Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Gold present two distinct yet appealing options. The Chiikawa - 28g, recognized for its light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, offers a wonderfully responsive typing experience, ideal for those who prioritize speed and quiet operation. Its linear design ensures smooth keystrokes without any tactile feedback, making it perfect for gamers and typists alike who enjoy quick, uninterrupted strokes. In contrast, the Outemu Gold is a clicky switch that creates a satisfying auditory feedback with every keystroke, appealing to users who appreciate tactile confirmation. The pronounced click sound and feeling can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who favor a more traditional mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference: whether you're drawn to the light, smooth responsiveness of the Chiikawa - 28g or the engaging feedback of the Outemu Gold. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Gold switches showcase a notable similarity in their construction, particularly in their usage of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is renowned for producing a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile due to its stiffness. This trait contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience that is noticeable when typing. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing serves an additional purpose; it enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, especially when RGB lighting is employed. Therefore, despite the different branding, users can expect a similar sound quality and visual effects from both products thanks to their shared top housing material.
When examining the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Gold again align closely in their use of nylon. This material is considered a classic in the realm of mechanical switches, as it provides a substantially deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience that contrasts with its polycarbonate counterpart. This material choice is significant as it impacts the tactile feedback and sound quality during typing, especially during the bottom-out phase of a keystroke. Thus, the nylon bottom housing ensures a cohesive typing experience across both switches, emphasizing their complementary sound characteristics.
The interaction between the top and bottom housing materials in the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Gold further enhances their overall performance. With both switches featuring the same top and bottom housing materials, users will inevitably get similar results in terms of sound and feel. The polycarbonate top housing influences the sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing shapes the auditory experience when bottoms out. This synergy between the materials allows users to appreciate the unique sound profiles that both switches deliver, enhancing the overall typing experience irrespective of the brand. Consequently, the alignment in housing materials signifies that enthusiasts can confidently choose between the two options without sacrificing performance or sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the Outemu Gold clicky switch, notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Chiikawa switch boasts a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent option for those who type for extended periods or engage in prolonged gaming sessions, as the reduced force can help minimize finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Gold switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience with greater tactile feedback. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter choice, while the Outemu Gold is significantly heavier, offering users a clear distinction based on their personal preferences for typing feel and effort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, the differences are notable. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold has a slightly greater travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more responsive feel. In contrast, the Outemu Gold, with its longer travel distance, may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial keypress that provides a deeper tactile experience. Overall, if you favor faster actuation, the Chiikawa - 28g is the way to go, whereas the Outemu Gold caters to those who appreciate the depth and a more deliberate keystroke.
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 Gold 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 and crisp sound profile that delivers a high-pitched tone when typing. This bright auditory quality enhances the overall typing experience, making it feel more engaging and lively. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold clicky switch does not have an established sound profile noted in the information provided. However, clicky switches generally produce a distinct audible "click" upon actuation, which some typists find satisfying and others might consider intrusive.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its very light actuation force of 28 grams, resulting in a notably responsive typing experience that can feel effortless and fluid during extended use. This can be particularly appealing for typists who prefer fast, soft keystrokes. In contrast, without specific information on the feel of the Outemu Gold clicky switch, it's challenging to make a direct comparison. Clicky switches in general tend to provide tactile feedback that gives a clear indication of actuation, which some typists may find advantageous for accurate typing, but specific characteristics would vary by model.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a bright sound profile and a very light actuation force, creating a responsive and lively typing experience. The Outemu Gold switch lacks defined sound and feel characteristics in this context, but as a clicky switch, it would typically emphasize auditory feedback through a precise click sound. Overall, aesthetic preferences for sound and tactile feedback between the two switches would cater to different typing styles, emphasizing that your choice ultimately aligns with personal preferences and typing habits.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch heavily depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a very light and responsive feel while typing and prefer a switch that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound, then the Chiikawa - 28g is likely your best choice. This switch is particularly suited for fast-paced typing or gaming due to its light actuation force of 28 grams and an overall bottom-out force of 34 grams. On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys a tactile feedback and the satisfying click sensation that accompanies each keystroke, you might favor the Outemu Gold switch, which, with its 60-gram bottom-out force, offers a more robust feel and medium resistance. This makes it a solid option for both typing and gaming, especially if you appreciate a more deliberate typing experience. In essence, your choice between these two switches should depend on whether you prioritize a lightweight, responsive feel with a bright sound or a more substantial, clicky typing experience.
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