Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Huano Sakura (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Sakura (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Sakura stand out as compelling options, particularly for those who prefer linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and the auditory feedback that can enhance their typing rhythm. On the other hand, the Huano Sakura offers a feather-light touch with medium acoustics, striking a balance that is particularly beneficial for extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue while still providing a pleasant auditory experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and typing feel, making them sustainable choices in their own right. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Sakura, notable differences arise in their top housing composition. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, a material recognized for its rigidity and translucence. Polycarbonate’s stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound during key release, making it suitable for users who appreciate a crisper auditory experience. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate benefits RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Huano Sakura is made with POK, or polyketone, for its top housing. This material is revered for its exceptional smoothness, yielding a different tactile and auditory characteristic described as clacky. While both materials serve to enhance sound in their unique ways, they cater to different preferences—polycarbonate prioritizing brightness while POK emphasizes smoothness.
Despite the differences in their top housing, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which brings them somewhat closer in terms of sound profile and user experience. Nylon’s properties as a softer plastic provide each switch with a fuller, rounder sound when typing. This characteristic of nylon significantly impacts how the switch feels when bottomed out, contributing depth to the overall auditory experience. As such, while the top housings distinctly influence the sound they produce when releasing a key—either through the sharp tones of polycarbonate or the clackiness of POK—the commonality in their nylon bottoms ensures that both switches maintain a warm sound when pressed down, ensuring a certain level of auditory similarity despite the varied top materials.
Ultimately, the interplay between the two housing types leads to different but complementary tactile experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g offers a blend of clarity and resonance from its polycarbonate top, acting in harmony with the depth of the nylon bottom to produce an engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Huano Sakura presents a smooth and durable touch with its POK top, paired with the soft absorption of nylon for a pleasing auditory tone. In this way, the switches showcase how different materials can yield diverse results while still achieving a satisfying overall experience, particularly when sharing the classic qualities of nylon as their base.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for prolonged typing or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the Sakura switch features a heavier actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Thus, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, which could be preferable for users seeking comfort over longer use, while the Sakura provides a firmer feedback for those who appreciate a stronger push feel. Overall, these differences highlight how user preference can dictate the choice between a lighter switch for ease and endurance versus a heavier switch for a fulfilling tactile feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch share an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar keystroke experience when pressing down on either switch, resulting in a consistent feel across both options. With the same travel distance, both switches provide equal responsiveness and tactile feedback, ensuring that whether you opt for the Chiikawa or the Sakura, you will achieve similar results in terms of travel and actuation.
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 Huano Sakura (V2) comes in at $4.59 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Sakura linear switches, distinct differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 28g is known for its bright sound, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that makes each keypress distinctly audible. This quality can add a certain excitement to your typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the Sakura switch presents a more balanced acoustic profile with medium acoustics, offering a more subdued sound that may be less piercing than the Chiikawa. This can be preferable for users seeking a quieter environment, especially during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the sound produced by both switches can vary significantly based on the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which could further influence the overall auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force, creating a remarkably responsive typing experience that emphasizes quick key presses. Users can expect a smooth and effortless action as they type, making it ideal for fast typists or those who prefer a light touch. The Sakura also boasts a feather-light feel, suggesting a similarly low actuation force, which contributes to comfort during prolonged use. While both switches prioritize lightness in their mechanics, the overall sensation when typing may vary slightly due to their unique construction and characteristics.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Huano Sakura switches share common traits, such as their light touch and focus on comfortable use, but diverge in their sound profiles. The Chiikawa stands out with its bright, high-pitched auditory feedback, while the Sakura offers a more moderate sound that might suit users in quieter settings. Together, these switches cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can choose based on their priorities for sound and feel in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Huano Sakura linear switches will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you're the type of typist who values a lighter actuation force and enjoys a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g will likely enhance your typing experience, especially for fast-paced gaming or writing sessions where rapid input is crucial. The switch’s bright acoustic profile and responsive feel can keep you engaged during long stretches of use. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides slightly more resistance while still remaining light and are looking for a switch that balances feel and sound for more extended typing sessions, the Huano Sakura would be an excellent choice. With its medium acoustics and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, it offers a more grounded typing experience without being overwhelming. Ultimately, consider what aspects—whether it's actuation force, sound profile, or overall feel—are most important for your specific needs and typing habits as you make your decision.
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