Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches plays a crucial role. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out with its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched feedback that is highly responsive, making it ideal for users who favor a lively and engaging typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch is designed for a completely different approach; it offers a whisper-quiet typing experience with a balanced bottom-out force, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, which is perfect for those who require a more subdued auditory experience while still enjoying a light yet satisfying keystroke. While the Chiikawa is tailored for those who revel in the aural feedback of their keystrokes, the Silent Sakura caters to users seeking a quieter environment without sacrificing performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches exhibit distinct characteristics that influence the overall sound profile and typing experience each switch offers. The Chiikawa - 28g employs a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, while its nylon bottom housing creates a deeper and fuller sound. This combination leads to a unique audio experience, where the resonance from the polycarbonate top enhances the clarity of each keystroke. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a nylon top housing that absorbs sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile, and pairs this with a polycarbonate bottom housing that sharpens the bottom-out acoustic. This combination allows for a nuanced audio experience that emphasizes the tonal qualities depending on the direction of key press and release.
Both switches utilize polycarbonate and nylon materials but assign them to different parts, leading to contrasting acoustic properties. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom create a dynamic audio transition that emphasizes higher frequencies during release while delivering a subtler impact during keypresses. In comparison, the Silent Sakura’s nylon top softens the sound at the key press, while the polycarbonate bottom adds a crisp clarity upon key release. This distribution of sound characteristics illustrates how distinct materials can work symbiotically within the same switch, ultimately leading to different auditory outcomes based on how the user interacts with the switches.
Despite their differences, both switches exhibit the strength of their respective materials in contributing to a pleasurable typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g, with its polycarbonate top, excels in RGB compatibility thanks to its translucency, while the Silent Sakura - 53g also enhances the aesthetic appeal with its nylon top. The interplay of softer nylon and stiffer polycarbonate in each switch means that end users seeking specific auditory feedback can find a suitable option in either switch. By understanding the roles of each material, users can optimize their typing experience, whether they prefer the clear and crisp response of the Chiikawa or the fuller, more muffled sound of the Silent Sakura.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch during long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Silent Sakura has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, offering a more substantial push feel that may appeal to those who favor a firmer typing experience. Similarly, the Chiikawa’s bottom out force is 34 grams, whereas the Silent Sakura's bottom out force is significantly higher at 53 grams. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Silent Sakura is the heavier choice, making them suitable for different user preferences based on their typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, it is evident that the Chiikawa has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura offers a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference in travel distance may influence user experience based on personal preferences. The shorter 3.6 mm distance of the Chiikawa can cater to those seeking quicker response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers who favor rapid actuation. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of 4.0 mm in the Silent Sakura may provide a more satisfying depth for typists or those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress, preventing the feeling of abruptness that can come with shorter distances. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on whether the user prioritizes responsiveness or a deeper tactile experience.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 53g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright and high-pitched tone, which can be quite crisp and engaging when typing. This switch's light actuation force contributes to its overall responsiveness, which can enhance the auditory feedback during fast typing. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch offers a more muted sound experience, designed specifically for quiet operation. It generates a gentle noise reminiscent of soft raindrops, making it ideal for quiet environments or shared spaces. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Chiikawa emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the Silent Sakura prioritizes sound dampening for a more serene typing atmosphere.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g stands out due to its very light actuation force, making it incredibly easy to press and providing a quick response for fast typists. This lightness can lead to a sensation of agility, as the keys require minimal effort to activate. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura - 53g balances its actuation force with a slightly heavier feel, which may give typists a more substantial and controlled keystroke. This difference can result in a satisfying typing experience that is both light enough for smooth operation while still providing feedback that's firm enough to feel grounded.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch delivers a bright and responsive typing experience ideal for those who favor quick, light keystrokes with engaging sound. Meanwhile, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch is perfect for those seeking a quieter, more subtle touch with a balanced actuation force that offers a sense of control. Each switch caters to different preferences, so the choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize sound and lightness or silence and a reassuring heft in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you seek a lively typing experience characterized by a light actuation force and a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent option; its 28g actuation force allows for rapid and effortless keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who benefit from immediate feedback and a more energetic feel. However, if you are looking for something more versatile and balanced for a mixed-use environment where noise might be a concern—like shared spaces or offices—the Silent Sakura switch is ideal. With its moderate yet satisfying 53g bottom out force, it provides a firm feel without being overly taxing, while also ensuring a whisper-quiet typing experience. Ultimately, reflect on your typing habits and the environments where you'll be using these switches to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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