Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Spring Breeze 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 Spring Breeze offer distinct experiences suited to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is recognized for its exceptionally light 28g actuation force, making it remarkably responsive and ideal for swift keystrokes, while its bright sound profile adds an engaging audio feedback that many typists find appealing. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze is classified as a clicky switch, delivering that satisfying tactile bump and an audible click with each keystroke, which enhances the typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback mechanism. The choice between these two switches often boils down to personal preferences for sound and feel: whether one favors the whisper-quiet smoothness of a linear switch or the pronounced clickiness of a tactile option. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Spring Breeze, distinct differences emerge in their top housings, while both switches share a similar material for their bottom housings. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer properties which contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched audio profile. This characteristic grants the switch a crisper sound when typing, making it particularly favorable for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting experience, allowing the glow to shine through vividly, thus appealing to aesthetics-minded gamers or typists.
In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze employs a nylon top housing. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is softer and absorbs more sound, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This creates a somewhat duller and rounder auditory experience compared to the Chiikawa’s sharper tones. Consequently, users who prefer a more muted sound while typing may gravitate towards the Spring Breeze. However, this difference in top housing materials does result in contrasting experiences when typing, with the Chiikawa delivering a more articulate response while the Spring Breeze provides a softer touch that dampens sound.
Interestingly, both switches leverage nylon for their bottom housings, which helps bridge some of the differences brought by the top housings. Since nylon inherently has sound-absorbing properties, both switches will benefit from a more substantial and resonant bottom-out sound and feel due to the softer plastic. This shared material ensures that while the auditory characteristics differ in their upper regions, the overall typing experience will share some commonality – particularly in the way they both cushion impacts and absorb sound when the key is pressed down. Ultimately, the combination of housing materials influences the distinct interplay of sound and feel across the two switches, allowing each to cater to varying user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, notable differences emerge that cater to varying typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who favor longer typing sessions without causing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze has a heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a tactile experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa switch is more suited for users seeking a lighter touch, the Spring Breeze appeals to those who enjoy a stronger push during typing. Overall, the Chiikawa switch’s lighter forces promote longer use, whereas the Spring Breeze's heavier forces cater to individuals looking for a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find a notable difference. The Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Spring Breeze measures 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, providing a quicker response ideal for gamers seeking faster actuation. In contrast, the Spring Breeze's longer 4 mm travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you lean towards a more responsive keystroke, the Bsun Chiikawa would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate press might opt for the Outemu Spring Breeze.
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 Spring Breeze 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 known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched auditory feedback that can be quite pleasant for typists who enjoy a more audible typing experience. The light actuation force of 28g contributes to this dynamic, resulting in a sound that is both responsive and engaging. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch does not have a defined sound profile provided, leaving its auditory characteristics somewhat ambiguous. However, the sound produced in mechanical keyboards heavily depends not just on the switch itself but also on the keyboard build and keycap materials used, so this aspect may vary significantly based on user setup.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a notably light and smooth typing experience. The very light actuation force means that keys can be pressed effortlessly, allowing for rapid keystrokes and reduced finger fatigue over extended typing sessions. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch is not specified, which makes it challenging to provide a direct comparison. Generally, clicky switches are characterized by a tactile bump and an audible click on actuation, which creates a satisfying feedback, but without detailed information, it's unclear how it might compare to the light and smooth action of the Chiikawa switches.
In summary, if you are looking for a switch that offers a bright sound and an exceptionally light feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is a great option that will provide a responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch's characteristics remain somewhat ambiguous; without additional information about its sound and feel, it's difficult to ascertain its exact positioning in relation to the Chiikawa. Ultimately, your choice may also depend on other factors, such as keyboard preferences and intended use, so experimenting with both types may help to identify the best fit for your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately comes down to your typing preferences and needs. If you value a light and responsive typing experience with a crisp and bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its low actuation force of 28g makes it particularly suited for fast typists or gamers who benefit from quick key presses and minimal resistance. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile experience with a medium-light actuation force and prefer a clicky feedback mechanism while typing, the Outemu Spring Breeze would be the way to go. This switch offers a more substantial feel and auditory feedback that can enhance your typing experience, making it enjoyable for users who appreciate the mechanical sound and feel of their keyboard. In summary, your choice should reflect your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and the type of activities—be it typing or gaming—that you engage in most frequently.
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