Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean both stand out as enticing linear options, each bringing unique characteristics to the table. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28 grams, offering a highly responsive typing experience along with a bright sound profile that resonates with a crisp, high-pitched tone, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback without the weight. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, while not as prominently described, is engineered to offer a significantly quieter typing experience, ideal for users seeking a more subdued environment or those who share their workspace with others. Both switches cater to different ergonomic and auditory preferences, highlighting the importance of individual typing styles in switch selection. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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 Silent Ocean utilize identical housing materials for their design, employing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. Both switches featuring a polycarbonate top housing produce a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic emerges from the nature of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic, which not only enhances the clarity and resonance of sound but also supports the aesthetic appeal offered by its translucency. This translucency allows for vivid RGB lighting effects, thus providing an appealing visual experience for users who enjoy enhanced backlighting in their keyboards.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both the Chiikawa and the Silent Ocean utilize nylon, a classic switch housing material known for its sound-absorbing properties. This contributes to a distinctly deeper and fuller sound profile, which is particularly noticeable when typing. Because nylon is softer compared to materials like polycarbonate, it tends to absorb sound better, leading to a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. Therefore, despite the similarities in construction, the audible result will be a combination of both the sharper sounds from the polycarbonate top and the deeper tones from the nylon bottom.
In essence, the interplay between the contrasting qualities of each material in both switches ensures a balanced auditory experience. The combination of the polycarbonate and nylon creates a diverse sound profile characterized by sharpness and depth. While both models leverage the same materials to achieve their unique sounds, the splits in characteristics between their top and bottom housings contribute to a nuanced typing experience. By understanding how each material contributes to sound production, users can appreciate that while the switches may share similarities, their overall performance creates a distinct typing sensation tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, targeting those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a stronger tactile feedback. Thus, if you favor lighter switches for comfort over long durations, the Chiikawa would be the better option. Conversely, if you prefer a heavier switch that offers a firmer feel, the Outemu switch would be more suitable. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option while the Outemu is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Silent Ocean features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch provides a deeper feel when pressed compared to the more compact Ocean switch. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter 3.3 mm travel distance of the Dustproof Silent Ocean may be more appealing. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial keystroke might gravitate towards the Chiikawa switch, as its longer travel distance could offer a more satisfying and deliberate typing experience. In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is the longer option at 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean, measuring 3.3 mm, is the shorter choice.
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 Silent Ocean 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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that creates a crisp, high-pitched auditory experience when typing. This makes it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a more melodic typing experience. On the other hand, while specific details about the sound profile of the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch are not available, it is worth noting that sound can greatly vary based on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps. Therefore, while the Chiikawa offers a distinct auditory quality, the Dustproof Silent Ocean might present a different acoustic experience, potentially leaning towards a quieter typing environment.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out for its very light actuation force, making it very responsive and easier on the fingers during extended typing sessions. This lightness can enhance the tactile experience, allowing for quicker keystrokes with less effort. The feel of the Dustproof Silent Ocean is not specified, leaving its tactile characteristics unknown. However, as with sound, the feel of a switch can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used, so even without specific feel characteristics for the Dustproof Silent Ocean, it could deliver a satisfactory typing experience depending on those factors.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is notable for its bright sound and light actuation force, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch presents an unknown sound and feel profile. If you prefer an enjoyable acoustic experience with responsive keystrokes, the Chiikawa is an excellent choice. If you're seeking something quieter or different but are open to exploring, the Dustproof Silent Ocean could be an option, though its exact qualities may remain a mystery. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences, and your preferences will guide which one suits you best.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you lean towards a very light actuation force and enjoy a crisp, bright sound profile while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g would be a fantastic option. Its 34-gram bottom-out force allows for a highly responsive feel, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate quick key presses without much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel in your typing experience, the Outemu Dustproof Silent Ocean with its 65-gram bottom-out force may be more suitable. While it lacks a specified sound profile, it embodies a medium-heavy resistance that might be more to your liking if you enjoy a tactile, solid feedback with each keystroke. Additionally, since the Silent Ocean switches are designed to be dustproof and quiet, they are a great choice for more professional settings or shared spaces where noise could be an issue. Overall, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best decision between these two switches.
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