Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Smoothie Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular linear options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver, each offering unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force of just 28g, delivering responsive keystrokes accompanied by a bright, high-pitched sound profile, making it ideal for typists seeking a swift and cheerful typing experience. On the other hand, the Smoothie Silver stands out for its all-POM construction, which not only ensures unparalleled smoothness but also boasts a short travel distance that allows for lightning-fast actuation. This switch delivers a thocky sound that provides satisfying auditory feedback, perfect for those who prefer a more pronounced acoustics while typing. Both switches have their individual strengths, with the Chiikawa offering a lighter touch and crisp sound, while the Smoothie Silver prioritizes speed and a smooth ride. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Smoothie Silver exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles and overall aesthetics of each switch. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound when typing. This material not only enhances the acoustic properties but also complements RGB lighting, making it visually appealing in illuminated setups. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver opts for a POM top housing, providing a deeper and more muted sound experience. Though both materials serve the purpose of housing the switch mechanism, the tonal quality produced by each is distinct, making it crucial for users to choose based on their sound preference.
When analyzing the bottom housing materials of both switches, a similarity emerges in their approach to creating sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is recognized for its ability to create a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition that absorbs sound. The Gateron Smoothie Silver, on the other hand, employs a POM bottom housing, which also produces a unique and pleasing sound, albeit on the deeper side and slightly more muted than nylon. While both materials can lend themselves to creating a warm sound experience, the nylon tends to deliver a fuller resonance compared to the POM's inherently more muted qualities. This disparity illustrates how different materials can define the auditory characteristics of a switch when pressed.
Ultimately, the combination of top and bottom housing materials serves to shape the tactile experience distinctly for each switch model. For the Chiikawa - 28g, the stiffness of the polycarbonate top enables a sharp release sound while the nylon bottom absorbs more resonance, creating a well-rounded result. For the Gateron Smoothie Silver, both the top and bottom housing share POM material, leading to a more consistent sound profile that is deep and relatively muted throughout. In practice, users can expect to achieve different auditory results depending on their switch choice, influenced by the unique interactions between the housing materials. However, if one prefers a fuller sound profile with a touch of crispness, the Chiikawa's combination of nylon and polycarbonate may deliver an experience that aligns more closely with their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, which makes it an excellent choice for individuals who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Its bottom out force is 34 grams, providing a gentle resistance when pressing the key down fully. In contrast, the Smoothie Silver has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Smoothie Silver remains unknown, making it difficult to fully assess its tactile feedback when pressed down completely. Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is lighter and more suitable for prolonged use, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver is heavier, catering to users who favor a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a deeper press compared to the Smoothie Silver, which could appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Smoothie Silver provides a quicker response time, making it potentially more favorable for gamers seeking rapid key presses. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences; if you prefer a more responsive experience, the Gateron Smoothie Silver would be the better option, while those inclined towards a more traditional feel might gravitate towards the Bsun Chiikawa.
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 Gateron Smoothie Silver has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Smoothie Silver for $2.60.
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 and crisp high-pitched sound profile, making it particularly engaging during typing sessions. This lively acoustic quality is heightened by its very light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes that can be quite satisfying. On the other hand, the Gateron Smoothie Silver features a thocky sound, which provides a more muted and deeper auditory feedback when compared to the Chiikawa. The distinct tonal difference between the two emphasizes the Chiikawa's bright character versus the Smoothie Silver's rounded low-end sound. However, it's important to remember that the overall sound can be influenced by the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its very light actuation force, making every keystroke feel effortless and responsive. This switch allows for quick typing and a generally snappy tactile response that can be favored by fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Gateron Smoothie Silver excels in its unparalleled smoothness, offering a sensation that feels exceptionally fluid as the key is pressed. While both switches cater to distinct preferences, the Chiikawa focuses on a lighter, more energizing experience, while the Smoothie Silver prioritizes a silky and refined keypress.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Smoothie Silver offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa delivers a bright sound and light touch that promotes agility, while the Smoothie Silver brings a thocky sound profile and premium smoothness, emphasizing comfort during prolonged use. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prefers a lively auditory experience with a lighter actuation or a smooth yet slightly deeper sound with a feather-light touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Smoothie Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing style and preferences. If you appreciate a switch that offers a very light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile, then the Chiikawa - 28g might be your best bet. Its responsive nature and high-pitched sound can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy a more lively auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and speed, the Gateron Smoothie Silver switch is likely the better choice for you. With its short travel distance and a thocky sound, it provides unparalleled fluidity and a feather-light touch that caters well to fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value more: the auditory stimulation and light feel of the Chiikawa or the supreme smoothness and rapid actuation of the Smoothie Silver.
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