brown switches results in a harmonious balance of sound profiles. Users can expect a bright and clear sound when keys are released, coupled with a deep and full sound when keys are pressed down. This synergy of materials allows for a cohesive auditory experience, despite the variations in individual switch designs. Therefore, whether opting for the Chiikawa or the Crystal Brown, users can appreciate the distinct yet complementary sounds produced by the careful selection of housing materials in these switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, requiring less force for keystrokes, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Crystal Brown switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push that some users prefer for a tactile typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Chiikawa switch is 34 grams, while the Crystal Brown reaches a bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that not only does the Chiikawa require less force to actuate, but it also offers less resistance when fully pressed down compared to the Crystal Brown. Ultimately, if you're seeking a lighter and softer keystroke experience, the Chiikawa is the way to go; however, if you favor a firmer touch, the Crystal Brown would be more appealing with its increased resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, it's clear that they offer different experiences. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown measures 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, appealing to those who prioritize responsiveness in their keystrokes, such as gamers who benefit from quicker actuation. Conversely, the Crystal Brown, with its longer travel distance, is better suited for users who prefer a more pronounced and hearty feedback during typing. The difference in travel distances suggests that while both switches can offer unique typing experiences, those looking for more rapid responses will find the Chiikawa more to their liking, whereas the Crystal Brown provides a deeper feel that some users may find more comfortable.
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 Crystal 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 characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This vibrant auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a lively sound while working or gaming. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch lacks specific sound characteristics mentioned in the information provided, making it difficult to compare its auditory profile directly. However, it's important to note that the overall sound a switch produces can be influenced by other factors, such as the keyboard construction and keycap material, which could potentially align the experience more closely.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press, contributing to a smooth typing experience. The lightness may appeal to users who prefer a less strenuous keystroke while typing for extended periods. In contrast, the information shared does not specify the tactile feedback or feel characteristics of the Crystal Brown switch, making a direct comparison challenging. However, many tactile switches generally offer a noticeable bump that provides feedback when a key is actuated, which can affect typing rhythm and accuracy.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is celebrated for its bright sound and responsive feel, while the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch remains less defined in sound and feel characteristics based on the information available. If you enjoy a lively auditory experience with a very light actuation force, the Chiikawa might be your best option. However, if you prefer a tactile switch, more specific information on the Crystal Brown would be beneficial to draw any further conclusions. Ultimately, personal preference will play a significant role in determining which switch aligns better with your typing style and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor an exceptionally light touch with a responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option, especially for gaming or rapid typing tasks where speed is crucial. Its soft actuation and bright sound profile can offer a joyful typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate a lighter, more nimble feel and a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer more tactile feedback while typing and don't mind a bit of extra resistance, the Outemu Crystal Brown's medium-light bottom out force may be more suited to your needs. The tactile bump will provide a satisfying response that can enhance your typing accuracy, making it beneficial for long writing sessions or for those who find comfort in the tactile cues. Therefore, assess how important sound, feel, and actuation force are to your workflow to make the most informed choice for your mechanical keyboard.
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