Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lotus both present unique traits that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its remarkable light actuation force of just 28g, allowing for an incredibly responsive typing experience and a bright, high-pitched sound that adds a distinct auditory element to each keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize speed and the tactile feedback of sound. On the other hand, while specific characteristics of the Outemu Lotus are less defined, it positions itself as a solid choice for those who prefer a quieter linear switch without any particular standout traits, making it versatile for various environments. Both switches cater to different needs—whether you seek an engaging and lively typing sound with the Chiikawa or a more subdued and understated feel with the Lotus. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lotus exhibit distinct differences in their top housing materials, with the Chiikawa featuring polycarbonate while the Lotus uses nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Chiikawa is characterized by its stiffer nature, contributing to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material is particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency, allowing for vibrant illumination. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Lotus produces a deeper and fuller sound profile, benefiting from nylon's softer composition that absorbs sound. This results in a more subdued and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material influences not just the acoustics, but also the visual aesthetics and compatibility with lighting.
Regarding the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Lotus utilize nylon, a classic material known for its ability to generate a deeper sound profile. Since both switches have the same material for their bottom housing, they share the qualities that come from using nylon, such as sound absorption characteristics that create a duller and rounder bottom-out sound. This similarity means that when pressed, users should expect a comparable feel and acoustics that stem from the nylon bottom housing. Therefore, while the top housings create different sound profiles, both switches provide a consistent experience when it comes to the tactile feedback and audio produced on bottoming out.
In summation, the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Lotus manifest different auditory characteristics based on their top housing materials, with the former prioritizing brightness and clarity, and the latter emphasizing depth and fullness. However, their shared nylon bottom housing ensures that they deliver consistent acoustic qualities when it comes to bottoming out. Users may appreciate that although the overall sound experiences vary due to the top materials, the defining auditory essence associated with nylon in the bottoms creates a common foundation that enhances both switches, ensuring that users can still enjoy a rich typing experience regardless of their choice.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, there are noticeable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa requires an actuation force of 28 grams, which makes it lighter than the Lotus, which has a higher actuation force of 35 grams. This lighter force of the Chiikawa can be beneficial for those who type for long hours or engage in extended gaming sessions, allowing for less finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 34 grams, while the Lotus has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that when fully pressed down, the Chiikawa provides a gentler experience, compared to the more substantial feel of the Lotus. In summary, the Chiikawa is lighter in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it preferable for users seeking ease and comfort, while the heavier Lotus switch caters to those who appreciate a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, the Chiikawa offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lotus measures slightly shorter at 3.3 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a more pronounced sensation during key presses, which might appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus, with its shorter travel distance, may be more desirable for gamers seeking quicker response times and faster actuation. Therefore, if responsiveness is a priority for the user, the Lotus would be the ideal choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial keypress might opt for the Chiikawa. In this case, the Chiikawa has the longer travel distance and the Lotus the shorter.
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 Lotus 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 best known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke. This characteristic enhances the typing experience by offering audio feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, there is no specific information available regarding the sound qualities of the Outemu Lotus linear switch. Therefore, if a user chooses either switch, they can expect a distinctly different auditory experience with the Chiikawa, while the Lotus remains an unknown variable in this aspect.
The feel of the Chiikawa - 28g is notable for its very light actuation force, which contributes to its responsiveness and ease of use. This quality can lead to a more effortless typing experience, making it a great choice for users who prefer a lighter touch. Meanwhile, the Outemu Lotus linear switch does not have any specific descriptions available regarding its feel. As such, those interested in the Lotus might need to sample it personally to determine how it compares to the Chiikawa in terms of tactile sensations and actuation effort.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it an appealing option for users who value auditory feedback and a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Lotus linear switch lacks available information on both sound and feel, presenting uncertainty for those considering it. Potential users of either switch will find that the Chiikawa offers a uniquely defined sound and tactile experience, while the Lotus requires personal testing to gauge its performance characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Lotus linear switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you favor a very light actuation force, enjoy responsive keystrokes, and appreciate a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g will likely provide a more satisfying experience. This switch is well-suited for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick response times and a crisp auditory feedback can enhance your performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and greater resistance while typing, the Outemu Lotus, with its 50-gram bottom-out force, could be a better match. This switch may offer a more stable typing experience, which could be appealing if you type for longer periods or work in a quieter environment where sound might be a concern. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on your individual preferences for sound, feel, and actuation force.
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