Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and typing habits play a crucial role. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out with its distinctly light actuation force of just 28g, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes. This switch offers a bright sound profile, providing a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying and energizing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch prioritizes a silent typing experience, making it the perfect choice for users who want to work in peace without disturbing others. Featuring advanced dampening technology, these linear switches boast a smooth and comfortable typing feel, ideal for those late-night typing sessions. While the Chiikawa switch appeals to those who enjoy an audible and tactile typing experience, the Semi Mute caters to individuals desiring tranquility. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Semi Mute, both share a commonality in their top housing, which is made of polycarbonate. This choice of material in both switches contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate lends clarity and resonance to the auditory experience, making it ideal for enhancing the characteristics of RGB lighting. From an aesthetic standpoint, the translucency of polycarbonate not only showcases illumination but also suggests a quality of sound that many enthusiasts cherish in mechanical keyboards. Thus, users can expect to achieve a similar sound profile when pressing the switches, prompted by this common use of polycarbonate in the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing for each switch diverges in material composition, with the Chiikawa - 28g utilizing nylon and the Semi Mute employing polycarbonate. The nylon found in the Chiikawa's bottom housing is revered for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its absorbent nature; this leads to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. Conversely, the Semi Mute's use of polycarbonate in its bottom housing maintains a unified sound profile with its top, resultant in a sharper acoustic output. Therefore, while both switches can generate a crisp sound when pressed, the actual auditory experience upon bottoming out would differ significantly due to the materials used in the bottom housings.
Given that the performance and feedback of a switch are influenced by both the top and bottom housing materials, users may find that they prefer the muted warmth of the Chiikawa's nylon bottom or the clarity echoed by the Semi Mute's polycarbonate bottom. Depending on personal preference over sound profiles—whether one favors the cushioned resonance of nylon or the pronounced brightness of polycarbonate—these factors will greatly affect the overall experience when typing. As a result, both switches provide unique auditory experiences based on their specific material combinations, although the polycarbonate shared in the top housing sets a baseline of clarity that can be appreciated across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, it is clear that both switches cater to different preferences in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. 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 lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Semi Mute switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and bottom out force of 58 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. The difference in actuation and bottom out forces suggests that users looking for a softer feel might gravitate toward the Chiikawa switch, while those who enjoy a firmer push should consider the KTT Semi Mute. Overall, choosing between these two switches hinges on personal preferences regarding key resistance and tactile feedback during use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, a noticeable difference emerges. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi Mute has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a slightly more responsive experience, appealing to those who prefer quicker actuation, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Semi Mute provides a fuller, deeper feel when pressed, which may cater to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. In this case, the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option at 3.6 mm, and the Semi Mute is the longer one at 4 mm, making the choice between the two heavily dependent on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus keystroke 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 Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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 considering sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch showcases a bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that creates an engaging auditory feedback during typing. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy an upbeat and responsive sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch excels in offering a completely silent operation, which is ideal for those who prefer a low-noise environment. Its muted characteristics minimize the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing for discreet typing sessions. The selection between these switches essentially boils down to a preference for audible feedback versus an entirely noise-free experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a very light actuation force, contributing to an incredibly responsive typing experience that can be described as effortless. This lightness can enhance speed and fluidity in typing, making it suitable for users who prioritize quick keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch delivers a buttery and mild feel. The smooth and fluid keystroke experience is complemented by an enjoyable typing sensation, making it a comfortable choice for extended sessions. The differences here are significant; those who thrive on a lightweight touch may prefer the Chiikawa, while users seeking a softer, more gradual touch will find the Semi Mute more to their liking.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Semi Mute linear switches cater to contrasting preferences in both sound and feel. The Chiikawa offers a bright auditory experience and a very light actuation force, making it ideal for those who enjoy a tactile and responsive typing sensation. Meanwhile, the KTT Semi Mute prioritizes silence with advanced dampening technology, combining that with a buttery feel for a smooth and comfortable typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or a quiet ambiance while typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you lean towards a lighter touch and enjoy a more responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. With its light actuation force and bright sound profile, it caters to individuals who relish the tactile feedback and crisp, high-pitched sound while typing, making it ideal for casual use or for those who appreciate an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and distraction-free environment—perhaps for late-night typing sessions or shared workspaces—the KTT Semi Mute would be your go-to switch. Its medium bottom-out force, combined with its noise-dampening technology, offers a smooth and buttery feel, while ensuring minimal sound disruption. This option suits both beginners and seasoned typists looking for an unobtrusive typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value auditory feedback and lightness in your keystrokes or prefer a muted, comfortable typing environment.
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