Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched audio experience that many typists find exhilarating and responsive. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) stands out as a Hall effect switch that provides a balanced typing experience with a neutral sound signature, delivering the sought-after "thock" that enthusiasts adore. Its super smooth keystroke, attributed to a dustproof stem that minimizes wobble, enhances both the tactile sensation and overall performance. Ultimately, choosing between the Chiikawa - 28g and the Sticky Rice (V2) comes down to whether you prefer the bright, responsive nature of a linear switch or the refined, balanced feel of a Hall effect switch. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), a significant similarity stands out: both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both instances. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for greater clarity and resonance, resulting in a more vivid auditory experience when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of both switches, making them particularly suited for RGB lighting, which can shine through the clear material to create an engaging visual display. Thus, users can expect a similarly bright and articulate sound when using either switch for their typing needs.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing of the Chiikawa - 28g and the Sticky Rice (V2) reveals a shared material as well: nylon. This classic switch housing material brings its own unique character to the sound profile. While polycarbonate excels at producing clarity in sound, nylon is known for delivering a deeper and fuller auditory experience due to its softer composition. The absorption of sound by the nylon bottom housing leads to a rounder and more muted sound when the switch bottoms out, creating a different sensation compared to the sharper top housing. Consequently, while both switches may deliver a similarly crisp sound upon release, they will provide distinctively warmer and fuller tones when pressed down, highlighting the interplay between the two different housing materials.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) share several foundational characteristics due to their use of polycarbonate and nylon. Both switches will generate a refreshing and clear sound profile upon releasing the key, while simultaneously offering a deeper auditory richness when bottoming out. If a user is striving for a particular typing experience that resonates with both clarity and depth, either switch will achieve similar results, albeit with subtle differences in the feel and sound produced during the key press. Thus, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches strikes a balance between sharpness and fullness, catering to diverse preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch present contrasting characteristics in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means the Chiikawa switch is better suited for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, while the Sticky Rice switch appeals to those who favor a more substantial feel and tactile feedback due to its greater resistance. These differences suggest that typists and gamers must consider their preferences for either a softer touch or a firmer push when choosing between the two switches. Ultimately, if both switches had similar forces, one could expect a comparable typing experience, but in this case, the Chiikawa is notably the lighter option, while the Sticky Rice is the heavier one.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures at 3.5 mm, slightly shorter. For users who prefer a more responsive feel, the Sticky Rice (V2)'s shorter distance may be more appealing, offering quicker actuation, which can be beneficial for gaming. However, for those who appreciate a heftier key press and a more substantial depth, the Chiikawa - 28g could provide a more satisfying experience due to its greater travel distance. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences regarding travel distance, the Chiikawa offers a slight edge for depth, whereas the Sticky Rice promotes quicker response times for fast-paced environments.
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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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 profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp high-pitched tone, making it particularly engaging for typists who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. This light sound resonates well in a variety of settings, providing a lively typing experience that many users find appealing. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) offers a more balanced auditory experience with its neutral sound signature that leans towards the coveted "thock" sound widely sought after by mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. This richness creates a satisfying acoustic resonance that feels deep but not overwhelming, leading to a more subdued yet pleasant typing environment. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa provides a bright and peppy sound, the Sticky Rice presents a more refined auditory experience, catering to different sound preferences.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch excels with its very light actuation force, which makes it incredibly responsive, allowing for quick keystrokes with minimal effort. This lightweight design can be particularly desirable for users who prioritize speed in their typing. However, this may come at the cost of a lack of resistance, which some typists might find less satisfying on longer typing sessions. Conversely, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) boasts a super smooth keystroke, aided by its dustproof stem that reduces wobble, resulting in a refined tactile sensation. This switch strikes a balance, providing enough resistance for comfort while maintaining a fluidity that appeals to those who appreciate a higher quality feel during typing. Therefore, while the Chiikawa provides immediate responsiveness, the Sticky Rice focuses on smooth execution and stability.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch offer unique experiences sorted by different aspects of sound and feel. The Chiikawa leans towards a lively, bright auditory experience with a lightweight action, making it suitable for rapid typing without much effort. In contrast, the Sticky Rice is proficient in delivering a harmonious "thock" sound while promoting a smooth tactile feedback that many users find satisfying for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on an individual's preference for sound dynamics and the required typing experience—both offering their unique advantages to enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches, it ultimately boils down to your preferences in typing feel, sound, and application. If you enjoy a light actuation force that promotes quick and responsive keystrokes, coupled with a bright, high-pitched auditory experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is your best bet. This switch is particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where speed and agility are key, allowing you to type more effortlessly. Conversely, if you’re in search of a more balanced typing experience, the Sticky Rice (V2) might just be the perfect fit. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a smooth, refined keystroke, this switch delivers that satisfying "thock" sound favored by many enthusiasts, making it excellent for both typing and gaming scenarios where feedback and sound quality play a significant role in your overall experience. In summary, your choice should align with whether you prioritize speed and lightness or a balanced tactile experience paired with a richer acoustic feedback.
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