Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Chiikawa - 28g and Durock Piano both stand out as exceptional linear options, albeit with distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its extremely light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a responsive typing experience that is both quick and satisfying, complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound. Conversely, the Durock Piano boasts a unique proprietary material blend that delivers a remarkably smooth typing feel, accompanied by a deep, creamy sound signature that many users find highly enjoyable. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who favor a light and lively keystroke, the Durock Piano attracts users looking for a richer auditory and tactile experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Piano exhibit notable differences in their housing materials, influencing the sound profiles each keyboard switch produces. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which lends itself to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is significant for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing or gaming, especially under RGB lighting conditions where the translucency of polycarbonate enhances visual aesthetics. In contrast, the Durock Piano employs a proprietary POM blend for its top housing, which, while not as well understood, is recognized for creating a uniquely satisfying sound profile characterized by deeper tones. This difference in top housing materials leads to contrasting auditory experiences when key switches are actuated and released.
When we shift our focus to the bottom housing, the Chiikawa - 28g opts for nylon, a well-established material in switch design known for its softer properties that generate a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer plastics, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. The Durock Piano similarly uses a POM blend for its bottom housing, which has been noted for its ability to produce deep sounds as well. Although the specific properties of the POM blend are not completely outlined, the shared trait of offering a satisfying auditory response links the Piano’s bottom housing to the Chiikawa's nylon material. This suggests that both switches may deliver a rich and enveloping sound profile at the bottom-out stage, albeit from different materials.
In essence, the overall performance of each switch hinges on the interaction between the top and bottom housing materials. The Chiikawa - 28g is likely to showcase a more pronounced difference in sound characteristics when releasing a key due to the crisp nature of its polycarbonate top, while the deeper, fuller tones provided by nylon will dominate the bottom-out experience. Conversely, the Durock Piano may offer a more consistent sound profile with its POM blend throughout both key stages, creating a cohesive auditory experience. Users seeking specific sound profiles will find these contrasts and comparisons vital in determining which switch aligns more closely with their preferences. Despite the differences in materials, a combination of soft and stiff components in both switches can yield comparable satisfying results when it comes to sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the Durock Piano linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 28 grams, making it the lighter option, while its bottom out force is measured at 34 grams. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch does not have an specified actuation force, but it has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, designating it as medium-heavy. This means that for users who prefer a lighter switch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons, the Chiikawa is the superior choice. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more substantial feel with a stronger resistance will likely prefer the heaviness of the Piano switch. Consequently, if you prioritize a gentle keystroke with less fatigue, the Chiikawa's lower forces will provide a more comfortable typing experience compared to the Piano's considerably firmer bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a noticeable difference between the two. The Chiikawa - 28g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Piano boasts a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that users of the Chiikawa switch will experience a shorter keypress, which may cater to gamers seeking rapid response times. In contrast, the Piano switch’s 4.0 mm travel offers a more traditional and deeper feel, potentially appealing to those who prefer a more tactile and substantial typing experience. Therefore, while both switches serve their purpose in providing tactile feedback, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt to some users, while the Piano's longer travel may provide a more gradual response.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch can be characterized as bright and high-pitched, providing a crisp auditory feedback that is both engaging and energetic. This quality makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a lively aural experience with every keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Piano linear switch has a deeper, more resonant bassy sound, leading to a rich auditory impact that contributes a warm and satisfying tone to typing. The combination of these distinct sound characteristics highlights how the Chiikawa appeals to those looking for clarity, while the Piano caters to users who enjoy a fuller, more robust sound.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force, enhancing its responsiveness and allowing for quick key presses. However, the specific details of its tactile qualities remain less defined. In comparison, the Durock Piano linear switch stands out with its remarkable frictionless and silky feel. This combination provides typists with an incredibly smooth typing experience, markedly reducing any sensation of resistance and allowing for a fluid travel throughout the keystroke. The Piano’s texture promotes effortless typing, making it ideal for prolonged use without causing fatigue.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a bright auditory experience and a light, responsive feel, catering to those who favor a more lively typing encounter, while the Durock Piano linear switch delivers a rich, bassy sound and an exceptionally smooth, frictionless experience for a relaxed typing session. While each switch has its unique strengths, both can provide satisfying outcomes depending on personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a bright, crisp sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option for you. Its 34-gram bottom-out force means it’s particularly suited for fast-paced typing or gaming, where rapid key presses can enhance your responsiveness. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust feel and a deeper, richer sound profile, the Durock Piano switch would be the better choice. With a medium-heavy 63.5-gram bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying tactile feedback that's ideal for those who enjoy a more grounded typing experience. Furthermore, the Piano's silky and frictionless travel enhances smoothness, making it a delight for long typing sessions. So, consider what aspects are more important to you—whether it’s the lightness and sound of the Chiikawa or the weight and luxurious feel of the Piano—and choose accordingly for an enhanced typing experience that suits your needs.
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