Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Purple offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch renowned for its bright sound profile and incredibly light actuation force of only 28 grams, making it a popular option for those who prioritize speedy, fluid keystrokes and a crisp, high-pitched sound while typing. This switch is ideal for gamers or typists who thrive on quick responses and smooth key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Purple is a tactile switch that provides a tactile bump at the actuation point, giving users a satisfying feedback that is particularly beneficial for typists seeking precision and a more deliberate typing experience. While the Chiikawa is all about speed and lightness, the Outemu Purple caters to those who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation with every keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Purple, both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which yield similar acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, contributing to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's translucency adds an aesthetic dimension, making it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting displays, as it allows light to diffuse effectively through the switch. As both switches utilize this material, users can expect an enhanced sound clarity and vibrancy when the keys are pressed, enriching the overall typing experience with a lively auditory feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made of nylon, a classic material known for providing depth to the sound signature. Nylon's softer nature aids in sound absorption, resulting in a fuller, rounder acoustic experience. This characteristic is important as it influences the bottom-out feel of the switch, making keys feel softer and more cushioned as they are pressed down. While the top housing contributes to the sound heard when releasing the key, the bottom housing is crucial in defining how the switch feels and sounds when it is bottomed out, emphasizing the contrasting contributions of each material.
Ultimately, while both the Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Purple switches share the same materials at both their tops and bottoms, the result is a harmonious blend of clarity and fullness in sound. Users can expect a consistent typing experience with a pleasant auditory feedback owing to the combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, allowing them to enjoy the qualities each material brings without compromise. The result is a well-rounded switch that delivers both a rich acoustic experience and a visually striking appearance, making both the Chiikawa and Outemu a great option for those who prioritize performance and aesthetics in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation force, which contributes to their respective typing experiences. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of just 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as users won't require as much effort to actuate each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Purple switch features a significantly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, though its bottom out force remains unknown. This heavier actuation provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, users opting for the Chiikawa will enjoy a lighter switch, which can reduce fatigue over extended use, while those who select the Purple switch will experience the added resistance and feedback associated with a heavier key press. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is more suitable for users seeking comfort in long sessions, while the Purple switch caters to those who appreciate a firmer feel during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Chiikawa - 28g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Purple features a slightly longer distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to users seeking faster response times, particularly gamers. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple's traditional 4 mm travel distance may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel and depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference: if you want a more responsive experience, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, but for a deeper, more tactile feedback, the Outemu Purple would be ideal.
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 Purple 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 noted for its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched tone that resonates when the keys are activated. This characterizes the typing experience with an engaging auditory feedback that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Outemu Purple tactile switch does not have specific sound qualities provided, making it difficult to draw a clear comparison. However, it is essential to remember that the overall sound of both switches can vary depending on the keyboard assembly and keycap selection, which can significantly influence the acoustic signature.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, contributing to a responsive typing experience that is effortless and quick. This can be particularly beneficial for users who prefer a lighter touch. The Outemu Purple, being a tactile switch, is known for its noticeable bump at the actuation point, providing feedback that can enhance typing accuracy. This tactile feel caters to those who appreciate a clear indication when a key has been actuated, even though the specifics of its actuation force are not available.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a combination of a bright sound profile and a very light feel that makes for an engaging and pleasant typing experience. Although the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific sound details, its tactile feedback can be advantageous for typists seeking a more defined key press. Both switches cater to different user preferences, with the Chiikawa being ideal for those who favor a lighter, more responsive feel and the Purple for those who appreciate tactile sensations during their typing journey. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, where each type will provide a unique experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch should be guided by your personal preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lighter touch and quick responsiveness when typing or gaming, the Chiikawa switch's 28g actuation force and 34g bottom-out force will provide you with an agile, nearly effortless feel that is perfect for rapid keystrokes. Additionally, its bright sound profile offers a crisp, high-pitched feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making it ideal for the enthusiastic typist or gamer who values both speed and auditory feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile bump that gives you clear feedback on your keystrokes, the Outemu Purple switch might be the better option. While specific details about its bottom-out force and sound profile are unavailable, tactile switches typically offer a satisfying resistance that many find enjoyable, especially for long typing sessions where you want to minimize accidental key presses. Thus, if you're looking for a combination of tactile sensation and the potential for more deliberate typing, you would likely gravitate towards the Purple switch. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the workspace environment, and whether you prioritize a light feel or tactile feedback to determine which switch complements your experience best.
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