Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro both offer unique advantages that cater to different user preferences, despite being categorized as linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force and vibrant sound profile, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes that produce a crisp, high-pitched sound—ideal for typists who appreciate an engaging auditory experience while working. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is specifically engineered for gaming enthusiasts, featuring both a light actuation force and an optimized shortened travel distance. This design facilitates swift key presses that are crucial for competitive gaming, while its deeper, bassier sound enhances the sensory experience of each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches hinges on whether you prioritize the Chiikawa’s bright responsiveness or the V3 Silver Pro’s gaming performance. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a strikingly similar acoustic profile. The polycarbonate material is notable for its stiffness, which promotes a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This quality is amplified through the translucency of the material, allowing for effective transmission of RGB lighting, thus enhancing the visual appeal of the switches. Users can expect a crisp and resonant sound when typing, a shared characteristic of both models due to the identical top housing material. This design consideration is crucial for gamers and typists who prioritize not just performance, but also the aesthetic experience of RGB illumination.
In contrast, while both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, the contrasting materials create a layered acoustic experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound and minimizes harshness, making the overall typing experience softer and more rounded. The combination of a polycarbonate top and a nylon bottom in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the V3 Silver Pro means that when a user presses down on either switch, the sound produced will reflect the distinct characteristics of nylon — fuller and deeper, counterbalancing the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top.
When considering the overall functionality of each switch, it becomes apparent that while their materials may be the same, the way they interact can lead to varying nuances in typing experience. The polycarbonate top significantly influences the sound upon key release, ensuring an articulate and lively auditory feedback. Conversely, the nylon bottom dampens the bottom-out sound which can contribute to a more pleasant tactile experience during typing. Thus, users can expect a largely comparable sound profile due to the shared top housing material, while the differing influences of the nylon bottom housing in both switches create unique yet harmonious typing experiences, enhancing their usability for different preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro features a heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial feel with each keystroke. This means that users prioritizing lighter switches for comfort over long durations would likely gravitate toward the Chiikawa switch, while those seeking a stronger push experience for a more tactile feedback should choose the V3 Silver Pro. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the V3 Silver Pro is the heavier one, providing distinct preferences for different types of users based on their typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we find notable differences that may influence user preference. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Silver Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the V3 Silver Pro could be your go-to for quicker actuation, which can be particularly beneficial for gamers seeking rapid responses. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch, with its more prominent travel distance, may appeal to those who favor a deeper keypress, providing a more tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference for travel distance and feedback during use.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 produces a bright, high-pitched tone that results in a crisp and clear auditory feedback with each keystroke. This quality makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a sharper sound while typing. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro's sound profile leans towards a more bassy character, delivering a pleasing depth that complements its gaming-centric design. This bassiness provides a different acoustic experience that some users may prefer. While the Chiikawa offers a somewhat sharper auditory profile, both switches contribute to a unique typing experience that can be influenced by various factors such as board type and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its incredibly light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive key presses that can significantly reduce finger fatigue. Its design likely includes a particularly smooth mechanism; however, subjective descriptions of its tactile sensations are not provided. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro enhances the typing experience with a variety of tactile qualities, described as easy to press with a creamy and silky feel. This smooth and polished interaction reduces friction, making it effortless to type over long periods, whether during gaming or regular typing tasks. Both switches deliver a light and comfortable touch, but the V3 Silver Pro’s additional creaminess and smoothness may offer a more luxurious typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g emphasizes a bright, high-pitched sound and very light actuation for quick responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro focuses on a deeper, bassy sound tailored for gaming along with an enhanced tactile experience characterized by creamy and polished sensations. Both switches provide a lightweight action that caters to comfort and reduced fatigue, albeit in slightly different auditory and tactile realms. Depending on your personal preference for sound and feel, either switch could suit your needs, leading to satisfying results during both typing and gaming sessions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prioritize a lighter touch and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g may be the switch for you, especially if you engage in prolonged typing sessions where responsiveness and minimal finger fatigue are essential. Its notably low actuation force and polished feel lend themselves well to casual typing and office tasks, making each keystroke light and airy. On the other hand, if you are a gamer or someone who thrives on quick, precise keystrokes, the Akko V3 Silver Pro should be your go-to. With a slightly higher bottom-out force and a delightful bassy sound, it provides a more satisfying feedback loop during intense gaming, where every millisecond counts. Its creamy and easy-to-press characteristics also make it suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions, offering a robust yet comfortable tactile experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal style and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard, allowing you to enhance either casual typing or gaming excellence effectively.
Mentioned in this article
