Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the options based on tactile feel, sound profile, and aesthetic appeal. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its exceptionally light 28g actuation force, delivering a bright and responsive typing experience that is characterized by its crisp, high-pitched tone. This switch is ideal for those who prefer swift keystrokes and a sound profile that energizes their typing sessions. In contrast, the Jerrzi Seashell switch enchants users not just with its performance but with its mesmerizing purple hue, combining aesthetic beauty with functionality. Renowned for being both light and clacky, the Seashell offers a delightful typing experience that remains comfortable even during extended use, making it a favored choice for long typing sessions. While both switches feature linear action and a light actuation force, their signature sounds and visual appeal cater to different user preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Seashell switches utilize similar housing materials, showcasing polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. The decision to employ polycarbonate in their top housings yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, attributed to the material's inherent stiffness. This characteristic allows for a more resonant sound, making these switches particularly appealing to users who appreciate brightness in their auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual aspect of the switches, making them ideal for RGB lighting setups, which can further enrich the user's experience.
On the other hand, both switches share the same construction for their bottom housings, opting for nylon. This material choice is classic in the switch industry, as nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softness. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when compared to its harder counterparts. This combination of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom ensures a balanced sound experience that caters to various typing preferences and styles, where the top housing influences the sound upon release, and the bottom housing impacts the sound generated when the key bottoms out.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Seashell switches deliver a cohesive sound profile thanks to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing. While each switch’s material combination distinguishes its auditory feedback, the similarities in their construction point to a consistent quality across both models. Users can expect a crisp and resonant sound when pressing down on the keys and a deeper tone upon release, ensuring an engaging and enjoyable typing experience that resonates well with both casual and serious typists alike.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch differ significantly in their actuation forces, which influences their user experience. The Chiikawa - 28g features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Seashell switch has a noticeably heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to individuals who enjoy a more substantial and tactile feel when typing. When it comes to bottom out force, the Chiikawa switch has a measurable bottom out force of 34 grams, while the Seashell's bottom out force remains unspecified. This uncertainty leaves potential users without a full understanding of the switch's performance characteristics. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Seashell, with its heavier actuation force, provides a different typing experience suited to those who favor more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, it is clear that they differ, with the Chiikawa having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Seashell at 3.4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa offers a slightly longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feel when pressed. In contrast, the Seashell with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer quicker response times, often favored by gamers for its more immediate feedback. If you're seeking a deeper, more engaging typing experience, you might gravitate towards the Chiikawa, whereas if you prefer a snappier and less abrupt response, the Seashell would be the better choice. Thus, the Chiikawa would resonate more with users who appreciate a hearty depth, while the Seashell caters to the contemporary preference for faster 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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright and crisp audio profile, producing a high-pitched sound that is both responsive and fast. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell switch delivers a clacky sound, described as sharp and snappy, complemented by a more pronounced high-pitched tone. While both switches lean towards the lighter and more lively end of the sound spectrum, the Seashell’s clackiness adds an extra layer of auditory delight that can enhance the overall typing experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa is bright, the Seashell offers a more textured sound with its clack, making them both enjoyable yet distinct in their auditory properties.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is noted for its very light actuation force, making it effortlessly responsive during typing sessions. In contrast, the Seashell switch emphasizes a feathery and polished quality, providing a smooth and refined typing experience. This combination not only reduces finger fatigue but also ensures that each keystroke requires minimal exertion, enhancing comfort over long periods. Both switches effectively minimize strain on the fingers, but the Seashell's polished finish and smooth key travel could add an element of luxuriousness to the experience that may not be explicitly noted for the Chiikawa.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches cater to those who favor light and crisp responses. While the Chiikawa shines with its bright sound characteristic, the Seashell offers a clackiness that can provide a more engaging auditory experience. Feel-wise, both prioritize a low-impact typing experience, with the Seashell’s feathery quality possibly offering a touch of refinement in its smoothness. Ultimately, selecting between these two will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile sensations, but both promise delightful typing experiences that endure over extended use.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch should align with your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a responsive, light touch with a bright sound, the Chiikawa - 28g might be your best bet. Its crisp actuation and higher pitch can create an exciting typing environment, especially suited for quick typists or gamers who thrive on speed. Conversely, if you’re drawn to an aesthetic that combines beauty with function, the Seashell switch, with its pronounced clacky sound and feathery feel, could offer the delightful experience you seek. The Seashell's design not only enhances your keyboard visually but also provides a comfortable, low-impact typing experience that is ideal for lengthy sessions, whether for work, gaming, or casual use. Ultimately, your decision should reflect not only the tactile preferences and the auditory qualities that you enjoy but also the overall typing experience you desire in your daily activities.
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