Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves torn between options that can significantly enhance their typing experience. Take, for example, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch and the HMX Poro switch; both are linear switches designed to provide a smooth and responsive feel. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force and distinctive bright sound profile, ensuring a lively and crisp typing experience that many users adore. In contrast, the HMX Poro offers a silky smooth keystroke, thanks to meticulous lubrication, combined with a satisfyingly poppy and clacky auditory feedback, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a little extra auditory satisfaction with their strokes. While both switches excel at creating an engaging typing environment, your choice may depend on whether you prefer a light and bright touch or a smooth glide with pronounced sound. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Poro utilize different materials for their top housings, leading to distinct auditory experiences when pressed. The Chiikawa's top housing is made from polycarbonate, which is known for its stiffness and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that resonates more clearly, particularly advantageous in setups featuring RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Poro's top housing is composed of nylon, which inherently provides a softer and more absorbent nature. This results in a fuller, deeper sound profile, making it suitable for users who prefer a more rounded auditory experience. The nuances in sound production can be appreciated when comparing the two switches side by side, as each material imparts its own character to the auditory feedback.
Interestingly, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Poro feature nylon as their bottom housing material. This uniformity means that both switches will exhibit similar acoustic qualities when it comes to bottoming out. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile that is consistent across both models. This shared characteristic ensures that even if the top housings differ significantly, the overall feel and noise during bottom-out will have a common baseline due to the nylon material, offering a unique blend of sound qualities when pressed.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Poro create a diverse sound experience for users. While the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa enhances clarity and punchiness, the nylon top of the Poro infuses a warmer tone that some users may prefer. Nevertheless, the identical nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that users can still enjoy a consistent and deeper sound experience when bottoming out, allowing them to tailor their typing experience according to their preferences. Whether a user values clarity or richness in sound, both switches provide a unique auditory experience while sharing a common tactile foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, a notable difference is evident in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams, while the Poro requires a heftier 45 grams to achieve the same function. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Chiikawa is 34 grams, which again is lighter than the Poro's 50 grams bottom out force. Consequently, the Chiikawa is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for users who prefer less resistance when typing or gaming, allowing for extended sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Poro, being heavier, may appeal to those seeking a more substantial push feel for a satisfying typing experience. Thus, individuals considering their options would likely choose the Chiikawa for a softer touch, while the Poro would better suit those who favor a stronger keypress.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Poro linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. The difference between these two switches is minimal, making the Chiikawa the shorter option and the Poro the longer one. This subtle variation may influence your typing or gaming experience; the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel can offer a more responsive feel, catering to those who prefer rapid key presses, particularly in gaming situations. On the other hand, the HMX Poro's 3.7 mm travel provides a slightly deeper sensation that some users may find more satisfying, especially if they enjoy a more pronounced key press. Ultimately, both switches offer relatively shallow distances, indicating a preference for quick response times, but the Poro’s additional 0.1 mm may appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch produces a bright, crisp sound profile that leads to a high-pitched auditory experience when typing. This distinct sound can add an engaging layer to the typing experience, highlighting its light actuation force. In contrast, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a silky smooth keystroke paired with a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound. Although both switches feature ultra-light actuation forces that enhance responsiveness, the Chiikawa leans more towards a higher pitch, while the Poro provides a more varied auditory experience that incorporates clackiness, making both suitable for different preferences in sound.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by its very light actuation force, contributing to a notably responsive typing experience that can make typing feel effortless and nimble. On the other hand, the HMX Poro is meticulously lubricated, ensuring an effortless glide that enhances the smoothness of each keystroke, giving it a distinctly luxurious feel. While both switches aim for a smooth typing experience, the Chiikawa emphasizes lightness and responsiveness, whereas the Poro focuses more on a velvety texture.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Poro linear switches cater to distinct preferences when it comes to sound and feel. The Chiikawa offers a bright and crisp sound with a light, responsive touch, while the Poro provides a smooth glide with a poppy auditory experience. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, you'll find that both switches have their unique allure, allowing you to customize your mechanical keyboard experience to your liking. Regardless of the choice, users can anticipate an engaging experience, whether through the Chiikawa's light and bright profile or the Poro's silky smoothness and auditory pop.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a super lightweight actuation and a bright, high-pitched sound that enhances your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g switch will be your go-to option. Its tactile nature and responsive feedback make it ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that delivers a silky smooth feel combined with a more substantial bottom-out force, the HMX Poro linear switch would be the right fit. With its satisfying poppy sound and effortless keypresses, the Poro is perfect for prolonged typing sessions or tasks that require a bit more tactile feedback without compromising the smooth glide that many users love. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and the type of work or gaming you typically engage in to determine which switch will elevate your mechanical keyboard experience.
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