Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Sea Glass mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts might find themselves drawn to the distinct characteristics each has to offer. The Chiikawa - 28g linear switches are renowned for their remarkably light actuation force of just 28 grams, combined with a bright, high-pitched sound profile that creates a responsive and enjoyable typing experience. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a quicker feedback loop with minimal resistance, making it perfect for fast typists or gamers looking for a tactile advantage. In contrast, the Durock Sea Glass switches present a unique typing experience with their proprietary material blend, offering a smooth, weightless feel despite their 62g bottom-out force. With a distinct dryness and airy quality to their sound, these switches cater to those who appreciate a more subtle auditory feedback while still ensuring a frictionless, pleasant typing experience. Each switch has its own unique allure, aligning with different user preferences and styles; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Sea Glass, the foremost difference lies in the materials utilized for the top housing. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its rigidity. This characteristic enhances both the auditory experience and the visual appeal, especially when paired with RGB lighting, as polycarbonate's translucency allows light to filter through effectively. In contrast, the Sea Glass opts for a blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE, which contributes to a sound profile that is pleasant yet brighter rather than sharp. While the polycarbonate's stiffness emphasizes clarity, the Sea Glass's unique blend creates a mix that straddles the line between brightness and warmth.
Both switches share the same material, nylon, in their bottom housing, offering a fuller and deeper sound profile. The Chiikawa's nylon bottom absorbs sound due to its softer composition, creating a rounder auditory experience that differs from the top's more cutting clarity. Similarly, the Durock Sea Glass, with its nylon and UHMWPE blend for the bottom housing, offers a sound profile that is not particularly sharp but warmer and brighter. Although both designs use nylon, the addition of UHMWPE in the Sea Glass adds a distinctive quality to the sound, highlighting how different combinations of materials can yield varying results, even when sharing a common component.
The interplay of the top and bottom housing in both switches determines their overall sound and feel when pressed. While the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top lends a brighter, more defined sound, the nylon bottom works to temper that with a fuller feel upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Durock’s unique blend means its softness from the nylon is complemented by the UHMWPE, producing a brighter yet not overly sharp experience. Thus, even though both switches incorporate similar nylon materials, their distinct top housings—polycarbonate for the Chiikawa and a polymer blend for the Sea Glass—create unique auditory profiles that cater to different user preferences, showcasing how material choice significantly influences the typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch exhibit notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces, influencing their feel and suitability for different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch requires a lighter actuation force of 28 grams compared to the Sea Glass, which demands a stronger actuation force of 45 grams. This makes the Chiikawa lighter and potentially more comfortable for extended use, making it a great choice for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, the bottom out force for the Chiikawa is 34 grams, while the Sea Glass has a more substantial bottom out force of 62 grams. Users who prefer a lighter keypress and a softer bottoming out experience may gravitate toward the Chiikawa, while those who enjoy a heavier, more robust typing experience should consider the Sea Glass. Ultimately, these differences highlight the Chiikawa's suitability for those seeking less resistance and fatigue during extended use, while the Sea Glass caters to enthusiasts who favor a more pronounced tactile experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers who appreciate quicker response times for their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Sea Glass, with its longer travel distance, might be more suitable for individuals who enjoy a more pronounced keypress feel. While both switches offer distinct experiences, choosing between them ultimately depends on the user's preference for either responsiveness or a more substantial key travel sensation.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 sound characteristics of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch are distinct yet reflective of their designs. The Chiikawa - 28g is noted for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that can be quite satisfying when typing. In contrast, the Sea Glass switches offer a uniquely hollow sound signature, which may come across as airier and more muted compared to the Chiikawa's crispness. This difference in auditory experience may be influenced by various factors, such as the type of keyboard and keycaps utilized, but each switch brings a distinct sound that matches its intended usage.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is designed to provide a notably light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive. Although specific descriptors for its tactile feedback are not provided, the emphasis on lightness suggests that it could be similar in ease of use to the Sea Glass switches. The Sea Glass, described as frictionless, mild, and even feathery, is designed for smooth and effortless key presses. Its 62g bottom-out force belies a surprising weightlessness that enhances the typing experience, allowing for minimal resistance and quick actions. In essence, while the Chiikawa emphasizes responsiveness, the Sea Glass enhances smoothness and ease of press, appealing to those who prioritize a seamless typing experience.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Durock Sea Glass linear switches exhibit unique auditory and tactile qualities, each can cater to different preferences among users. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound and light actuation for a quick, responsive feel, whereas the Sea Glass provides a dry yet smooth typing experience enriched by its airy sound. Depending on individual preferences, both switches can deliver satisfying results, with the potential for a similar typing experience under the right conditions. Ultimately, choosing between them will come down to personal taste in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light and responsive typing experience with minimal actuation force and a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa switches are an excellent choice. Their low actuation force and feathery feel make them ideal for extended typing sessions, especially if you're someone who tends to type quickly or engages in frequent gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a medium-weight feel with a smooth yet distinct typing experience, you may prefer the Sea Glass switches. Their unique blend of materials offers a frictionless, hollow sound signature that can make typing feel airy and effortless, while still providing the necessary resistance for a satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, if you seek a blend of aesthetic appeal with pastel colors and a mild typing sensation, go for the Sea Glass. But if you prioritize lightness and responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Chiikawa - 28g will serve you well. Your choice should reflect not just the numbers, but also how each switch makes you feel as you type, so consider your priorities and the overall experience you wish to create with your keyboard.
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