Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, preferences play a crucial role, and the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Brown serve as perfect examples of how distinct switch characteristics can cater to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of 28g, allowing for rapid, responsive typing with a bright sound profile that produces a sharp, high-pitched noise with every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who favor a swift, minimalist feel and a quirky auditory feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown offers a more refined experience with its tactile bump, delivering a satisfying resistive feedback without compromising on noise levels thanks to its muted sound profile. Ideal for typists who appreciate a balanced tactile experience that doesn’t disrupt their environment, the Silent Brown is categorized as buttery, mild, muted, and polished. Both switches cater to specific typing styles and auditory preferences, but each brings its unique merits to the table. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Brown switches, we find that both feature polycarbonate top housings, resulting in remarkably similar sound profiles. The polycarbonate material is known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience when the switches are engaged. The transparency of polycarbonate also allows RGB lighting to shine through vibrantly, enhancing the aesthetic appeal for users who enjoy customizable setups. Consequently, both switches will deliver a clear and resonant auditory feedback during use, ensuring that users get a comparable auditory experience regardless of the specific switch chosen.
In terms of their bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Silent Brown utilize nylon, a material renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon absorbs more sound compared to the stiffer plastics, resulting in a cushioned and rounded auditory response as users type. This characteristic benefit from nylon promotes an engaging typing experience that reduces background noise, creating a more pleasant environment for usage—whether in a gaming scenario or while typing away at work. As both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they achieve a similar sound signature in terms of richness and depth, making them appealing options for users who appreciate a more subdued auditory feedback.
Ultimately, the distinct combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Brown creates an interplay of sound quality that balances clarity and depth. Since the top housing contributes to the sound upon releasing a key, while the bottom housing affects the sound and feel upon bottoming out, users will experience a well-rounded typing experience with either switch. Both switches are thoughtfully engineered to optimize user satisfaction, offering crisp and resonant sounds atop a fuller auditory background, making them excellent choices for varying preferences in typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Brown switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out forces further highlight this contrast: the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 34 grams, while the Silent Brown reaches 63.5 grams. Therefore, for those seeking a lighter and more responsive switch for prolonged use, the Chiikawa - 28g is the superior choice, while the Silent Brown offers a firmer feel for a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa option may be preferable due to its shorter travel distance, potentially enabling quicker key presses favored by gamers. Conversely, the TTC Silent Brown’s longer 3.8 mm travel distance might provide a more substantial tactile experience that some users find preferable for typing, offering a gentler feedback sensation. Hence, if you prioritize a more pronounced depth and a slower response time, the Silent Brown switch will be your go-to choice. In summary, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is the shorter distance variant, while the TTC Silent Brown is 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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $5.00.
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 a bright and crisp sound profile that resonates with a high-pitched tone when typing. This makes it particularly responsive and engaging for users who appreciate auditory feedback from their keys. In contrast, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch is known for its muted sound profile, producing a much softer and quieter keystroke experience. This minimizes the typical mechanical keyboard noise, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. While both types of switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience, the Chiikawa's brightness contrasts greatly with the subdued nature of the Silent Brown.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is recognized for its very light actuation force, which allows for a quick and effortless keystroke, making it ideal for users who prefer speed and responsiveness in their typing. However, the TTC Silent Brown offers a notably different tactile experience; it provides a rounded tactile bump that delivers both a buttery smooth input and a mild resistance. This gives the Silent Brown a polished feel that many find satisfying, making it approachable for various typing styles. The differences in actuation force and tactile feedback mean that users will experience distinct sensations between the two switches, catering to different preferences and typing techniques.
In summary, both the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch present unique qualities that cater to different user needs. The Chiikawa excels in lightness and brightness, providing a crisp auditory feedback, whereas the Silent Brown focuses on a polished, buttery feel with a muted sound profile. Depending on personal typing preferences and sound tolerance, users can choose either switch to achieve a comfortable typing experience, but they will undoubtedly need to consider what aspects matter most to them in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch should be guided by your typing style, preferences for sound, and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you value a lightweight and highly responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its lower actuation force and bright sound profile make it ideal for rapid typing or gaming, where you need to execute commands swiftly and without excessive resistance. The crisp sound can be enjoyable in a personal setting, although it might be a bit loud for shared spaces. On the other hand, if you prefer a more traditional typing experience with tactile feedback, the TTC Silent Brown would likely suit you better. Its moderate actuation force provides a satisfying resistance that leads to a deliberate and controlled typing rhythm, making it fantastic for long hours of use. Plus, the muted sound profile of the Silent Brown means you can work in quieter environments without worrying about disturbing those around you. Ultimately, the key is to consider how you plan to use your keyboard, whether for casual typing, intense gaming, or workplace productivity, and choose the switch that aligns with that experience.
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