Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Dustproof Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Dustproof Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Dustproof Red each offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g switch is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28g and its bright sound profile, delivering a responsive and engaging typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched tone. This switch is ideal for users who favor quick key presses and an auditory feedback that enhances their interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, while the Outemu Dustproof Red is a linear switch that prioritizes smooth key presses without any tactile bumps or clicks, it lacks distinct sound characteristics, making it a more subdued option for those seeking a quieter typing experience. The Dustproof feature further protects against dirt and debris, appealing to users concerned about long-term maintenance and durability. Both switches cater to different user needs—whether you're after a lively, responsive feel and sound or a more streamlined, dust-resistant option. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
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
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Dustproof Red both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharp, high-pitched sound profile that is crisp and clear. This is due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which promotes a resonant sound, making it ideal for an enjoyable typing experience. The translucency of polycarbonate also allows both switches to showcase RGB lighting effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal during use. Given that both switches share this common material for their tops, users can expect similar auditory feedback and visual effects, further solidifying the appeal of polycarbonate in modern mechanical switches.
In contrast to their top housings, the Chiikawa - 28g and the Dustproof Red are equipped with nylon for their bottom housings. This choice results in a notably different auditory experience than that provided by their polycarbonate tops. Nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, leading to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate on the tops. This combination allows users to experience two distinct sound dynamics: the clear, resonant notes from the polycarbonate top and the rounder, warmer tones from the nylon bottom. The synergy between these materials offers a balanced mix of auditory textures during use.
By combining these complementary materials, both switches demonstrate the nuanced impact that housing materials have on sound and feel. While the polycarbonate top contributes to the high-pitched clarity during the release of a key, the nylon bottom fosters a deep and rich acoustic experience when the key bottoms out. This division of properties accentuates the importance of material selection in mechanical switches, showing that despite the similarities in their top housing, the nuanced differences in the bottom housing significantly affect the overall typing experience. Thus, users can undertake enjoyable typing sessions with each model while appreciating their distinct acoustic characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option, which can be beneficial for those who prefer extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red has a significantly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, resulting in a heavier and more resistant feel that some users may appreciate for a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while both switches offer linear characteristics conducive to smooth keystrokes, the Chiikawa is better suited for users seeking a lighter touch, whereas the Outemu caters to those who favor a firmer push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch, we see a notable difference in their specifications. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Red has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This slight difference in travel distance may appeal to different user preferences: those who favor the more responsive feel of a key press might prefer the shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Chiikawa switch, as it can lead to quicker response times, especially beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, users who appreciate a more substantial key press with a hearty depth may find the Dustproof Red's 4 mm travel distance more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice will depend on whether one prioritizes responsiveness or the depth of the key press experience.
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 Dustproof Red 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 and crisp acoustic profile, producing a high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience. This quality is particularly pronounced due to its very light actuation force, which contributes to a more responsive and lively auditory response. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch has no specific sound qualities attributed to it. It's important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, such as the material of the board and the type of keycaps used, which means that the perceived sound of both switches can vary depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is renowned for its very light actuation force, resulting in a soft and smooth keystroke that allows for effortless typing. The responsiveness and light touch can be particularly appealing for those who favor a fast-paced typing style or gaming. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch is not clearly defined, making it unknown how it compares in terms of smoothness and responsiveness. This lack of information might mean it could offer a more conventional linear switch experience, but it’s impossible to draw a direct comparison without more detail.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch presents distinct advantages with its bright sound and very light actuation force that leads to a highly responsive feel, making it a strong candidate for those seeking a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch remains an enigma without enough information about its sound and feel to provide a definitive assessment, making it harder to suggest its suitability for a newcomer in the mechanical keyboard realm. If you prioritize auditory feedback and light actuation, the Chiikawa switch is the clear choice, while the Outemu's performance remains uncertain.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Red linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you favor a lighter touch and desire a switch that offers a very responsive feel with a low actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its 28g actuation force and 34g bottom-out force make it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming, allowing you to enjoy a crisp, bright sound profile that adds to the overall typing experience. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a medium resistance while typing, the Outemu Dustproof Red with a 60g bottom-out force may be more suited for you. This switch provides a more pronounced tactile feedback, which can enhance your accuracy when typing or gaming, despite lacking any standout sound characteristics. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style—opt for the Chiikawa for lighter, more agile keystrokes, or choose the Dustproof Red for a more traditional typing experience with a firmer feel.
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