Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Strawberry Latte, both linear options, present unique attributes that cater to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g is distinguished by its remarkably light actuation force of just 28g, making it highly responsive and perfect for rapid typing or gaming. Its characteristic bright sound profile produces a crisp, high-pitched tone that adds an engaging auditory dimension to your keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte offers a smoother typing experience, utilizing cutting-edge molds that contribute to a balanced sound profile – neither too quiet nor overly resonant. This switch is designed for users who prefer a more subtle acoustic feedback without sacrificing the silken feel that many typists enjoy. Ultimately, your preference for either switch may boil down to whether you value a lightweight and audibly vibrant typing experience or a smoother, more balanced tactile feel. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Huano Strawberry Latte, a noticeable difference is observed in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer plastic composition. This material's translucency also enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, making it a popular choice for those who prioritize visual effects alongside auditory feedback. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte utilizes POK (polyketone) as its top housing material. POK boasts an impressive coefficient of friction and outstanding wear resistance but does not specifically prioritize brightness or clarity in the sound profile to the same extent as polycarbonate. Consequently, the Chiikawa - 28g may produce a more vibrant auditory experience, particularly when illuminated, whereas the Huano might lean toward a smoother and clackier feel during operation.
Both switches, however, share similarities in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon. Regardless of the differences in their top housings, the Chiikawa - 28g and the Strawberry Latte exhibit a full, deep sound profile that is characteristic of nylon material. Because nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, users can expect a rounder sound when the bottom of the switches is engaged. This commonality in bottom housing ensures that, no matter which switch is pressed, the deeper auditory experience remains a consistent feature across both models. Thus, while the top housings diverge in sound clarity and visual appeal, the bottom housings unite the two in their transmission of a fuller tactile feedback.
In terms of overall performance, the contrasting characteristics of the top housings will influence the user experience significantly. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top may enhance the sound on key release, contributing to a crisper auditory experience, especially with RGB lighting. Conversely, the POK top housing of the Huano Strawberry Latte focuses more on creating a smooth tactile feeling during key presses, which may appeal to users looking for a clackier experience. The nylon bottom common to both switches ensures that the deeper sound profile is maintained, allowing users of either switch to enjoy robust acoustic feedback when the key bottoms out. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preferences regarding sound clarity and tactile smoothness, with both offering their unique strengths derived from their materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a softer touch and extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a heavier actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial push feel and a firmer typing experience. Consequently, individuals looking for lighter switches may gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those who appreciate a stronger response will likely prefer the Strawberry Latte. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between these two switches highlight the varied preferences among users when it comes to typing comfort and feedback.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this specific aspect. Because their travel distances are the same, users can expect similar tactile feedback and keypress response when using either switch. This means that whether you opt for the Chiikawa or the Strawberry Latte, your typing experience will feel consistent in terms of how far the keys travel before registering a press.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 is characterized by its bright and crisp tonal qualities, producing a high-pitched sound that many users find engaging and responsive. This lively sound profile is likely to stand out in any typing environment, making it an appealing choice for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch offers a more balanced sound profile; it’s neither too quiet nor overly resonant, striking a harmony that may appeal to users seeking a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches have unique sound characteristics, the environment in which they are used, such as the board and keycap choice, will play a significant role in the final acoustic output.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its very light actuation force of 28 grams, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press, which can enhance typing speed and reduce fatigue during prolonged use. This lightweight feel may be particularly attractive to users who prefer softer keypresses. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch is noted for its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest available molds from Huano. Although the specifics of its actuation force are not provided, the smoothness suggests that it is designed for fluid typing experiences, offering a different kind of tactile satisfaction, likely appealing to those who prioritize seamless keystrokes.
In conclusion, both switches cater to distinct preferences within the linear switch category, with the Chiikawa - 28g offering a bright sound and very light actuation that promotes responsiveness, while the Strawberry Latte provides a balanced sound and an incredibly smooth typing feel. Users who value a lively auditory experience may lean toward the Chiikawa, while those who appreciate a more refined touch may prefer the Strawberry Latte. Ultimately, the choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both switches promise an excellent typing experience tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately hinges on your individual preferences and typing style. If you prefer an exceptionally light and responsive switch, the Chiikawa - 28g is the way to go, as its low actuation force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for rapid typing and gaming. Its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone, can enhance your typing experience, especially if you enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced switch with a moderate bottom-out force, the Strawberry Latte could be more suitable for you. It offers a smoother typing experience and a balanced sound that isn't too quiet or overly resonant, making it versatile for both typing and gaming scenarios. Therefore, your choice should reflect whether you value the ultra-light and lively characteristics of the Chiikawa or the refined balance and smoothness of the Strawberry Latte.
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