Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Purple Star both cater to different preferences and typing styles despite being linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright, high-pitched sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who crave a responsive touch and enjoy a unique auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches are prized for their all-POM construction, offering a buttery smooth typing experience coupled with a neutral sound signature and a slightly heavier 45g bottom-out, which may appeal to light typists seeking comfort and ease of use. Both switches possess distinct qualities that can cater to a variety of preferences, highlighting the importance of individual typing style and personal comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Purple Star, it's evident that unique materials were chosen for each switch type. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, well-known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is particularly clear and resonant. The translucency of polycarbonate further enhances its appeal for RGB lighting, allowing for an eye-catching display. In contrast, the Purple Star opts for a POM top housing, which is recognized for creating a deeper and more muted sound. This difference highlights how the choice of top housing material significantly influences the auditory experience of each switch, meaning players will notice distinct characteristics when actuating each type.
Both switches utilize nylon and POM for their bottom housings, respectively, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for the Chiikawa and a unique auditory experience for the Purple Star. The nylon bottom housing of the Chiikawa is valued for its softer texture, which absorbs more sound and contributes to a rounder overall acoustic experience. Alternatively, the POM bottom housing in the Purple Star also delivers a muted, deeper sound, but it may not offer the same richness associated with nylon. While both materials are designed to create a pleasing switch experience, the nuances in their compositions lead to variations in the overall sound and feel when bottoming out.
When combining the ergonomics of the switches, one can understand how the different materials work together to produce a distinctive feel. The Chiikawa benefits from a contrast between its crisp polycarbonate top and rich nylon bottom, providing a balanced auditory feedback with clear tones upon release and a solid depth on bottom-out. Meanwhile, the Purple Star's POM materials create a consistently muted yet pleasant sound through both the top and bottom housing. While the two switches showcase different sound profiles, their effectiveness comes from how their respective materials interact; thus, the end experience reflects the individual qualities of each housing. In essence, although the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Purple Star differ in certain aspects, similar depths of engagement can still be achieved, influenced heavily by their respective housing selections.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a relatively lightweight actuation force of 28 grams, requiring minimal effort to register a keystroke, while its bottom out force is 34 grams. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star is considerably heavier, with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This distinction means that the Chiikawa switch is better suited for users seeking a lighter typing experience, ideal for long hours of work or gaming, whereas the Purple Star caters to those who prefer a more substantial push feel in their keystrokes. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, making it preferable for users who appreciate ease of typing, whereas the Purple Star's heavier force provides a more pronounced tactile feedback for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, the Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a more substantial depth, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile experience when pressing down on keys. In contrast, the Purple Star's shorter distance may be preferable for gamers or users who favor quicker response times, as it allows for a more immediate actuation. Given the small difference between the two, those who prioritize rapid keystrokes might notice a slight advantage with the Purple Star, while those who appreciate the feel of deeper keystrokes may opt for the Chiikawa. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the longer option, and the Purple Star is the shorter one.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 stands out with its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that adds a lively character to your typing experience. This sound is ideal for users who appreciate an audible feedback that enhances their interaction with the keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches offer a significantly different auditory experience, characterized by a low-pitched, mellow sound. The Purple Star’s all-POM construction contributes to its subtle and neutral sound signature, favoring those who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing the mechanical feedback typical of such switches. Both switches showcase how sound can vary greatly with construction materials and design, making them suited for different preferences.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force, providing an incredibly responsive typing experience that feels almost effortless. This light touch encourages rapid key presses and can appeal to typists who enjoy a more agile feel. Conversely, the KTT Purple Star switches deliver a mild typing experience that balances smoothness and gentle resistance. The easy-to-press nature of the Purple Star, with its 45g bottom-out weight, minimizes finger fatigue during lengthy typing sessions, making it a comfortable choice for those who prioritize ease over rigid tactile feedback. While both switches prioritize a light touch, the Chiikawa provides a snappy response, whereas the Purple Star leans towards an accommodating, smooth feel.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Purple Star linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, making each of them unique in their own right. The Chiikawa impresses with its bright, high-pitched sound and very light actuation, leading to a responsive typing experience, while the Purple Star prioritizes a low-pitched, mellow tone with a mild, buttery smoothness that promotes comfort. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will heavily depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel, catering to a range of typing styles from quick, spirited touches to softer, more comfortable keystrokes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch will largely depend on your specific typing preferences and needs. If you are someone who enjoys a very light actuation force with a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g switch would be a suitable option for you. Its light weight can make it incredibly responsive, making it ideal for fast typists or those who prefer a snappy typing experience. In contrast, if you prioritize a buttery smooth typing experience with a more neutral sound signature, the KTT Purple Star switch might appeal to you more, especially with its moderate bottom-out force of 50 grams, which offers a more stable and pleasant feel. The Purple Star is particularly ideal for light typists who appreciate gentle resistance and comfort, allowing for reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, so consider what aspects mean the most to you in your typing routine before making a choice.
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