Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences can vary widely depending on an individual's typing style and sound tolerance. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is lauded for its exceptionally light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a highly responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize speed and smoothness, perfect for gamers and typists who favor rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a tactile switch that provides a quieter yet satisfying experience, characterized by its distinct "thocky" sound and a satisfying tactile bump. Designed for those who enjoy the feedback of a tactile response without the noise, this switch is ideal for professionals in shared spaces or anyone who appreciates a more subdued typing sound. Both switches offer unique advantages tailored to different preferences, 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
65g
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
Partial box
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The contrasts between the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are prominently highlighted by their choice for the top housing. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its upper housing, which is known for producing a sharper, more pronounced sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, allowing for clearer and more resonant acoustics, especially beneficial when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade adopts a nylon top housing that is softer and allows for a deeper, fuller sound profile. The sound qualities brought forth by nylon create a rounder auditory experience, which is less piercing than that produced by polycarbonate. This fundamental difference means that while both switches can offer distinct auditory experiences, the Chiikawa - 28g produces more clarion tones, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade tends toward a mellow ambiance.
Interestingly, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Silent Yellow Jade share a commonality in their bottom housings, with both crafted from nylon. This similarity leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile that characterizes both switches during key presses. The nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic quality that enhances the overall typing experience. Though they produce different sounds at the top due to their different materials, the bottom housing serves as a common ground for both switches, sealing in that flat, muted acoustics that many users prefer. As such, regardless of their top housing distinctions, users will experience a similar bottom-out sound when interacting with either switch, unifying them under the solid acoustic blanket provided by the nylon structure.
In terms of tactile feedback and auditory characteristics, the differences in top housing materials will manifest when releasing a key. The Chiikawa - 28g, with its polycarbonate top, creates a more engaging release sound, a result of the material’s resonance, which is ideal for users who enjoy a sharper audio experience. Conversely, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its nylon top, will result in a more subdued release sound, again reflecting its sound-absorbing properties. Therefore, while both switches can achieve a robust typing experience, the end results will be luminescent and vibrant for the Chiikawa - 28g and subdued and comforting for the Silent Yellow Jade. Users seeking specific auditory outcomes can choose accordingly: if they desire more clarity on a key release, the Chiikawa might be preferable, but for those favoring a well-rounded typing experience, the Silent Yellow Jade is an excellent option.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces become evident. The Chiikawa switch has a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a softer feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade switch features a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This means that the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Yellow Jade switch is heavier. As a result, if you’re focused on prolonged use without fatigue, the Chiikawa would be preferable, while the Silent Yellow Jade would appeal to those who appreciate a firmer push with each keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow Jade has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a more substantial depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a distinct tactile feedback and a more traditional typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its shorter travel distance, provides quicker actuation, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Ultimately, those who favor a responsive feel may opt for the Silent Yellow Jade, while those who appreciate a deeper keystroke might find the Chiikawa - 28g 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 Silent Yellow Jade 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 produces a bright and crisp auditory profile, characterized by its high-pitched tones that come to life with each keystroke. This light and airy sound can create an engaging typing experience, making it quite pleasing for those who appreciate an upbeat acoustic environment. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch is designed to be more subdued, delivering a quiet, yet satisfying "thocky" sound that is noticeably softer than that of the Chiikawa. This shift in auditory feedback makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a less disruptive typing experience, especially in shared spaces or during quiet activities. However, it's important to note that the final sound quality can also be influenced by the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is notable for its very light actuation force, making it extremely responsive and user-friendly, particularly for rapid typing tasks. The linear nature of the switch means there is no tactile bump, allowing for smooth key presses that are easy to activate with minimal effort. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade provides a distinctly tactile experience thanks to its pronounced tactile bump, which engages the typist and offers feedback that reinforces key engagement. This tactile sensation, accompanied by a medium actuation force, can enhance typing accuracy for users who prefer a more intentional feel, allowing them to sense their inputs while minimizing noise.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa's bright and light auditory characteristics are excellent for those who enjoy a more energetic typing environment, while the Silent Yellow Jade’s quiet thocky sound and tactile feedback suit users who prefer a more subdued and precise experience. Your choice between these two switches ultimately comes down to whether you favor a vibrant, crisp sound and smooth actuation or a muted, tactile feedback with satisfying sound.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and environment. If you find yourself gravitating towards a lighter, more responsive switch that delivers a bright and crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its very light actuation force makes it particularly suited for rapid typing, ideal for gamers or anyone who enjoys a nimble typing experience without the resistance of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feel with satisfying feedback and are working or gaming in a shared space where noise could be a concern, the Silent Yellow Jade is a superior option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force, along with its distinct "thocky" sound and subdued actuation, allows for comfortable typing while minimizing audible distractions. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you prioritize a lightweight, bright typing experience or a heavier, quieter tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard.
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