Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the nuances between various options, such as the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Both linear switches promise a satisfying typing experience, but they diverge in their sound profiles and actuation properties. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28 grams, resulting in a remarkably responsive feel and a bright, high-pitched sound that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro, with its long pole design, offers a snappy sound signature and smooth actuation that delivers both auditory satisfaction and tactile pleasure. While the Chiikawa is ideal for those seeking an ultra-light and crisp typing experience, the V3 Piano Pro caters to those who appreciate a bouncier, clackier feedback with a polished finish. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Piano Pro, it's evident that they capitalize on different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound due to the stiffness of the material. This creates a crisper auditory experience, particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is employed, thanks to polycarbonate’s translucency. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro features a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder and more muted auditory experience. While both materials serve to shape the switch’s acoustic performance, they achieve this through contrasting mechanisms—polycarbonate sharpens and clarifies, while nylon softens and deepens.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon, creating a shared characteristic that influences their performance similarly. The nylon bottom housing in both switches generates a deeper and fuller sound profile, with a dampening effect that absorbs sound to create a rounder auditory sensation. Because the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both models will provide a satisfying tactile experience as users press down on them. Thus, although the top housings are made from different materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing offers a sort of sonic consistency between the two switches, emphasizing the fullness and depth of sound while typing.
Ultimately, the key differences lie in the interaction between the nylon bottom housing and the contrasting top housing materials. In the Chiikawa - 28g, the polycarbonate top adds a layer of brightness and clarity that enhances the transition from keypress to release, while the nylon bottom reinforces the switch's depth. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro's all-nylon construction provides a more homogeneously dampened sound profile. Although both switches utilize nylon in the bottom housing, the overall sound signature produced by each switch differs significantly due to the top housing material, illustrating how variations in housing can lead to distinct typing experiences while also demonstrating how shared materials can provide a foundational sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the differences in actuation force and bottom out force are significant. The Chiikawa switch features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where less strain on the fingers is preferred. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which provides a more substantial typing experience favored by those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a stronger push. This means that the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the V3 Piano Pro is the heavier one. Users looking for a lighter switch may find the Chiikawa more comfortable for extended use, whereas those who prefer a firmer feel might opt for the V3 Piano Pro. Overall, these disparities in force characteristics allow users to choose based on their personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Piano Pro comes in slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch offers a deeper press, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience when typing or gaming, as it provides slightly more depth than the V3 Piano Pro. Conversely, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the V3 Piano Pro can enhance responsiveness, making it a suitable choice for gamers who benefit from quicker actuation times. Thus, if you prioritize a more abrupt and prompt response, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is the preferable option, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g would be better for those who appreciate a more substantial 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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro 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
When considering the sound profile, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound quality, producing a crisp, high-pitched note when engaged. This auditory characteristic allows for an engaging typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch boasts a snappy sound signature that has been described as both clacky and resonant. Each keystroke delivers a sharp, percussive sound that is lively and immersive, contributing to a more dynamic auditory presence. While both switches provide a distinct auditory feedback, the Chiikawa’s brightness contrasts with the Piano Pro’s clacker quality, giving typists a choice between a lighter sound and a more prominent, resonant experience.
In feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is notably responsive, allowing for quick actuation due to its very light force. However, specific descriptions of its tactile feedback have not been provided in this context. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch is widely recognized for its bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky characteristics. This means that it provides a delightful spring-like feedback, allowing users to enjoy a lively typing sensation. The creamy texture enhances the overall smoothness of the keystrokes, making for a buttery experience as fingers glide effortlessly across the surface. This combination of feedback sensations makes the Piano Pro a more intricate experience compared to the straightforward responsiveness of the Chiikawa.
In summary, both switches cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa - 28g emphasizing a light and bright sound coupled with quick actuation, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro offers a rich and responsive acoustic environment with a variety of tactile sensations. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback, the specific feel of the keystrokes, or a combination of both qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a very light actuation force and prefer a more responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback make it particularly suited for users who appreciate a lively and energetic keystroke, perfect for gaming or rapid typing tasks. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a medium-light switch that balances a snappy sound with a smooth, bouncy feel, the V3 Piano Pro will likely suit you better. Its polished surface and creamy texture provide a comfortable typing experience, making it ideal for longer typing sessions where comfort and fluidity matter. In conclusion, consider the Chiikawa switches for a lighter, more vibrant typing experience, while the V3 Piano Pro caters to those who appreciate a more rounded, smooth keystroke with a satisfying auditory quality. Choose based on what feels right for your typing habits, and you can’t go wrong with either option.
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