Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Sea Salt Lemon
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon offer two distinct yet equally compelling options within the realm of linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its ultra-light 28g actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and perfect for typists who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes; its bright sound profile produces a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that can be gratifying for those who enjoy an energetic typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon excels in delivering a smooth and pleasant feel through its progressive spring and dry-lube design, catering to users who favor a more subdued and quiet typing sound, classified as low-pitched and neutral. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who thrive on a lively interaction with their keyboard, the Sea Salt Lemon is ideal for users who prefer a more effortless and refined typing journey. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13mm progressive spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which ensures that users will experience a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. The properties of polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhance sound clarity and resonance, contributing to a brighter auditory experience. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer RGB lighting, allowing for vibrant illumination through the switch. Since both switches share this material for the top housing, one can expect similar optical and acoustic outcomes, leading to a visually appealing and sonically vibrant typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon is made from nylon, a material known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s relatively soft nature allows it to absorb more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This contrasting material choice in the bottom housing means that while the top portions of both switches will produce crisp sounds, the bottom portions will deliver a smoother, more resonant sound. Consequently, users will notice a marked difference in the sound and feel when bottoming out on either switch, placing emphasis on the individual characteristics each material brings to their respective switch designs.
Ultimately, the differing materials used in the top and bottom housings of both switches lead to a combined sound experience that marries the crispness of polycarbonate with the warmth of nylon. When pressing the switches, the sharper sound from the polycarbonate top will blend with the fuller tones from the nylon bottom housing, creating a rich and multifaceted auditory profile. Whether users prefer the Chiikawa - 28g or the Sea Salt Lemon, they will find themselves enjoying a consistent experience in terms of clarity and warmth derived from the unique combination of materials employed in each switch. Thus, despite differences in aesthetic appeal or brand, the fundamental acoustic characteristics remain similar, leaving room for personal preference when choosing between these two options.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, there are notable differences. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentle touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Sea Salt Lemon switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, classifying it as a medium-light option. This means that the Sea Salt Lemon requires significantly more force to register a keystroke and to bottom out, which may appeal to those who favor a more pronounced tactile experience. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option overall, making it preferable for long-duration use, while the Sea Salt Lemon offers a firmer response for those who enjoy a heavier typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Lemon features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a more responsive experience, as shorter distances can allow for quicker actuation—a desirable feature for gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Lemon's longer travel distance may be more suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing keys, allowing for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus the sensation of depth.
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 Sea Salt Lemon comes in at $2.80 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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone that makes it stand out when typing. This gives a lively auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience, making it feel responsive and engaging. On the other hand, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch presents a much different sound signature, characterized as low-pitched and neutral. The deeper, bass-heavy tones paired with a balanced sound profile create a mellow typing atmosphere. This makes it versatile for various environments, whether you’re in a quiet office or gaming at home, as it won’t overly disturb those around you.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch's very light actuation force offers a feather-like touch that contributes to its responsiveness, making it enjoyable for fast typists who appreciate a quick and agile typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Salt Lemon switch provides a mild feel, characterized by a smoother and gentler typing action. Its progressive spring design aims to offer a seamless experience, allowing for reliable travel without feeling overly rigid or pronounced. This could appeal to users who favor a more cushioned sensation while typing over the ultra-light pressure of the Chiikawa.
Ultimately, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Sea Salt Lemon switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different preferences. With the Chiikawa, you get a lively auditory feedback and a very light touch ideal for speed, while the Sea Salt Lemon provides a mellow soundscape combined with a mild, smooth feel. Choosing between these switches will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel, as well as your intended use case.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Sea Salt Lemon linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter and more responsive experience with a brighter sound profile, then the Chiikawa - 28g is a fantastic option. Its light actuation force of 28g coupled with a bottom-out force of 34g makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who enjoy rapid key presses and a crisp sound when typing. On the other hand, if you seek a well-rounded switch that balances smoothness and a more pronounced sound, the KTT Sea Salt Lemon may be your best bet. With a higher bottom-out force of 53g, it offers a moderate resistance that is suitable for both casual and professional use, providing a buttery smooth typing experience along with a low-pitched, neutral sound that won't disrupt your environment. In essence, choose the Chiikawa for lightweight agility and vibrant audio, while the Sea Salt Lemon is perfect for a more versatile and mellow typing experience.
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