Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch that suits your typing style, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Speed Silver both offer distinct advantages that can greatly enhance your experience. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing an incredibly responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound. This makes it an attractive option for those who prefer a switch that feels almost effortless while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is designed for speed enthusiasts, boasting a light-medium resistance and a polished sound profile. Its reduced travel distance allows for quick and precise actuation, making it ideal for gamers or typists who thrive on efficiency and accuracy. While both switches cater to different preferences—one focusing on a light touch and engaging sound, the other on speed and smoothness—there's much more to explore about these switches. Let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide which switch is right 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
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the switches of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Speed Silver exhibit similar attributes, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches feature polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the auditory experience of typing but also makes both switches particularly suitable for RGB lighting due to the translucency of the polycarbonate. Thus, users of either switch can expect a vibrant lighting experience and a comparable sound signature when they actuate the keys, highlighting the effectiveness of polycarbonate in enhancing the overall performance of the switches.
On the other hand, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Speed Silver employ nylon for their bottom housings, which offers a stark contrast to the characteristics of the polycarbonate top housing. Nylon is recognized for its softer properties, which serve to absorb sound and yield a deeper, fuller sound profile. This combination of materials in both switches results in a clever interplay; while the top housing contributes to the high-frequency responses and clarity, the nylon bottom helps to dampen sound and provide a more rounded auditory experience during key presses. As a result, while both switches possess the same material configuration, their unique pairing of top and bottom housings allows for nuanced sound variations based on the actuation force.
When considering the overall performance of the switches, the results achieved by the Chiikawa - 28g and the Speed Silver can be quite similar, despite the individual variances in sound and feel. The consistent use of polycarbonate for the top housing guarantees an uplifting and sharper sound profile across both switches, while the nylon bottom contributes a rich auditory depth that fosters a well-rounded typing experience. Ultimately, users can anticipate comparable results between the two, with each switch lending its attributes to create a harmonious balance in acoustics and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option, which is ideal for those who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch has a significantly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial push feel favored by users who appreciate heavier switches. Given these metrics, the Chiikawa would likely yield a lighter and more effortless typing experience, while the Speed Silver would offer greater resistance, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Since the actuation forces are significantly different, users will have distinct tactile experiences depending on their choice, making it easy to select based on personal preference for weight and typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Speed Silver features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback and deeper keystroke. Conversely, the Speed Silver’s shorter travel distance can result in faster response times, making it an attractive option for gamers who favor rapid inputs. Therefore, if responsiveness is your priority, the Speed Silver, with its 3.4 mm travel distance, would be the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a more tactile and deeper keystroke, the Chiikawa, with its 3.6 mm distance, would suit you better.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch produces a bright, high-pitched sound profile that is both crisp and highly responsive, making it ideal for those who enjoy an audible typing experience. This can add an engaging dynamic to your typing, especially in settings where you want your strokes to be perceived clearly. Conversely, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch offers a more neutral sound profile. With a moderate actuation force requirement, its sound is balanced and unobtrusive, making it versatile for a variety of environments—be it home or office use. While both switches excel in their respective sound qualities, the distinct brightness of the Chiikawa stands out compared to the more reserved tonal nature of the Speed Silver.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force, which contributes to a nimble typing style that can feel effortless and responsive. This lightness may appeal to those who favor rapid keystrokes, though it might lack the tactile feedback some users prefer. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver is described as having a mild feel, providing a more gentle typing experience that balances comfort and efficiency. Its polished finish enhances smooth key travel, reducing friction and delivering a refined typing experience. As a result, the Speed Silver may be more appealing for users who prefer a polished texture without sacrificing the typing speed.
In conclusion, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Speed Silver switches bring unique characteristics to the table, catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Chiikawa shines with its bright sound and light actuation, making it perfect for those who appreciate a lively auditory experience and quick responsiveness. Meanwhile, the Speed Silver offers a neutral sound and mild, polished feel, aimed at users who seek a balanced and smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these two will depend on whether you prioritize a more vivid sound and delicate actuation or a harmonious and smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your typing style and preferences. If you’re someone who appreciates a very light actuation force and enjoys a high-pitched, bright sound profile, then the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its responsiveness makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed and accuracy, allowing you to type quickly with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you lean towards a more balanced typing experience with a light-medium resistance and a neutral sound profile, the TTC Speed Silver is worth considering. It’s particularly suited for a broad range of users—be it for work or casual gaming—thanks to its polished feel and reduced travel distance that enhances typing efficiency. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for sound, actuation force, and overall typing experience.
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