Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Dareu Sky V4
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky V4 brings forth two fascinating linear options. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force of just 28g, allowing for rapid keystrokes and a bright, high-pitched sound that can energize your typing sessions, making it ideal for those who value responsiveness and agility. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky V4 leverages innovative POK material in its top housing to create a deeper, more resonant sound signature, making every keystroke feel rich and satisfying, complemented by a smooth and bouncy linear action for those who prefer a more robust tactile experience. While both switches offer unique advantages—one prioritizing agility and auditory brightness, the other fostering a thocky, immersive feedback—choosing the right switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
POK
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky V4, both switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which significantly impacts their sound profiles and overall performance. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its durability and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing it to create a more resonant acoustic profile. In contrast, the Sky V4 utilizes POK material for its top housing, which, while offering smoothness and durability, contributes to a sound profile that is smoother and potentially clackier than that of the Chiikawa. Although both materials aim to enhance the auditory experience, the end result differs due to their inherent properties.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their use of nylon for the bottom housing. In this case, nylon's reputation as a classic housing material plays a crucial role in shaping the sound produced upon key presses. Both the Chiikawa - 28g and Sky V4 utilize nylon, which absorbs sound more effectively due to its softer composition. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing on either switch. Therefore, the bottom housing's contribution ensures that, despite the differing top materials, the depth and richness of sound remain consistent across both models, providing a rounder auditory experience.
Ultimately, the combination of different top housing materials complements a shared bottom housing material, leading to a distinctive but harmonious typing experience. The varying characteristics of polycarbonate and POK in the top housings dictate the sharpness and clarity of the sound, while the nylon bottom housing ensures that users experience a full, round sound upon keystrokes. Consequently, while users might desire a specific sound signature, they can expect a satisfying auditory experience in both models—demonstrating how specific materials can drive unique performance in mechanical keyboard switches.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch present a notable contrast in actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a lighter option, ideal for those seeking a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. In contrast, the Sky V4 has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, catering to users who prefer a firmer feel with each keystroke. This distinction means that while the Chiikawa offers a softer and more responsive typing experience, the Sky V4 provides a more substantial push that some typists or gamers may find satisfying. Overall, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for weight and force, with the Chiikawa being the lighter choice and the Sky V4 being the heavier alternative.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, the distance you experience from the top to the bottom is the same, resulting in a similar tactile feedback. Because of this equal travel distance, users can expect comparable performance regarding keystroke depth and responsiveness, making either switch a suitable choice for those looking for a linear typing 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 Dareu Sky V4 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 V4 for $4.76.
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 known for its bright sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched audio experience when typing. Its lighter actuation force contributes to its quick responsiveness, making it feel lively with each keystroke. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 switch boasts a deeper sound signature, characterized by a rich and thocky tone. This results in a more bass-heavy auditory experience that can be described as pleasantly satisfying. While the Chiikawa provides a lively and light sound, the Sky V4 serves a more mellow, low-pitched alternative, showcasing how both switches cater to different auditory preferences.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a very light actuation that contributes to its quick and responsive nature, making it ideal for those who enjoy a effortless typing experience. However, specific qualities for the Chiikawa's tactile feedback are not given. On the other hand, the Sky V4 introduces a bouncy feel, offering an elastic rebound sensation that adds a lively dynamic to typing. The bounce and responsive feedback of the Sky V4 can create an engaging experience that makes each keystroke feel more rewarding.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, they serve different preferences in mechanical keyboard experiences. The Chiikawa is suited for those who appreciate a bright and quick response, while the Sky V4 appeals to users who prefer a deeper sound and more bouncy feedback. Depending on your preferences in sound and feel, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience, allowing you to achieve similar results tailored to your individual tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you prefer an ultra-responsive switch with a very light actuation force, making it ideal for quick typing sessions or gaming, then the Chiikawa - 28g would be your go-to option. Its bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a higher-pitched, crisp feedback while working or playing. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the Dareu Sky V4 might be more up your alley. With its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, you'll benefit from a bouncy, invigorating feel, making it great for both work and long typing sessions, all while delivering a deeper and richer sound that many typists find appealing. Ultimately, consider whether you prioritize lightness and responsiveness with the Chiikawa or a more robust and satisfying feedback with the Sky V4 as you make your decision.
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