Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the contrasts between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Maple Leaf can significantly influence your typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch renowned for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light 28g actuation force, offering a highly responsive feel that can enhance typing speed and efficiency. This makes it an attractive option for gamers and typists who prefer a smooth keypress with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf is a tactile switch, providing users with a noticeable bump at the actuation point, which can enhance typing accuracy and satisfaction for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel. While the Chiikawa’s crisp, high-pitched sound is likely to appeal to those seeking a lively auditory experience, the Maple Leaf’s tactile feedback caters to individuals who appreciate a more engaged and deliberate typing action. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.30 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches, a clear distinction arises in their top housing choices. The Chiikawa - 28g employs a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate. This material not only enhances the clarity of the sound profile but also works harmoniously with RGB lighting, owing to its translucency. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf features a nylon top housing, renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to nylon's softer composition. Thus, the two switches diverge significantly in terms of top housing materials, leading to contrasting sound qualities during use.
The bottom housing for both switches, however, shares a commonality as they both utilize nylon material. This similarity allows them to produce a rich, enveloping sound profile, characterized by a rounder and fuller auditory experience. Both nylon bottom housings absorb sound effectively, minimizing harshness and ensuring a smooth typing experience. Therefore, while the two switches may differ significantly in their top housing materials, they converge in the composition of their bottom housings, which enhances the overall auditory profile and typing feel.
As a result of these contrasting top housing materials and parallel bottom housing choices, users will experience a blend of auditory characteristics unique to each switch. The Chiikawa - 28g will excel in crisp sounds when the key is released, thanks to its polycarbonate top, while the Outemu Maple Leaf will deliver a more muted but fuller sound experience overall. Simultaneously, both switches provide a rich typing experience derived from their nylon bottom housings. Ultimately, while the specific material choices lead to differing sound profiles during play, the similarities in bottom housing help unify their tactile and auditory performance, allowing users to enjoy quality results regardless of their preference between the two switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a notably lighter actuation force, requiring only 28 grams to trigger a keystroke, while the Maple Leaf switch necessitates a heftier 55 grams for actuation. This difference makes the Chiikawa better suited for users who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, the bottom out forces reflect a similar trend: the Chiikawa switch bottoms out at 34 grams, whereas the Maple Leaf reaches a bottom out force of 65 grams. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, promoting a more effortless typing experience, while the Maple Leaf provides a more substantial feel due to its heavier forces. Hence, those who favor a lighter switch will find the Chiikawa more appealing, while users seeking a more robust typing experience may gravitate towards the Maple Leaf.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch differ in their travel distances, with the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm and the Maple Leaf at 3.3 mm. This makes the Maple Leaf the shorter travel distance option, providing a quicker actuation that may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Chiikawa's longer 3.6 mm travel distance can lend a more pronounced feel, which some users prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, those looking for a more responsive key press might lean towards the Maple Leaf, whereas users who favor a deeper keystroke may find the Chiikawa more satisfying.
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 Maple Leaf 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, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that can be quite satisfying for typists who enjoy a little auditory feedback with each keystroke. This acoustic characteristic, combined with its very light actuation force, gives the switch a distinct and lively auditory presence on the desk. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch does not have a specific sound profile detailed, leaving it somewhat ambiguous in comparison. However, keep in mind that the actual sound produced by both switches can vary based on factors like the keyboard build and the keycaps used.
When considering the feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is notably light and responsive, making it easy to press with minimal effort. The very low actuation force contributes to a sensation of effortless typing, making it an attractive option for users who prefer a lightweight, linear feel. The Maple Leaf tactile switch, while not described, typically offers a tactile bump that provides physical feedback during actuation. If the Maple Leaf holds true to the typical properties of tactile switches, it would offer a more deliberate typing experience compared to the smoother, uninterrupted action of the Chiikawa.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 28g switch excels with its bright sound and light feel, making it lively and responsive, perfect for those who favor a swift and airy typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Maple Leaf's lack of specific descriptions means its qualities remain unclear, but if it adheres to standard tactile switch characteristics, it would provide a distinctly different tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches would largely depend on whether you prefer a lightweight linear feel or are looking for tactile feedback during your typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the type of experience you want to cultivate. If you lean towards a lightweight switch that allows for speedy typing with minimal resistance, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its light actuation force of 28g means you can type quickly and effortlessly, making it ideal for those who enjoy gaming or typing swiftly in general. Additionally, its bright sound profile and crisp feedback will appeal to those who appreciate an auditory cue while typing, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier feel with more tactile feedback while typing, the Outemu Maple Leaf is worth considering. Its heavier 65g bottom-out force and tactile bump can provide a more deliberate typing experience that many find satisfying, especially for long bouts of writing where you want to feel each keypress. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize a more linear, responsive sensation or a tactile, heavier feedback that can enhance your typing accuracy. Consider these aspects carefully to find which switch aligns best with your personal typing style.
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