Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie 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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present two intriguing options for fans of linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of 28 grams, making it exceptionally responsive and ideal for rapid typing or gaming. Its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched noise, adds a distinctive auditory experience that some users may find satisfying. In contrast, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a medium-weight actuation force, providing a balance between tactile feedback and smooth key presses without feeling too heavy or too light. This switch is renowned for its 'thocky' sound profile, which gives it a richer auditory experience while maintaining impressive smoothness thanks to its all-POM construction. Each switch caters to different preferences, with the Chiikawa appealing to those who enjoy a lighter and more audible switch, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is perfect for users looking for a quality feel and sound without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, distinct differences emerge that shape their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, resulting in a higher-pitched, crisper sound. This material’s translucency also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically appealing for users who wish to showcase colorful lighting. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie utilizes a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which yields a deeper, more muted sound profile that leans towards a softer auditory experience. This fundamental difference in materials contributes to variance in sound feedback during typing, giving users unique auditory and tactile nuances depending on the switch they choose.
Looking at the bottom housings, the Chiikawa - 28g comprises a nylon material, recognized for its ability to produce a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic composition. Nylon absorbs sound, leading to a rounded acoustic signature that contrasts sharply with the qualities imparted by the Sea Salt Smoothie’s POM bottom housing, which similarly generates a deeper sound profile but tends to retain a more muted quality. Despite this similarity in producing deeper tones, the nylon in the Chiikawa - 28g may create a slightly richer sound due to its sound-damping properties, while the POM in the Sea Salt Smoothie produces a unique auditory experience with its own distinct character. Thus, while both switches feature bottom housings that contribute to a full sound, the underlying materials influence the nuances of that sound.
The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials inevitably leads to a diverse typing experience in both switches, as their sonic profiles blend to create unique feedback. The Chiikawa - 28g’s distinct combination of a clear polycarbonate top (perfect for responding crisply to key releases) and a full-bodied nylon bottom accentuates the clarity and resonance of each keystroke. Meanwhile, the Sea Salt Smoothie achieves its sonic experience through the unison of POM on both top and bottom, which provides a harmonious yet more muted auditory interaction. Ultimately, while both switches offer appealing typing experiences, the Chiikawa - 28g leans towards bright and sharp sounds, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie champions a deep and subdued auditory profile; users may opt for one over the other depending on their preference for sound characteristics and tactile feedback.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch present notable differences in their actuation forces. The Chiikawa switch has a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience, especially beneficial during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 48 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feedback while typing. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Chiikawa's bottom out force is 34 grams, while the bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie remains unknown. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is lighter, promoting ease of use for prolonged periods, while the Sea Salt Smoothie switch offers a heavier feel that may be more satisfying for those who prefer a stronger push with each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch has a slightly greater travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option of the two, offering a more responsive feel that might appeal to gamers seeking quicker key actuation. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, could provide a deeper, more satisfying press that some users prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Thus, if you favor responsiveness and speed, the Chiikawa - 28g would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more pronounced keystroke might lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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 Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 noted for its bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This contributes to a more lively acoustic experience, making each keystroke feel responsive and distinct. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch delivers a thocky sound profile that is deeper and more resonant. This contrast in sound characteristics means that typists looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback without a lot of high-end sharpness will likely lean towards the Sea Salt Smoothie, while those who enjoy a brighter sound may prefer the Chiikawa.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for rapid typing or gaming. The lightness contributes to a nimble experience, allowing for quick key presses without much effort. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie is described as a medium-weight switch, which strikes a balance between resistance and responsiveness. This mid-range actuation provides a satisfying amount of feedback, giving a more solid sensation with each key press, appealing to those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel under their fingers.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a bright, crisp sound and a very light feel, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch provides a thocky sound and a medium-weight response. Depending on your preferences for sound and actuation force, you may find that one switch caters to your typing style better than the other; however, both options are high-quality and would deliver satisfying results. If you desire a lively, light touch in sound and feel, the Chiikawa is your go-to, while the Sea Salt Smoothie is perfect for those seeking something deeper and more substantial.
Conclusion
To sum up, selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a switch that is incredibly light and responsive, allowing for quick actuation with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal for you. This switch excels in scenarios where rapid typing is essential, such as in gaming or intensive typing sessions, thanks to its low actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound. Conversely, if you value a medium-weight switch that strikes a balance between tactile feedback and a smooth typing experience, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. Known for its thocky sound profile and seamless feel, it caters well to those who appreciate a more robust auditory and tactile response when they type. Ultimately, your ideal switch will depend on whether you lean toward an ultra-light, bright experience with the Chiikawa or a more substantial, smoother typing feel with the Sea Salt Smoothie.
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