Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Penguin exemplify two distinct approaches to tactile feedback and sound. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an attractive option for users who prioritize responsiveness and a crisp, high-pitched auditory experience while typing. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and may require speed for gaming or fast-paced tasks. In contrast, the Akko Penguin offers a more muted yet satisfying tactile feedback thanks to its rounded tactile bump, delivering a quiet typing experience that is perfect for office environments and shared workspaces. Weighing in at a medium resistance, the Penguin strikes a commendable balance between responsiveness and comfort, allowing for long typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches cater to different preferences and needs – whether you're after an effervescent typing feel or a more polished, subtle response. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
43g
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
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Penguin, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Chiikawa uses a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows for a clearer sound, especially beneficial when utilizing RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Akko Penguin utilizes a nylon top housing, which is characterized by a softer plastic that absorbs sound and produces a deeper, fuller tone. This difference in top housing materials suggests that the Chiikawa will provide a more vibrant auditory experience, while the Penguin will lend itself to a warmer and rounder sound.
Moving to the bottom housing materials, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Penguin share a similarity by utilizing nylon for this component. This commonality indicates that both switches will elicit a deeper and fuller sound profile as a result of nylon's sound-absorbing properties. The impact of the bottom housing is crucial since it influences the tactile response and sound when the switch is bottomed out. Therefore, regardless of the difference in top housings, both switches will produce a rounded sound signature from their nylon bottom housings, allowing for a level of sonic consistency in the bottom-out experience.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings in both switches further exemplifies their unique sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g, with its polycarbonate top housing, is poised to deliver a pronounced and crisp sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a full-bodied response when pressed down. Conversely, the Akko Penguin's top housing offers a subdued and rounder quality but complements its nylon bottom housing to create a harmonious typing experience. In essence, both switches have their unique strengths, yet they share a common aural foundation through their nylon bottom housing, illustrating how different materials can yield varied but complementary results.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Akko Penguin requires a significantly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, appealing to users who favor a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, if you opt for the Chiikawa, you'll enjoy a softer keystroke that reduces finger fatigue over time, while the Penguin will provide a firmer feedback for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa is the lighter option, whereas the Akko Penguin is heavier, reflecting their distinct user preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you opt for the Chiikawa switch, you'll experience a deeper and more pronounced key press compared to the more responsive, yet less pronounced feel of the Penguin switch. For gamers or those who favor quicker response times, the shorter travel distance of the Penguin may be more appealing, as it allows for faster actuation. Conversely, individuals who prefer a more substantial keypress might opt for the Chiikawa switch for its additional depth. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences in typing experience, the Chiikawa offers a longer travel distance, providing more tactile feedback compared to the more nimble and rapid response of the Penguin.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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 noted for its bright, crisp sound profile that contributes to a high-pitched auditory experience when typing. This makes it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Akko Penguin tactile switch adopts a more muted and neutral sound signature, ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as offices. While the Chiikawa switch provides a lively and pronounced sound, the Penguin switch ensures a quieter experience without sacrificing the essence of a mechanical typing feel, allowing users to type without drawing unnecessary attention.
When discussing feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and reducing finger fatigue during prolonged use. Although the exact feel of this switch hasn’t been fully detailed, its linear nature typically suggests smooth and uninterrupted key travel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch boasts a polished finish that allows for a refined typing experience. It features a rounded tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback, while also being designed to minimize tactile strain. The Penguin’s medium weight, combined with its polished feel, offers a perfect balance for users who seek comfort during extended typing sessions without compromising on responsiveness.
Overall, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately comes down to sound and feel preferences. If you desire a brighter auditory experience and the lightest actuation for effortless typing, the Chiikawa switch will likely suit you well. Conversely, if a quieter environment with tangible feedback is more important, the Penguin switch would be ideal. Both switches cater to different user needs, making them excellent choices depending on the context in which they are used.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light and responsive key feel, the Chiikawa is an excellent option. Its low actuation force and bright sound profile make it particularly well-suited for gaming or situations where quick input is essential. However, be mindful of its higher sound output, which might not be ideal if you're in a shared workspace or studying. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that offers a satisfying tactile feedback without the noise, the Akko Penguin is a fantastic choice. Its medium actuation force provides a balanced typing experience—making it comfortable for extended use—while its muted sound profile ensures you can type away without disturbing those around you. Thus, for a quiet office environment or when you require a more polished typing experience, the Penguin would undoubtedly serve you better. In essence, your choice should reflect your balance between sound, feel, and the contexts in which you plan to use your mechanical keyboard.
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