Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often hinges on desired tactile feedback, sound profile, and overall typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a highly responsive and crisp typing sensation. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer an airy, emotive touch with each keystroke, perfect for rapid typing or gaming. In contrast, the HMX Perky features softer, glittery nylon housings that provide a neutral and satisfying feel. Its shorter travel distance results in a more condensed typing experience, catering to users who favor speed and efficiency without sacrificing comfort. Both switches have their distinctive qualities that appeal to different preferences, enhancing the overall keyboard experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Perky, one can immediately note the distinct differences in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is advantageous for creating a sharper and brighter sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant auditory experience, especially beneficial for RGB setups due to its translucency. In contrast, the Perky opts for a nylon top housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a rounder auditory experience overall. Thus, while both switches aim to provide satisfying feedback, the materials produce divergent characteristics in sound quality due to their inherent properties.
Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Perky share nylon as the material for their bottom housing. This commonality means that both switches will deliver a deeper and more substantial sound experience when the key is bottomed out. Nylon's lower density compared to harder materials allows it to absorb more vibrations, resulting in a sound that feels fuller and rounder regardless of the top housing material used. As a result, while the top hosing contributes significantly to the sound characteristics upon release, the nylon bottom ensures that both switches provide a consistent tactile and auditory feedback when pressed down.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch means that users will experience different sound profiles depending on whether they are pressing down or releasing the key. The Chiikawa - 28g’s polycarbonate top housing contributes to a higher-pitch sound when released, providing a pronounced auditory cue, while the nylon bottom guarantees a solid foundation. Conversely, the Perky’s nylon top yields a rounder sound during release, yet shares the same resonant qualities in the bottoming out provided by the nylon base. Therefore, users will find that while the two switches have differing top housings—resulting in contrasting sound profiles—the consistent nylon bottom in both creates an underlying similarity that may appeal to various preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it notably lighter and easier to press compared to the Perky switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference means that the Chiikawa is better suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, as its lighter forces can reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, the HMX Perky provides a heavier feel, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with its stronger push force. Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter option, while the HMX Perky is on the heavier side, offering distinct advantages depending on user preferences for typing and gaming comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Perky offers a shorter distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the switch with the longer travel distance and may appeal to those who appreciate a greater depth in their keypresses for a more tactile feel. On the other hand, the Perky, with its shorter travel distance, caters to gamers who seek faster response times and a more responsive typing experience. If your preference leans towards quicker actions and less key travel, the Perky may be a more suitable choice. Ultimately, your decision will hinge on whether you favor the deeper engagement of the Chiikawa or the immediacy of the Perky.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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 characterized by its bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that is notably responsive during typing. This engaging auditory experience can make the act of typing feel more dynamic and lively. In contrast, while the HMX Perky switch's specific sound characteristics are not detailed, it is suggested that the switch has a softer sound due to its glittery nylon housing, likely offering a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, users should expect a different sound signature, with the Chiikawa providing a sharper, more pronounced sound, while the Perky leans towards a subtler and more subdued auditory profile.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is noted for its very light actuation force, which makes it extremely responsive and easy to press down, ideal for fast and fluid typing. This lightness contributes to a sensation of effortless keystrokes, making it appealing for those who prefer a more reactive typing experience. The HMX Perky switch, with its softer nylon housing, promises a neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, complemented by a shorter travel distance that likely results in a more condensed feel. This design can facilitate quicker strikes and transitions between keys, appealing to users who enjoy a slightly different feedback sensation while maintaining a comfortable interaction.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Perky linear switches offer distinct experiences that cater to varied preferences. The Chiikawa excels in its bright sound and very light feel, making it suited for those who prioritize responsiveness and audibility. Meanwhile, the Perky switch focuses on providing a neutral yet satisfying typing feel with a gentler sound profile, ideal for users looking for a more rounded tactile experience. Ultimately, these differences position each switch uniquely, allowing typists to choose what suits their style best, with the understanding that factors like board and keycap selection can also influence the final typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a lightweight, responsive switch that offers a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its 28g actuation force and lower bottom-out force of 34 grams make it particularly suitable for fast typists and those who enjoy a more delicate touch, potentially enhancing your typing speed and reducing finger fatigue. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing, as it adds a unique auditory experience to your setup. On the other hand, if you prefer a more neutral and deeply satisfying typing experience, the HMX Perky is the way to go. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 50 grams and softer nylon housing, the Perky offers a condensed typing experience with shorter travel distances, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. If you enjoy a more solid, steady pressure that feels substantial under your fingers, then the Perky would better meet your needs. In summary, assess what aspects matter most to you—be it sound, weight, or the tactile feel of the switch—before making your decision.
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