Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Rosewood both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its bright sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, creating a notably responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find exhilarating. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood boasts a deep, satisfying "thocky" sound right out of the box, enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant that adds to its rich auditory feedback. While the Chiikawa may appeal to those seeking a swift and lively typing experience, the Rosewood is perfect for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory experience with a tactile, grounded feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
40g
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
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Rosewood, distinct characteristics emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the material's stiffness, allowing for a clearer resonance that heightens the auditory experience, especially when paired with RGB lighting, given its translucency. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood features a nylon top housing, a material known for its ability to absorb sound. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, thereby providing a duller and rounder auditory experience. Hence, while both switches are designed to offer unique sound profiles, they achieve this through fundamentally different top housing materials.
The bottom housings of both switches, however, are uniform in their use of nylon. This commonality means that regardless of the differences in the top housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Rosewood will produce a similar deep and full sound profile when typing. The nylon bottom housing is instrumental in absorbing sound, creating a smooth bottom-out feel. This shared characteristic mitigates the differences initiated by the top housings, ensuring that both switches deliver a consistent auditory experience at the key’s bottoming out point. Thus, while players may experience variances in the initial keystroke sound, the final auditory output can feel similar due to the nylon influence.
In conclusion, the contrasting materials used in the top housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko Rosewood demonstrate how different plastics influence typists' auditory perception. The polycarbonate housing of the Chiikawa produces sharper sounds, ideal for showcasing RGB effects, while the nylon top housing of the Rosewood favors a softer and full-bodied sound. However, the shared nylon bottom housing sets a level playing field for the bottom-out experience, ensuring that typists enjoy a deeper sound across both types. Ultimately, the designs reflect individual preferences for auditory experiences without drastically altering the performance characteristics when the switches are pressed.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch has a lightweight actuation force of 28 grams, coupled with a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switch presents a heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is lighter, while the Rosewood switch is heavier. These differences in force can significantly affect user experience, with the Chiikawa allowing for easier keystrokes, whereas the Rosewood provides a more defined tactile feedback due to its increased resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, it becomes clear that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference is significant because it reflects preferences between users seeking responsiveness and those valuing a more solid typing experience. The Chiikawa switch may appeal to gamers and those who favor quick key presses due to its shorter distance, which can lead to faster response times. Conversely, the Rosewood's longer travel distance can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback, which some users may find more satisfying. Ultimately, if you prefer a snappier input, the Chiikawa switch is the way to go, whereas for a deeper, more traditional typing feel, the Rosewood switch is preferable.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound, making it quite distinctive when typing. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood linear switch offers a deeper and more satisfying "thocky" sound, largely attributed to its factory-applied lubricant which enhances its acoustic performance. While both switches are linear, their sound profiles offer a notably different auditory experience—one leaning towards brightness and sharpness, while the other delivers a richer, bassy tone.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it extraordinarily responsive, which can lend a feather-like sensation under the fingers. This lightness can contribute to a quick typing experience, ideal for those who prefer fast, nimble keystrokes. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood switch's tactile feedback is likely to feel smoother due to its lubricated components, promoting a buttery-smooth keypress that many users find pleasurable. Although both switches embody a linear design leading to a lack of tactile bump, the sensation they deliver can still feel quite different due to their respective weights and the effects of lubrication.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch each offer their own unique sensory experiences through sound and feel. The Chiikawa’s crisp, bright sound and light responsiveness contrast sharply with the Rosewood’s deeper tone and smoother action. Choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference; if you lean towards a lively, quick type and enjoy a sharp acoustic signature, the Chiikawa could be your choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial, satisfying sound with a luxurious typing feel, the Rosewood may be more appealing. Regardless of your selection, one can expect engaging results tailored to their typing style and auditory tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're aiming for. If you prefer a switch that feels ultra-responsive with a very light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g, with its 34-gram bottom out force, can provide an exhilarating typing experience that makes it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios where speed is essential. Its bright sound profile also adds a playful element to your keystrokes, making it a fun choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial feel with a deeper, more satisfying sound, the Akko Rosewood, with its heavier 50-gram bottom out force, offers a tactile and thocky sound that many find appealing. This switch is suitable for more deliberate typing, allowing you to savor each keystroke, which is great for productivity tasks where accuracy is key. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you find most enjoyable—whether that’s the light, speedy feel of the Chiikawa or the robust, thump of the Rosewood.
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