Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can greatly influence the typing experience, and two popular options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Red, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct characteristics. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, producing an enjoyable, crisp high-pitched noise that appeals to those who favor a responsive feel while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is designed for users seeking a more subdued typing experience; with its muted sound profile and buttery, smooth actuation, it’s ideal for office environments or shared living spaces where noise can be a concern. While the Chiikawa may be perfect for those who revel in tactile feedback and an energetic sound, the Silent Red caters to those looking for a comfortable, quiet operation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Red switches both feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influence their acoustic properties. The use of polycarbonate in the construction of these switches tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature compared to other plastics, which allows it to resonate more clearly. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them particularly well-suited for setups that utilize RGB lighting. Thus, users can expect a similar visual and auditory experience when utilizing either switch, as the top housing material enhances brightness and clarity in sound and light.
In contrast to their identical top housing materials, the bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 28g and Silent Red switches are also made from nylon. This classic material adds an entirely different auditory characteristic to the switches. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which tends to absorb sound more effectively and results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. This means that while the top housing contributes to the initial sound during key release, the nylon bottom housing offers a duller and rounder sound upon bottoming out. The synergy between these materials ensures that both switches deliver a balanced auditory experience, making them appealing for users who appreciate a combination of crispness and depth.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Red switches allows users to achieve a cohesive sound. The polycarbonate's sharpness and the nylon's roundness create a unique sound signature that captures the best of both worlds. When pressing either switch, users will experience the defining attributes of both materials—the clarity of the polycarbonate upon release and the warmth of the nylon upon bottoming out. This harmony in design not only creates a pleasing auditory experience but also reinforces the compatibility of both switches for various keyboard setups, ensuring satisfaction across different user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and TTC Silent Red linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes, which is ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for lengthy sessions, whether for work or extended gaming. In contrast, the Silent Red switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, providing a more substantial push feel that some users favor for its tactile feedback. Additionally, the bottom out forces further emphasize this differentiation: the Chiikawa switch bottoms out at 34 grams, while the Silent Red reaches 63.5 grams. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, making it more suited for prolonged use, while the Silent Red caters to those who appreciate a firmer typing experience. Overall, these differences in actuation and bottom out forces cater to diverse preferences in the realm of tactile feedback and typing comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, we see a slight difference in their specifications. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Red features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option. For users who prioritize responsiveness and quick actuation, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa may be more appealing, allowing for faster key presses that can enhance gaming performance. On the other hand, for those who prefer a more substantial feel as they press down on keys, the Silent Red's longer distance might provide a more satisfying experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences regarding tactile feedback and desired response times.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 is characterized by its bright and high-pitched sound profile, providing a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This can create an engaging typing experience for users who appreciate a lively sound. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switches offer a muted sound profile, focusing on producing a softer and quieter noise level. This makes them particularly ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority, such as offices or shared living spaces. While the Chiikawa produces more pronounced sound, the Silent Red keeps things discreet, providing a significant contrast in audio qualities.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a very light actuation force, which makes it incredibly responsive and ideal for rapid typing. However, specific details about its tactile qualities are not provided. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Red is noted for its buttery smooth keystrokes, providing a seamless and effortless typing sensation. With a mild and polished feel, these switches create a gentle typing experience that is approachable for most users. The Silent Red's construction ensures consistent key travel and reduces friction, resulting in a refined typing experience, which is a different approach compared to the Chiikawa's very light touch.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch delivers a bright sound and responsive feel that caters to typists who enjoy active auditory feedback and a light touch. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red prioritizes a muted sound and smooth action, making it suitable for quieter environments and users seeking comfort in their typing experience. While they each cater to different preferences in auditory and tactile stimuli, enthusiasts can choose based on their need for sound versus silence, and responsiveness versus comfort.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Silent Red switches should largely depend on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as the context in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience with a very responsive action, coupled with a bright and high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is a fantastic option. Its lighter actuation force and lower bottom-out weight make it ideal for fast typists or gamers who favor quick response times. However, if you find yourself in settings where noise is a concern, like offices or shared living spaces, the TTC Silent Red is your best bet. With its medium-heavy actuation force, muted sound profile, and smooth, buttery feel, it offers a comfortable typing experience without disturbing others around you. Ultimately, choose the Chiikawa for an agile and lively typing experience, and opt for the Silent Red when you prioritize tranquility and a polished, seamless keystroke.
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