Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the SP-Star Polaris Purple 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 SP-Star Polaris Purple present two distinct yet appealing options, each catering to different typing preferences and styles. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is renowned for its ultra-light actuation force of just 28g, providing exceptional responsiveness and a bright, high-pitched sound profile that can make typing feel almost effortless. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize speed and fluid key presses, making it an excellent choice for gamers or those who enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple, known for its tactile nature, offers a pronounced tactile bump that delivers an exhilarating typing experience. Its snappy sound profile and categorized feel add a satisfying feedback loop with each key press, making it a favored choice for typists who appreciate a more dynamic connection with their keyboard. Both switches have their unique strengths; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the SP-Star Polaris Purple share a commonality in their top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate, leading to notably similar acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate top of both switches contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, creating a crisper auditory experience. This shared material allows both switches to excel when it comes to RGB lighting, thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate, which effectively enhances the visual aspect when used in illuminated setups. Users can expect a similar clarity and resonance in sound when employing either switch, thanks to the properties inherent in polycarbonate.
However, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, which leads to variations in their overall sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer composition means it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns it with the sharper audio characteristics of its top housing, thereby maintaining a consistent high-pitched resonance throughout. This contrast indicates that while the top housings will yield a similar auditory sharpness, the bottom housings will impart distinctly different sound qualities, offering users a unique sonic experience depending on their choice of switch.
Ultimately, the differences in the bottom housing materials mean that the overall feel and sound profile of each switch are influenced by the combination of materials used. As users engage with the switches, the nylon bottom of the Chiikawa - 28g will create a rounder and softer impact on bottom-out sounds, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Polaris Purple will introduce additional crispness and clarity. Overall, those who prefer a fuller sound could lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who desire a sharper, more resonant typing experience might favor the Polaris Purple. Understanding these nuances allows users to select a switch that best aligns with their personal preferences and applications.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, minimizing finger fatigue. In contrast, the Polaris Purple switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a medium-heavy resistance that may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. While the Chiikawa offers a smoother and less strenuous keystroke experience, the Polaris Purple may provide a tactile feedback that some users prefer, although it does not provide a defined actuation force for comparison. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Polaris Purple is heavier, catering to different user preferences based on typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter, while the Polaris Purple features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This slight difference in travel distance reflects divergent preferences: gamers often lean towards the Chiikawa for its quicker response time and more immediate feedback, whereas users who enjoy a deeper and more pronounced keystroke may favor the Polaris Purple. Ultimately, if you opt for the Chiikawa switch, you'll experience a more responsive feel, while the Polaris Purple caters to those who prefer a more traditional and satisfying depth when pressing down on a key.
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 SP-Star Polaris Purple has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Purple for $5.00.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a bright and crisp auditory experience. Its light actuation force contributes to a high-pitched sound that is particularly responsive while typing, making it an engaging choice for users who appreciate a lively sound environment. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a more neutral sound profile, providing a snappy sound that is well-suited for a wide range of typing scenarios. This switch strikes a balance, ensuring that whether you're a beginner or an experienced typist, the auditory feedback is favorable without being overly intrusive. The sound characteristics of both switches may vary depending on the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is not explicitly described, but being a linear switch typically implies a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke that is ideal for users seeking swift, frictionless typing. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple makes a strong impression with its pronounced tactile bump, providing an exhilarating typing experience. This switch also features mild and polished qualities, which means it offers a gentle and approachable typing experience coupled with a smooth finish. This polishment reduces friction and enhances the overall key travel, making the Polaris Purple versatile for various typing styles while still being accessible.
In conclusion, both switches cater to distinct preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Chiikawa - 28g excels in creating a lively auditory experience with its bright sound while offering an efficient typing feel typical of linear switches. Conversely, the Polaris Purple focuses on delivering tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a tactile bump and polished action. While distinct in their characteristics, users can find enjoyment in either switch based on personal preferences, as both are designed to provide satisfying typing experiences that align with their respective features.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch should ultimately depend on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and delight in a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent fit. Its responsiveness makes it great for fast typing and gaming, allowing for quick key presses without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback and a medium-heavy resistance when typing, the Polaris Purple is likely to be the better choice. The pronounced tactile bump delivers an exhilarating typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy the sensation of a definitive keystroke. Its neutral sound profile also makes it versatile enough for a variety of environments, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your preference for either a light, linear feel or a more tactile, engaging response, so consider what aspects of typing are most important to you before making your selection.
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