Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Splash Brothers offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive and crisp typing experience that many typists and gamers find appealing. Its lightweight feel can reduce finger fatigue during extended use, making it a great option for those who prioritize comfort and speed. On the other hand, the Jwick Splash Brothers boast a unique design characterized by a shorter activation point and a long pole stem, providing a dynamic and creamy typing feel. This switch’s balanced nature offers a smooth typing experience that combines precision with a subtlety that many users appreciate. Both switches are linear in nature, catering to those who prefer a seamless keypress without tactile bumps, yet they achieve this with their own flavors of sound and actuation feedback. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Splash Brothers, one finds that both switches utilize a polycarbonate top housing. This commonality results in a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience during use. In both cases, the stiffness of the polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making the switches well-suited for applications where RGB lighting is present, as the translucency of the material enhances the visual effects. Thus, for users seeking vibrant lighting alongside a defined acoustic signature, these two switches promise remarkably similar outcomes based on their top housing preferences.
Conversely, the bottom housing of each switch showcases an intriguing blend of characteristics attributable to their nylon composition. In both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Splash Brothers, the nylon bottom housing introduces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon tends to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustic signature. While the polycarbonate top housing dictates the clarity and sharpness of the sound as keys are released, the nylon bottom housing plays a crucial role in shaping the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Together, they create a harmonious balance where the distinct sound profiles from each housing material interact to deliver a cohesive typing experience.
In conclusion, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Splash Brothers establishes a unique synergy, ensuring that while the top housings yield similar, vibrant audio qualities, the nylon bottoms add richness and depth to the overall tactile experience. Users can expect a consistent auditory response with defined highs from the polycarbonate and warm lows from the nylon, whether using one switch or the other. This dual-material design allows for a versatile experience that caters to both visual aesthetics and auditory preferences, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded performance.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, highlighting their suitability for various typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option, ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Splash Brothers switch's bottom out force is considerably heavier at 48 grams, but its actuation force is unknown, suggesting a potentially different typing experience that leans towards a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who favor a stronger feedback. Given these differences, users seeking a lighter typing experience would gravitate towards the Chiikawa switch, while those who appreciate a heavier resistance might find value in the Splash Brothers, should its actuation force align with their preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, the Chiikawa offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Splash Brothers has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option by 0.1 mm. For users seeking a snappier keypress, the Splash Brothers may provide a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more pronounced key engagement might find the Chiikawa's longer travel distance to be more suitable. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding key depth and responsiveness.
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 Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49 per 10 switches.
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 considering sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that makes it quite engaging during typing. This characteristic is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches present a creamy sound signature that tends to be more subdued and neutral. The Splash Brothers' sound profile is moderate, making it versatile enough for use in various environments, whether at home or in professional settings. Overall, while the Chiikawa - 28g excites with its brightness, the Splash Brothers offer a more tempered auditory experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a notably light actuation force, which translates to a responsive typing experience, ideal for quick inputs and seamless typing. However, the specific tactile quality of the Chiikawa - 28g isn't detailed here. Conversely, the Jwick Splash Brothers switches deliver a multifaceted typing feel, characterized as mild yet snappy and bouncy. They provide not just gentle feedback, but also a lively rebound, enhancing the overall responsiveness during use. The polished finish on the Splash Brothers ensures smooth key travel, contributing to a refined typing experience. In this aspect, the Chiikawa may appeal to those desiring a light touch, while the Splash Brothers cater to users looking for depth in feedback and smoothness.
In summary, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switches offer valuable qualities that can suit different preferences, they approach sound and feel quite differently. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright auditory signature and responsive action, perfect for users who prefer a spirited typing experience. The Splash Brothers, on the other hand, provide a creamy sound and a rich sensation through their snappy, bouncy nature, resulting in an approachable yet engaging typing feel. Ultimately, the choice will depend on whether you prioritize a crisp sound and lightweight feel or a smoother, dynamic experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch should revolve around your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll use them. If you find yourself gravitating towards a lighter actuation force and the need for quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent pick, especially for fast typists or gamers who enjoy a bouncier feel combined with a crisp sound profile. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that provides a more balanced and subtle typing experience, the Splash Brothers may suit you better, offering a slightly heavier bottom-out force alongside a mild, creamy sound that strikes a good balance between responsiveness and comfort. Additionally, its neutral sound and feel make it adaptable for both casual and more focused typing sessions, making it ideal for shared workspaces. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you want standout agility and brightness from the Chiikawa or a smoother, more versatile experience from the Splash Brothers.
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