Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can greatly impact your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch, renowned for its remarkable light actuation force and bright sound profile, offers a swift and highly responsive feel that is perfect for users who appreciate speed and agility in their typing. With its crisp, high-pitched sound, this linear switch ensures a quiet yet satisfying experience, ideal for gamers and typists alike looking for understated elegance. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch, also known for its engaging audio feedback, provides a distinct crunch that melds an invigorating click with a pronounced tactile feel. This clicky switch strikes a balance between light keystrokes and impactful feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy an auditory cue and a responsive typing environment. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa focusing on speed and smoothness, while the Purple Click emphasizes tactile sensation and 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
40g
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
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Purple Click, it is evident that both share a commonality in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. This material is well-regarded in the mechanical keyboard community for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance, making both switches an excellent choice for RGB lighting due to the material's translucency. Since both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect a similar auditory experience when keying, characterized by bright and vibrant sound feedback.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, which shifts the acoustic profile significantly. Nylon is known for its softer plastic properties, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound when typing. The material absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics like polycarbonate, which contributes to a rounder and more muted bottom-out sound. Consequently, while the top housing enhances the crispness of the sound, the nylon bottom housing ensures that the overall auditory experience of both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Purple Click remains rounded and rich.
Despite having different housing materials for the bottom sections, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches means that users will reap similar, if not identical, results when using these switches. The clear, resonant sounds produced by the polycarbonate top will be counterbalanced by the more muted and warmer tones of the nylon bottom, creating a well-rounded typing experience. Therefore, whether one chooses the Chiikawa - 28g or the KTT Purple Click, they will enjoy a harmonious blend of sounds stemming from the interaction between these two complementary materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent option for users who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Purple Click switch has a substantially heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to those who prefer a firmer keystroke for a more robust typing experience. Therefore, while the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option overall, the Purple Click switch provides a more substantial push feel, making it better suited for users who appreciate a stronger feedback during keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Purple Click clicky switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter of the two, appealing to those who prioritize a quicker response time typical of shorter travel distances, which are increasingly favored by gamers. In contrast, the Purple Click switch, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel that some users appreciate for a hearty and deliberate keypress. If you are looking for a more tactile experience, the KTT Purple Click may be the better choice, whereas if responsiveness is your goal, the Bsun Chiikawa could be preferred.
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 KTT Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch produces a bright and crisp sound that is characterized by a high-pitched tone when pressed, making it notably responsive and pleasant to the ear for those who appreciate a more delicate auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a crunchy and resonant sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves, providing a clean and sharp auditory feedback that many find satisfying. While both switches yield unique sound profiles, the Chiikawa leans towards a lighter, more subtle sound, whereas the Purple Click emphasizes a robust click that enhances the typing experience through its distinctive auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch’s lighter actuation force allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness. This switch provides a smooth linear experience without tactile bumps. The KTT Purple Click, on the other hand, delivers an invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, combining moderate to firm actuation with a snappy and reactive sensation. Its stepped tactile design means that users can perceive distinct stages during the keystroke, enhancing engagement with each press. Therefore, while both switches create immersive typing experiences, they cater to different preferences—one emphasizing smoothness and speed, and the other striking a balance between tactility and responsiveness.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch and KTT Purple Click switch offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa excels with its bright, light sound and smooth feel, making it ideal for users seeking quick and airy typing experiences. Alternatively, the Purple Click provides a satisfying click sound coupled with a pronounced tactile feel, appealing to those who enjoy a more interactive and robust typing experience. Depending on your preferences, you might find one more suited to your typing style than the other, but both will deliver their own unique qualities to the table.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch should be guided by your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lightweight, highly responsive feel with a brightness that enhances your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is the ideal choice. Its low actuation force and high-pitched sound profile create an enjoyable, almost playful typing environment, making it perfect for those who prioritize speed and lighter keystrokes, especially for gaming or extensive coding tasks. On the other hand, if you appreciate a satisfying click with a moderate actuation force that balances tactility and auditory feedback, the KTT Purple Click will likely suit you better. With its invigorating feel and resonant, crunchy sound, this switch offers a more engaging and tactile typing experience, making it great for typing and general use where a definitive keystroke feedback is desired. Ultimately, your selection hinges on whether you prioritize a swift and quiet typing experience or a more pronounced tactile and auditory sensation.
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