Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silver both exemplify linear switch responsiveness, yet they cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force of 28g, making it a favorite among typists who appreciate an agile feel and a crisp auditory feedback. In contrast, while the Outemu Silver does not have a widely recognized sound profile, it offers a distinct feel that can appeal to users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke without the auditory distraction of sound. If you're seeking an engaging and lively typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g may be your go-to, while the Outemu Silver might be ideal for users who value subtlety and fluidity in their keystrokes. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
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 the Outemu Silver both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, a choice that significantly shapes their auditory characteristics. As detailed, polycarbonate is a stiff plastic, well-regarded for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users who integrate RGB lighting into their setups, as it allows light to permeate effectively, enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Since both switches feature polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect similar performance in terms of sound clarity and resonance, regardless of their choice between the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silver.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, which diverges from the characteristics of the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound than harder plastics, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. In both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silver, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the typing experience possesses a satisfying depth, contrasting the crispness provided by the polycarbonate tops. This complementary relationship between the bottom and top materials creates a balanced audio profile for each switch.
As a result of their shared materials, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Silver switches offer distinctive auditory experiences that blend the crispness of polycarbonate with the fullness of nylon. When pressed, users will find that the nylon bottom housing predominantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound upon release. Consequently, typing on either switch will yield a cohesive sound unless the distinct characteristics of their respective housings are taken into account during lighter or heavier keystrokes. This harmony of material properties allows both switches to deliver a satisfying tactile and auditory response, making them appealing choices for different preferences in mechanical keyboard performance.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, clear differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for those who enjoy a quicker and less strenuous typing experience, particularly during long sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Silver switch exhibits a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. Consequently, those who prioritize comfort and ease of use may lean toward the Chiikawa switch, while users seeking more resistance and feedback might favor the Outemu Silver. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, whereas the Outemu Silver is distinctly heavier, offering unique tactile experiences tailored to individual preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silver has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that, for users who prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Chiikawa switch may be the more suitable option. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, potentially finding shorter distances too abrupt, might lean towards the Outemu Silver with its longer travel distance. Therefore, if responsiveness is a top priority, the Bsun Chiikawa switch offers an advantage, while the Outemu Silver caters to a more traditional preference for a deeper keystroke.
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 Silver 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 switches are known for their bright sound profile, which contributes to a lively typing experience. When activated, they produce a crisp, high-pitched sound that can be quite satisfying for users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Silver linear switch does not have specific sound characteristics detailed, making it difficult to compare directly. However, given that the sound produced by a switch is also influenced by the keyboard's design and the type of keycaps used, users may achieve different auditory experiences with the Silver depending on these factors.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is celebrated for its very light actuation force, which means that it responds quickly with minimal pressure required from the user. This can provide a highly enjoyable and effortless typing experience, particularly for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the specific feel of the Outemu Silver is not detailed, which leaves some ambiguity regarding its actuation characteristics and overall responsiveness. It's possible that users may find the Silver switch to have a different tactile sensation, but this remains unknown without further information.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switches boast a distinct and bright sound profile along with a very light actuation force that enhances their responsiveness, the Outemu Silver switches lack specific descriptors regarding their sound and feel. For users seeking a lively and light typing experience, the Chiikawa switches clearly stand out, while the Silver switches remain a more mysterious option until more details can be illuminated. Users looking for a similar auditory experience with the Silver may need to experiment with different setups to find a satisfying combination that mimics the engaging qualities of the Chiikawa switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style play a crucial role. If you favor a light actuation force and enjoy a bright, crisp sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g will likely be your go-to option. Its lightweight nature makes it especially suitable for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios, where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel under your fingers and a switch that provides greater resistance during typing, the Outemu Silver with its medium-heavy bottom-out force will likely appeal to you more. This switch might be preferable for tasks that require deliberate keystrokes or for users who find a heavier switch more comfortable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, choosing between these switches boils down to whether you prioritize lightness and sound profile, or a firmer typing experience.
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