Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offer unique characteristics suited to different preferences and environments. The Chiikawa - 28g, known for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivers a remarkably responsive experience and produces a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a lively and energetic typing feel. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) provides a tactile feel with a medium bump and padded bottom-out feedback, making it ideal for noise-sensitive settings, as it minimizes auditory distractions without compromising on the tactile feedback that typists appreciate. While both switches cater to distinct typing experiences—one prioritizing brightness and lightness, and the other ensuring silence and tactility—let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a similar acoustic profile in their respective switches. The use of polycarbonate is noteworthy for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This characteristic can be attributed to the material's rigidity, which fosters a clear and resonant sound profile. Additionally, both switches exhibit a translucent aesthetic, making them ideal for setups equipped with RGB lighting. As a result, users of both the Chiikawa and Silent T1 can expect a lively auditory experience when typing, enriched by the glowing effects of RGB illumination shining through the clear housings.
Contrasting with their top housings, the Chiikawa - 28g and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This classical material choice is pivotal in shaping the overall sound experience when typing, as nylon is known for its softer texture that absorbs sound better than harder plastics, leading to a deeper, fuller auditory tone. The characteristics of the nylon material help create a more rounded sound profile, in stark contrast to the crispness offered by the polycarbonate top. Thus, while both switches share similarities in their upper housing materials that contribute to a bright sound when releasing a key, it is the nylon bottom that heavily influences the impact and depth of the sound upon bottoming out each key, providing a nuanced balance between the two.
In essence, the construction of both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) showcases a harmonious interplay between their materials. The polycarbonate top housings ensure clarity and resonance, while the nylon bottom housings deliver warmth and fullness to the acoustic profile. Despite the differences in their individual material compositions, both switches harmoniously blend the characteristics of their respective materials to create a satisfying typing experience. Users will thus enjoy a keyboard soundscape elevated by the combination of sharpness from the polycarbonate and warmth from the nylon, highlighting how thoughtful materials choice can lead to a cohesive performance.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g has a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. In contrast, the Silent T1's bottom out force is significantly heavier at 67 grams, while its actuation force is unspecified. This indicates that the Durock switch is designed for users who prefer a firmer and more substantial typing experience, making it suitable for those who appreciate a medium-heavy feel. Consequently, the Chiikawa - 28g can be considered the lighter option, potentially allowing users to type for longer periods with less fatigue, while the Silent T1 offers a heavier touch that may appeal to those who enjoy a stronger push feel. Overall, the contrasting forces suggest that users should choose based on their comfort and typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, the Chiikawa features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in distance can significantly affect the typing experience; the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance can provide a more responsive feel, appealing to gamers and those who favor quick actions. In contrast, the Silent T1's longer travel distance may be preferred by users who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper press. Therefore, while both switches offer distinct advantages depending on personal preference, the Chiikawa is the more responsive choice, whereas the Silent T1 caters to those who appreciate a heavier, more deliberate keystroke.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 boasts a bright and crisp audio profile that results in a high-pitched sound when typing. This makes it a suitable choice for those who prefer an engaging auditory experience while they type. In contrast, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a muted and subdued audio feedback that caters to users in noise-sensitive environments. Its design minimizes the typical sounds associated with mechanical keyboards, providing a quieter typing experience without sacrificing the tactile aspects. This contrast highlights how the Chiikawa is more suited for an expressive typing experience, while the Silent T1 caters to those who need discretion.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by a very light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes. However, the specific tactile feedback is not detailed, which leaves an element of uncertainty. On the other hand, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more distinct tactile experience with its stepped design, featuring a medium bump that is accentuated without being overwhelming. This switch strikes a balance between providing tactile feedback and facilitating smooth key travel, aided by its polished finish that reduces friction. The feel of the Silent T1 may appeal to those who enjoy a more refined tactile response compared to the Chiikawa’s lighter, potentially less pronounced actuation feel.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Chiikawa’s bright sound and light actuation make it ideal for users seeking responsiveness and auditory feedback, while the Silent T1’s muted sound profile and well-defined tactile feel cater to those needing a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactility. Choosing between the two largely depends on individual priorities regarding sound and feel, ensuring that regardless of which switch you choose, you'll find a product that aligns with your typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a light, responsive touch with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is likely your best choice. Its low actuation force and crisp auditory feedback make it ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and do not mind a little noise. On the other hand, if you’re typing in a noise-sensitive environment or simply prefer a more subdued auditory experience, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) would be more suitable. With its medium-heavy actuation force, tactile feedback, and muted sound profile, this switch caters well to those who appreciate a tactile feel without the accompanying noise. In essence, your decision should reflect not just your taste in switch characteristics, but also the context in which you’ll be using your mechanical keyboard, ensuring that your choice complements both your typing style and your surroundings.
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