Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the comparison between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silent Green reveals interesting contrasts while maintaining commonalities. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out for its remarkably light actuation force of just 28 grams, resulting in a highly responsive typing experience, complemented by a bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched feedback with each keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a tactile and lively auditory response in their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green, also a linear switch, aims to provide a more subdued experience, suitable for environments where noise should be kept to a minimum. Although specific attributes of the Silent Green aren't detailed, it is generally favored for its quieter operation, making it an excellent choice for both office settings and late-night gaming sessions without disturbing others. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for your unique needs.
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
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silent Green switches showcase a fascinating interplay of properties that influence their sound profile and tactile feedback. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which inherently lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the rigidity of the material. This shared characteristic means that both switches offer a clear and resonant auditory feedback when keys are released, making them particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. As such, users can expect a similar auditory experience when typing on these switches, especially in terms of the engaging sound they produce upon key release.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches diverge significantly. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to the softer nature of nylon that absorbs sound waves rather than reflecting them. This leads to a more subdued and rounded auditory experience when the key is pressed down. Conversely, the Silent Green switch features a polycarbonate bottom housing, mirroring the properties of its top housing and resulting in a consistent, sharper sound throughout the action of typing. This divergence means that while both switches will provide crisp sound upon release due to their polycarbonate tops, their bottom-out sounds will differ markedly—a detail that could influence a typist's preference depending on their desired auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the differences in the bottom housing materials play a critical role in shaping the overall typing experience. With the Chiikawa - 28g's nylon bottom housing contributing to a more muted sound experience, it caters to users who may favor a softer acoustic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green’s uniform polycarbonate construction in both top and bottom housings delivers a consistent audio profile that enhances clarity. Therefore, while both switches share similarities in the performance of their top housings, the exchange of materials in the bottom housings generates distinctive experiences that typists will need to consider when choosing between these two options.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for different types of users. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Green switch features a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who desire a more substantial typing experience. As a result, if you prioritize a lighter switch, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, while those seeking a firmer push feel might gravitate toward the Silent Green. Overall, the Chiikawa offers ease of use for long periods, whereas the Silent Green provides a more forceful feedback suitable for users who enjoy typing with more resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, it's clear that they differ significantly. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option, while the Silent Green offers a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance means that gamers or users who favor quicker response times might prefer the Chiikawa switch for its more responsive action. Conversely, those who appreciate a deeper, more pronounced keystroke may find the Silent Green more to their liking due to its greater travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on personal preference for either a snappier feel or a more tactile depth in typing.
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 Silent Green 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its bright audio profile, characterized by a crisp and high-pitched sound that can add a lively element to your typing experience. The lightness of the actuation force contributes to this resonant quality, allowing for a more pronounced auditory response with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green switch lacks a specific sound profile due to limited information; however, generally speaking, linear switches are often designed to be quieter compared to their clicky counterparts. This makes the Silent Green a suitable option for those who prefer a less distracting sound environment while typing.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch features a very light actuation force of just 28 grams, making it exceptionally responsive. This low resistance can facilitate rapid typing and may appeal to individuals who favor a more effortless keystroke. The tactile lack of resistance may contribute to a smooth typing experience, although the specifics of how it feels can relate to the switch's design and materials. In contrast, the feel of the Silent Green switch remains undefined; thus, it's difficult to make a direct comparison. Typically, linear switches like the Silent Green provide a consistent, smooth keystroke without any tactile bump, but without specific details, the feel can remain uncertain.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Silent Green switches present distinct sound and feel profiles, with the Chiikawa offering a bright auditory experience and a very light, responsive touch. The Silent Green, on the other hand, lacks defined auditory characteristics and does not provide details regarding its tactile feel. While the Chiikawa excels in responsiveness and sound, the Silent Green might cater to those looking for quieter, more subdued keystrokes. Those seeking specific attributes should consider their priorities and typing habits to choose between the two, as they embody different qualities that cater to varied preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, your choice largely depends on your typing preferences and your environment. If you enjoy a light actuation force that requires minimal effort for every keystroke, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its responsive nature and crisp sound profile make it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for quick and effortless key presses. Furthermore, if you're in a quieter environment or simply prefer a keyboard that doesn’t disturb others, this switch will keep the noise level down while still offering an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile experience with a bit more resistance and don’t mind a louder typing sound, the Outemu Silent Green switch might be more suited to your needs. Its medium bottom-out force provides a more substantial feel that can enhance your typing satisfaction, especially if you are doing a lot of writing or enjoy a more deliberate key press. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, the ambient noise levels of your environment, and the kind of feedback you find most enjoyable while typing.
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