Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences and intended usage play pivotal roles. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 28g, making it exceptionally responsive, perfect for those who favor a nimble typing experience. Its bright sound profile emits a crisp, high-pitched tone, creating an engaging auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black switch offers a more subdued experience, characterized by its "silky," "muted," and "polished" feel. This switch is designed for quieter environments, featuring a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out that minimizes noise without sacrificing comfort, making it ideal for office settings or shared spaces. While both switches are linear and offer smooth key presses, they cater to different needs and environments. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches utilize distinct materials for their housings, leading to nuanced differences in their sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound that is often more resonant compared to softer plastics. The clear nature of polycarbonate also enhances its compatibility with RGB lighting, making it an attractive option for illuminated keyboards. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black incorporates a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which, while also resulting in a high-pitched sound, is described as being less sharp and more clacky. This difference suggests that while both switches may produce elevated sound profiles, the Chiikawa - 28g has a more pronounced clarity, whereas the Silent Ink Black leans toward a thicker, more satisfying tonal quality.
Examining the bottom housing, the Chiikawa - 28g opts for nylon, a classic choice known for its ability to absorb sound effectively, yielding a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This means that the Chiikawa's bottom housing contributes to a rounder sound, enhancing the overall typing experience with a softer, quieter bottom-out thock. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black utilizes its proprietary INK blend as the bottom housing, which aligns with the same high-pitched character found in its top housing. This choice means that the Gateron switch produces a sound profile that is also pointed but tends to maintain a more consistent clackiness across both housing types. Consequently, while both switches produce distinct sounding experiences, the Chiikawa - 28g focuses on a deeper resonance while the Silent Ink Black embraces a thinner, crisper auditory feedback.
Overall, the sound characteristics and tactile experiences of these switches reflect how their housing materials influence their performance. The interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in these switches dictates the overall sound profile experienced during use. For both the Chiikawa - 28g and Silent Ink Black, the differing materials lead to distinct sound signatures, aligning the tactile experience with the auditory feedback users expect. If one were to employ both switches in similar keyboard settings, it would be possible to achieve a varying balance of sound clarity and warmth, while highlighting how the choice of housing material can significantly alter the typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, a notable difference lies in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black switch has significantly heavier specifications, boasting an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who seek a more substantial typing experience. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Ink Black is the heavier. Users seeking lighter switches will find the Chiikawa more comfortable for prolonged use, while those who favor a more robust feel will appreciate the Silent Ink Black's increased actuation force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct travel distances, which can significantly impact your typing or gaming experience. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Silent Ink Black has a travel distance of 4 mm, positioning it as the longer switch. This difference means that those who prioritize quicker response times and a more abrupt feel may lean towards the Chiikawa switch. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, with its greater travel distance, caters to users who prefer a more substantial depth in their keystrokes. Overall, the choice between these two switches ultimately depends on your preferences for responsiveness versus depth in keypress feedback.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone while typing. This characteristic makes it quite responsive and engaging, emitting a more pronounced audio feedback than many traditional linear switches. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black offers a muted sound experience, designed specifically for quieter environments. Its construction minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards, allowing you to type without the clacking sounds that often accompany other switches. Therefore, if you're looking for a lively sound, the Chiikawa switch excels, whereas the Silent Ink Black caters to users who prioritize a more discreet typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its very light actuation force, which significantly enhances its responsiveness, making each keystroke feel quick and effortless. However, specific details on how this switch feels in terms of smoothness or additional tactile characteristics are not provided. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is renowned for its silky and polished feel, offering an incredibly smooth typing experience with minimal resistance when pressing and releasing the keys. This results in a refined, luxurious sensation with each keystroke, ideal for users who appreciate a seamless typing action.
Overall, both switches cater to distinct preferences and typing styles. The Chiikawa - 28g is perfect for those who enjoy a lively and bright typing experience with a responsive feel, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced typing. The Gateron Silent Ink Black, on the other hand, is tailored for individuals seeking a calming, quiet environment without sacrificing the smoothness of their typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two will hinge on whether you prioritize sound or the tactile feel while typing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a light actuation force and a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option for you, especially if you enjoy a responsive feel and a crisp auditory feedback when typing. This switch is ideal for casual typing, gaming, or any situation where you want an enjoyable and lively experience. On the other hand, if you work in a quieter environment or prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Gateron Silent Ink Black would be your best bet. With its higher bottom out force and muted sound, this switch offers a luxurious feel characterized by a silky, polished typing experience that minimizes noise and distractions. So, assess your typing habits, the noise levels of your surroundings, and your tactile preferences to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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