Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silent Yellow 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 Silent Yellow both present compelling options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out for its remarkably light actuation force of just 28 grams, allowing for swift typing and a bright, high-pitched sound profile that enhances the tactile experience. This makes the Chiikawa particularly appealing for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, especially in fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow switch offers a more muted experience, perfect for users who prefer a quieter keyboard without sacrificing smoothness. Its linear design provides seamless key presses, making it great for late-night gaming or office work where noise may be a concern. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Chiikawa focusing on a lively sound and lighter actuation, while the Silent Yellow emphasizes quiet efficiency. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Silent Yellow switches share a commonality in their top and bottom housing materials, which both utilize polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. This similarity results in a consistent audio signature for both switches. The polycarbonate top housing is responsible for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, due to its stiffer composition. As both switches feature this material, users can expect a similar level of brightness and clarity in the sound produced when the keys are actuated. This is especially enhanced in setups where RGB lighting is used, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through vividly, making both switches aesthetically pleasing in illuminated environments.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and Silent Yellow utilize nylon, known for its ability to absorb sound. This characteristic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the higher pitch produced by the polycarbonate top. Thus, while both switches create a well-rounded auditory experience, the nylon bottom acts to soften the feedback when a key is fully pressed down, resulting in a more muted and less jarring bottom-out sound. Because both switches incorporate nylon at the bottom, users will find that the tactile feedback and sound dampening effects are consistent, leading to a pleasant and rounded typing experience across both options.
Although the housing materials are identical in terms of type for both switches, the distinct qualities each material brings to the overall typing experience highlight the importance of switch design. The polycarbonate top enhances the upper-frequency sounds, while the nylon bottom enriches the lower frequencies, creating a cohesive audio profile that is both bright and warm. Therefore, although the specific models have unique characteristics—such as the actuation force, intended use, or feel—users of either the Chiikawa - 28g or Silent Yellow can achieve similar results in terms of sound clarity and typing experience, allowing for seamless transitions between the two without a significant change in auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we see notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, making it more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to press the keys. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, which may provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel. This trend continues with their bottom out forces as well; the Chiikawa's bottom out force is 34 grams, while the Silent Yellow's is 60 grams. Therefore, if you're looking for a switch that offers a lighter touch for prolonged use, the Chiikawa is the better choice, whereas the Silent Yellow is ideal for those who prefer a heavier, more tactile experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience for those who favor quicker actuation, which is often preferred by gamers looking for faster response times. In contrast, the Silent Yellow switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel and hearty depth in their keystrokes. Thus, while both switches offer distinct characteristics suited to different preferences, the Chiikawa switch stands out for those seeking a brisker reaction, whereas the Silent Yellow caters to a more traditional typing feel.
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 Yellow 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 notable for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that enhances the typing experience. This sound signature is a result of its very light actuation force, which contributes to its overall responsiveness. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch lacks a specific sound profile description, but it is designed to be quieter than many traditional switches. The performance of sound in both switches can also be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap material, so while the Chiikawa provides a more defined auditory feedback, the Silent Yellow likely emphasizes a more subdued typing experience.
When focusing on feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch when typing. This lightness can foster quick and effortless keystrokes, making it appealing for tasks that require speed. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch is not specifically detailed; however, it’s designed for a smoother, quieter operation which could suggest a more subdued feedback compared to the Chiikawa. Users may find that both switches deliver a satisfying experience, though their user preferences for force and sound will likely dictate their choice.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, providing a crisp and responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a quieter operation, although details about its sound and feel remain unspecified. If you prefer a lively auditory feedback and a lightweight touch, the Chiikawa may be preferable; however, for a more silent and smooth experience, the Silent Yellow could be an ideal choice. Ultimately, personal preference and the overall keyboard setup play significant roles in determining which switch would be more suitable for individual typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light touch and enjoy a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its low actuation force allows for rapid key presses, making it especially suitable for fast typists or gamers who rely on quick reactions. The crisp, high-pitched sound it generates will appeal to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing, although it may not be ideal for shared spaces where noise may be a concern. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Yellow is the way to go. With a higher bottom-out force of 60 grams, it offers a firmer feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and reduce accidental keypresses. Its muted sound profile makes it particularly suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, such as offices or shared workspaces. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you value responsiveness and sound or a more robust feel paired with quieter operation.
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