Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Silent Frozen (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two notable contenders are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), both linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force of just 28 grams, making it incredibly responsive and suitable for fast typists who enjoy a bright sound profile. This switch's crisp, high-pitched sound adds a unique auditory experience while typing that can be quite satisfying for those who appreciate tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) offers an entirely different experience with its extremely quiet sound profile and plush, smooth actuation. Characterized by its thocky and muted qualities, this switch is ideal for those who prefer a more understated typing experience without sacrificing the feel of a well-crafted switch. While both switches cater to different preferences, they each offer unique advantages in terms of sound and feel. 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
39g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
43g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Silver white spring
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2), we find a distinct similarity in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The nature of polycarbonate as a stiffer plastic enhances the clarity and resonance of sounds produced by the switches. The translucency of this material is particularly advantageous for users who value RGB lighting; it allows for light diffusion that can highlight the aesthetics of a keyboard setup. As such, if you're interested in achieving a vibrant RGB experience with excellent sound sharpness, both switches will yield similar results due to their shared polycarbonate top housing.
Conversely, the bottom housing materials of these two switches differ significantly. The Chiikawa - 28g incorporates nylon in its bottom housing, a material renowned for its ability to create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which absorbs more sound than its harder counterparts. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) employs polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, thus maintaining the sharper and crisper sound characteristic of the overall switch design. This divergence means that while both switches feature polycarbonate at the top, the sound experience can vary significantly when pressing down on the keys, as the nylon in the Chiikawa would yield a more muted bottom-out sound while the polycarbonate in the Silent Frozen offers a more resonant sound.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing materials create a nuanced auditory experience in the two switches, even though their top housings are alike. The Chiikawa - 28g's nylon bottom, with its capacity for sound absorption, contrasts with the clarity offered by the Silent Frozen's polycarbonate counterpart. Thus, when typing on the Chiikawa, you may encounter a fuller and softer sound profile, while the Silent Frozen will deliver a more pronounced acoustic feedback. Understanding these dynamics allows enthusiasts to appreciate how the unique combination of top and bottom housing materials can shape the overall typing experience, illustrating how the blend of different materials can lead to distinct yet complementary auditory results.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, there is a clear distinction in weight preferences for typists and gamers. The Chiikawa - 28g features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch that allows for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) has a heavier actuation force of 39 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, offering a more substantial typing experience that some users may find satisfying. Ultimately, those who value a lighter switch for extended use might gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while individuals who appreciate a firmer key press would likely favor the TTC Silent Frozen (V2).
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switch, we see a slight difference that may impact user experience. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Frozen (V2) features a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option by 0.1 mm. For gamers seeking faster response times, the shorter travel distance of the Silent Frozen (V2) may be more appealing, allowing for snappier keystrokes. Conversely, users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean toward the Chiikawa switch due to its slightly deeper actuation. Ultimately, your choice between these switches would depend on your preference for responsiveness versus the feeling of a more substantial keypress.
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 Frozen (V2) has an MSRP of $8.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Frozen (V2) for $5.55.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched note that is particularly noticeable during typing. This responsiveness adds an engaging auditory element to the experience, allowing typists to enjoy the sound of each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) switch features an extremely quiet sound profile characterized by a thocky and muted quality. This makes it suitable for shared environments or situations where noise reduction is essential. The deeper, low-pitched thocky sound adds a level of depth and richness, which is distinctively different from the sharper tone of the Chiikawa, making each switch cater to different preferences in a user’s typing sanctuary.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a distinctly light touch with a very light actuation force, which enhances its responsiveness, but it lacks further specificity in describing its overall tactile sensation. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) provides a creamy and buttery experience, attributed to its smooth operation, possibly due to factory lubrication or specific materials. This can create a luxurious typing experience that feels effortless, reducing fatigue during extended use. The feathery and subtle resistance of the Frozen switches promotes comfortable typing, making them favorable for long sessions whether for gaming or professional tasks. While both switches are designed for efficient actuations, their character differs significantly, with the Silent Frozen excelling in a plush, smooth experience.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches each offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa is perfect for those who enjoy a bright and responsive sound with a light touch, ideal for quick typing and enthusiastic keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Frozen provides a muted, thocky experience with a focus on smoothness and comfort, making it suitable for longer sessions in quieter environments. With these contrasting qualities, users can readily identify which switch aligns best with their personal style, whether they seek a lively auditory experience or a serene, plush touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) linear switches, you should consider your typing environment and intended use. If you prefer a switch that offers a very light actuation force, making it highly responsive for quick typing or gaming, the Chiikawa - 28g is an ideal choice, especially if you enjoy a bright, crisp sound profile that enhances your typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a lively auditory feedback and might not be overly concerned about noise levels in shared spaces. On the other hand, if you seek a smoother, quieter experience, particularly in a shared environment or for late-night gaming sessions, the TTC Silent Frozen (V2) would be the better option. Its heavier bottom-out force provides a more substantial feel while still being extremely quiet and creamy in texture, which minimizes finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize sound and responsiveness or softness and silence in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
