Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky POM present intriguing options for users seeking a linear typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force of 28g, allowing for an incredibly responsive feel, complemented by a bright, high-pitched sound profile that adds an element of auditory feedback to your typing journey. Ideal for those who favor quick keystrokes and a lively sound, this switch excels in scenarios demanding fast-paced typing. In contrast, the Dareu Sky POM switch, crafted entirely from POM material, emphasizes a smoother and creamier experience, marked by a clacky sound and gentle actuation force. This switch offers premium quality at a more accessible price point, making it a compelling choice for users seeking a balance of performance and affordability. Though both switches cater to distinct preferences, they equally enhance the typing experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
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 spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky POM, there are notable distinctions in the composition of their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the rigidity of polycarbonate, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a bright and resonant acoustic experience, especially when incorporating RGB lighting due to its translucency. Conversely, the Sky POM's top housing utilizes POM plastic, which fosters a deeper and more muted sound profile. The choice of POM provides a unique auditory character that contrasts with the crispness offered by polycarbonate. Thus, while both switches aim to deliver satisfying sound profiles, the Chiikawa - 28g presents a more vibrant acoustic signature compared to the warmer tones of the Sky POM.
On the other hand, both switches incorporate nylon for their bottom housings. This consistent material choice is significant, as nylon is renowned for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherent softness of nylon dampens sounds, creating a rounder feeling during key presses. Therefore, regardless of the differing top housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and Sky POM benefit from this classic bottom housing material, leading to similar foundational acoustics in terms of sound depth and dampening effects. Users can expect a consistent tactile experience when bottoming out the switches in both cases.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housings set the Chiikawa - 28g and Dareu Sky POM apart in terms of their overall auditory characteristics, while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a cohesive element that enhances the overall typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g excels in offering a sharper sound with added brightness, making it ideal for users who favor a crisper auditory feedback during keystrokes. In contrast, the Sky POM delivers a uniquely muted experience with softer overtones. Both designs, however, effectively highlight the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials, allowing typists to enjoy rewarding feedback while catering to their personal preferences in sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force that cater to varying user preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g features a lighter actuation force of just 28 grams, making it ideal for prolonged typing sessions, as it minimizes finger fatigue. In contrast, the Sky POM has a significantly heavier actuation force of 40 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This difference implies that users desiring a lighter switch for comfort should lean towards the Chiikawa, while those seeking a more tactile resistance might favor the Dareu switch. Additionally, while the Chiikawa's bottom out force is recorded at 34 grams, the bottom out force for the Sky POM remains unknown. Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa is the lighter option, whereas the Dareu Sky POM is the heavier choice, providing distinct typing experiences based on their respective actuation forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch exhibit differing travel distances, with the Chiikawa switch having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Sky POM switch at 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that gamers often favor for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Sky POM's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more traditional tactile feedback and a hearty depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, if you are looking for a switch that allows for faster actuation, the 3.6 mm travel distance of the Chiikawa will lead to similar results. In contrast, those who appreciate the sensation of a deeper press might find the 3.8 mm travel distance of the Sky POM more satisfying.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 is characterized by a bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This makes it notably responsive, perfect for users who enjoy the auditory feedback of a more distinct sound while they type. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch produces a low-pitched clack, which is generally more bass-heavy and mellow in comparison to the sharper tones of the Chiikawa. The sound produced by each of these switches can also be influenced by the specific keyboard and keycap combinations used, allowing users to tailor the acoustics to their personal preferences.
Regarding the feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it easy to press and responsive to touch. This property can be particularly appealing for typists who prefer minimal resistance. Contrasting this, the Dareu Sky POM switch is celebrated for its exceptionally smooth, buttery keystroke experience. Users can expect a creamy and silky sensation that combines seamless, effortless action, allowing fingers to glide gracefully across the keys. While both switches offer smooth experiences, the Chiikawa's lightness contrasts with the richer tactile experience of the Sky POM, which may feel more premium due to the materials used.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky POM linear switches have distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences, both provide unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who favor a lighter touch and a sharper sound, while the Sky POM offers a smooth and creamy feel accompanied by a more subdued auditory experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will boil down to individual user preference, as both can deliver satisfying performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch boils down to the type of typing experience you seek and the environment in which you use your keyboard. If you prefer an extremely light actuation force and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option, especially for fast-paced typing scenarios or gaming where quick responses matter. Its responsive nature and minimal resistance can make typing feel almost effortless, making it appealing for those who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you appreciate a smoother, more buttery typing experience with a low-pitched sound, the Dareu Sky POM switch would likely be more satisfying for you. The creamy and silky feel it offers lends itself well to longer typing sessions where comfort is paramount, and its clacky sound may resonate better in environments where a more subdued auditory experience is preferred. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in sound, feel, and the specific use case of your keyboard to ensure an enjoyable typing experience.
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