Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear emerge as two distinct yet compelling choices for enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light 28g actuation force, allowing for swift, responsive typing with a bright, high-pitched sound profile that can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a more auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear offers a unique blend of features that make it stand out, providing a silky smooth feel complemented by a whisper-quiet topping-out sound, while still maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. This makes it an ideal option for users who appreciate a balance of tactile feedback and a quieter typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you crave the lively acoustic feedback of the Chiikawa or the understated elegance of the Semi-Silent Linear. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are intriguingly comparable, particularly in their top housing, which is made of polycarbonate in both switches. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, contributing significantly to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is enhanced by the material's translucent nature, which makes it ideal for switches intended for RGB lighting. Both switches will provide a similar auditory experience during typing, ensuring that users can enjoy clear acoustic feedback when engaging with their keyboards. The consistency in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing suggests that both switches will accommodate visually vibrant setups while maintaining an impressive sound clarity.
However, the bottom housing of the two switches differs, as both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Semi-Silent Linear utilize nylon. This classic material is known for its softer properties, which favor a deeper, fuller sound profile. The nylon housing absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a more subdued and round auditory experience when bottoming out. As a result, while the top housing delivers crisp and clear sounds, the nylon bottom housing of both switches will imbue a softer tonal quality to the overall typing experience. This contrast in materials affects how each switch reacts when pressed down and released, harmonizing the sharper sounds of the polycarbonate with the fullness of nylon.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Semi-Silent Linear leads to a unique yet cohesive typing experience. While the matches in their top housing create a consistency in high-pitched resonance, the respective nylon bottoms enhance the roundness of sound, leading to a well-balanced performance. Therefore, the two switches will not only offer visually appealing designs with RGB capabilities but also showcase a harmonious blend of sounds—sharpness in the initial keystroke from the polycarbonate housing above, and depth in the release phase due to the nylon housing below. This attention to material selection allows both models to provide an overall superior typing experience tailored for both tactile and auditory satisfaction.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch present distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming due to its ease of use. In contrast, the actuation force for the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is unknown, which leaves its typing feel uncertain. However, the bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear is significantly heavier at 62 grams compared to the Chiikawa's 34 grams. This substantial difference indicates that the Jwick switch provides a more pronounced tactile feel when bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Ultimately, the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter switch, catering to users seeking less strain during long usage, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, with its unknown actuation force but heavier bottom out force, leans towards those who appreciate a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear measures slightly longer at 3.7 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch, with its shorter travel distance, could provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and those who favor quicker key presses. On the other hand, the Semi-Silent Linear's longer travel distance may be preferable for users who enjoy a deeper, more substantial key press that offers a traditional typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus comfort, with the Chiikawa being the shorter option and the Semi-Silent Linear being the longer one.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 switch produces a bright and crisp sound profile, characterized by its high-pitched tonal quality, which enhances the auditory experience while typing. This lively sound makes the switch particularly appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued auditory experience, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a clacky bottom-out sound. This combination provides a nuanced auditory signature that caters well to users who prefer a quieter environment while still delivering a satisfying sound when keys are fully pressed.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and suitable for rapid typing without much effort. It offers a nimble typing experience that is particularly enjoyable for users who favor a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is designed to provide a variety of tactile sensations, described as mild, snappy, buttery, and polished. This blend of characteristics ensures a smooth and refined typing experience, with a gentle and approachable feel that accommodates a wide range of typing styles. The responsiveness of the Jack Semi-Silent Linear further enhances the typing experience, making it equally enjoyable for both casual and serious typists.
Overall, while both the Chiikawa - 28g and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer distinct qualities, they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in its bright auditory feedback and lightweight feel, ideal for users who enjoy a lively typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick presents a more nuanced and versatile switch, balancing auditory subtleties with a plush feel that combines smoothness and responsiveness. Choosing between the two ultimately boils down to personal preference, as both switches facilitate an engaging and pleasurable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, your choice should primarily reflect your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use them. If you favor a lightweight and highly responsive switch that delivers a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice, especially for rapid typing or gaming sessions where speed and agility are key. Its 28g actuation force makes each keystroke feel effortless, which can be particularly advantageous for long periods of typing or gaming without causing fatigue. On the other hand, if you need a more balanced switch that combines a smoother typing experience with a subdued sound profile, the Semi-Silent Linear is ideal. With a bottom-out force of 62 grams, it offers a bit more resistance while maintaining a silky smooth feel that balances performance with subtlety—perfect for office environments or shared spaces where quieter operation is essential. Ultimately, your choice should be guided by your personal comfort and the sound levels acceptable in your setting: go for the Chiikawa for a lively, engaging experience or select the Semi-Silent Linear for a more discreet yet sophisticated typing feel.
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