Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to the typing experience one seeks, and two contenders worth exploring are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Quinn. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch that stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing an incredibly responsive and swift typing experience that is perfect for those who favor speed and smoothness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn, a tactile switch, offers a distinctive combination of a pronounced tactile bump and a deep, resonant sound, making each keystroke feel satisfying and immersive. While the Chiikawa's crisp high-pitched tones cater to users looking for a dynamic yet lightweight touch, the Quinn appeals to those who appreciate a richer auditory feedback and an engaging tactile sensation. Both switches have their merits, depending on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or tactile feedback and a robust sound experience. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
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 double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Quinn switches, an interesting distinction arises between the top and bottom housings of each. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. This design not only enhances the acoustic qualities by adding clarity and resonance but also makes it particularly compatible with RGB lighting setups, thanks to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn features a nylon top housing that offers a deeper, fuller sound profile, resulting from its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively. Thus, while both switches are designed to provide high-quality auditory feedback, the Chiikawa’s use of polycarbonate results in a sound that is distinctly brighter compared to the mellower tones produced by the Quinn’s nylon.
Turning to the bottom housings, both switches utilize nylon, which creates a unified acoustic experience for the typing feel. The nylon bottom housing in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Quinn contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is a hallmark of nylon as a switch material. This similarity suggests that both switches will provide an excellent typing feedback with a satisfying bottom-out sound, as nylon absorbs sound and minimizes harshness. Consequently, users can expect a consistency in auditory feedback as they engage with both switches at the bottom of the stroke.
Ultimately, the differing materials employed in the top housings of the Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Quinn result in contrasting sound profiles, while their shared nylon bottom housing harmonizes the overall typing experience. The specifics of each switch's character can therefore be attributed to the unique properties of their top housings, where the Chiikawa leans towards a clear, vibrant sound and the Quinn produces a rounded, soothing acoustic. If the top and bottom housings were to be combined, the sound characteristics would naturally blend, creating a diverse typing experience, but in the current configurations, it is the top housing where the nuances of sound emerge most prominently during input.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in their specifications. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Quinn switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel. This difference means that while the Chiikawa switch is ideal for users seeking a lighter typing experience, the Quinn switch is better suited for those who favor a stronger push for tactile feedback. Therefore, if one prioritizes lightness for extended use, the Chiikawa is the clear choice, whereas the Quinn is better for individuals who appreciate the sensation of a hefty keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the Quinn measures slightly less at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch has a longer travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feedback when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Quinn's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for a more rapid actuation. If a user prefers a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes, they would likely gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those valuing speed might favor the Quinn. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing and gaming experiences.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its bright, high-pitched auditory profile that delivers a crisp sound with every keystroke. This light sound can be quite responsive, making it an engaging choice for typists who appreciate clarity and direct feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch offers a deeper, richer sound characterized by its resonant and bass-heavy tones in addition to the clacky sound associated with sharper keystrokes. The blend of this bassy sound with a clean, sharp note creates an immersive auditory experience, making the typing session feel more vibrant and fulfilling. Together, these switches offer distinct sound profiles catering to different preferences—whether you lean towards bright and crisp or rich and deep tones.
When examining the feel, the Chiikawa - 28g boasts a notably light actuation force that enhances its responsiveness, allowing for rapid key presses with minimal effort. This makes it appealing for those who prefer a swift and effortless typing experience. In contrast, the Quinn tactile switch stands out for its polished and snappy characteristics, which provide a lively and refined keystroke sensation. The tactile bump of the Quinn is accentuated without being overwhelming, offering a balanced typing experience. Additionally, the bouncy feedback of the Quinn adds an elastic quality to each press, contrasting with the Chiikawa's more direct, linear sensation. Ultimately, the Chiikawa focuses on light actuation, whereas the Quinn combines smoothness with a tactile response.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Quinn switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. While the Chiikawa offers a bright and lightweight typing experience emphasized by its high-pitched sound, the Quinn delivers a more resonant and deep acoustic profile paired with a tactile feel that is snappy and polished. Both switches provide pleasing and distinctive experiences, leading to a satisfying typing engagement whether you favor clarity or depth in sound, or light touch versus tactile feedback. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which characteristics resonate more with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light and responsive typing experience with a bright and crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its low bottom-out force of 34 grams makes it ideal for quick, repetitive typing or gaming where speed and agility are prioritized. The airy and high-pitched sound profile will also appeal to those who enjoy an energetic auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial tactile sensation with a deeper, resonant sound, the Gateron Quinn switches are worth considering. With a heavier bottom-out force of 67 grams, they offer a more pronounced tactile bump and a rich audio experience that many typists find satisfying. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a balanced typing feel, coupling the precision of the tactile bump with a smooth and polished operation. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you lean more towards a light, quick-response setup or a medium-heavy tactile experience that provides depth and character in both feel and sound.
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