Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Dareu Snow offer distinctive experiences tailored to different user preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, allowing for an incredibly responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who prioritize speed and a pronounced auditory response. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch introduces a unique twist with its use of POK material for both the housing and stem, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a linear typing experience. The Snow switch is ideal for those seeking a smooth, low-pitched, and thocky feel that provides a soothing typing experience without the stark feedback of more traditional switches. While each switch excels in its respective traits, choosing the right one depends on your typing style and preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Snow exhibit distinct characteristics, particularly in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is recognized for its rigidity and translucency. This material amplifies a sharper and crisper sound profile, enhancing the overall auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is employed. In contrast, the Snow's top housing is crafted from POK (polyketone), a material known for its extreme durability and smoothness. With a coefficient of friction greater than LY and significant wear and shock resistance, POK provides a unique clackiness to the switches, albeit with a less pronounced sharpness than polycarbonate. This difference could lead to a variation in the auditory signature of the switches, with the Chiikawa leaning towards a more high-pitched sound and the Snow offering a smoother, clackier tone.
The bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which emphasizes the similarities in the sound profile produced by both models. Nylon is renowned for creating a deeper and fuller sound, attributed to its softer composition, which absorbs more vibrations compared to harder plastics. As such, when typing on either switch, users can expect a consistent auditory experience that focuses on a more subdued and round sound. This shared nylon material in the bottom housing serves to unify the overall acoustic characteristics of the switches, anchoring the sound profile and providing a bassier underline to the sharper sounds generated by the respective top housings.
Therefore, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Snow utilize different materials for their top housings, their bottom housings harmonize their overall sound profiles. The polycarbonate of the Chiikawa - 28g offers a more resonant high-end, while the POK top housing of the Snow provides a durable and smooth upper register, complemented by the deep and full sound from the nylon bottoms. Collectively, these materials work in tandem, allowing users to experience a blend of sharpness and fullness whether they are using the Chiikawa or the Snow switch – proving that complementary attributes can yield similar tactile and auditory results despite differences in individual materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, a clear distinction can be made regarding their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams with a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, such as those engaged in long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial typing feedback. As a result, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Snow is the heavier one. These differences in force characteristics mean that users seeking a softer touch should gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those desiring a firmer keystroke experience may find the Snow switch more appealing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, the Chiikawa offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Snow has a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option between the two, providing a more substantial depth when pressed. Gamers might prefer the Snow switch for its reduced travel distance, as it can lead to faster response times, aligning with the recent trend towards shorter switches in gaming. On the other hand, those who appreciate a more tactile depth might lean towards the Chiikawa for a more pronounced key press experience. Overall, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
The sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Snow linear switches are distinctly different, catering to varied auditory preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g produces a bright and crisp high-pitched sound when typing, which lends itself to an engaging typing experience, especially suited for those who appreciate an energetic feedback with every keystroke. In contrast, the Snow switch is characterized by its deeper, thocky sound signature, described as producing a satisfying thud or soft knock, which creates a rich auditory experience preferred by users seeking a more mellow, bass-heavy tone. Sound characteristics can also vary based on the keyboard and keycap choice, but generally, the Chiikawa delivers a lively and snappy sound, while the Snow provides a more resonant and muted auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, making it extremely responsive and requiring very little effort to register a keypress, providing a smooth experience that many typists find enjoyable for extended use. The Snow switch, on the other hand, offers a bouncy sensation, delivering a spring-like feedback that creates an elastic feel when keys are pressed. This liveliness results in a tactile experience that many users appreciate for its satisfying return and resilience. The Chiikawa's lightweight feel aligns well with a smooth and effortless typing style, whereas the Snow provides a more dynamic experience with its rebound sensation.
In summary, if you're torn between the two switches, your experience will largely depend on your sound preference and typing feel. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is perfect for those who enjoy a bright and responsive typing experience, while the Dareu Snow caters to individuals seeking a richer sound with a bouncier keyboard feel. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a satisfying experience, just with different nuances that appeal to various typing styles and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preference for typing experience and sound profile. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch that requires less force to actuate and delivers a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its 28g actuation force makes it particularly suited for gaming or rapid typing sessions, where quick responses are paramount. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial feel with a thocky, low-pitched sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback, the Dareu Snow switch should be your go-to option. With a 60g bottom-out force, it offers a bouncy, elastic feedback that many find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value lightness and responsiveness or depth and substantial feedback in your typing experience.
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