Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often seek a balance of sound, feel, and performance, which makes the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) remarkable options to consider. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its ultra-light actuation force of just 28g, providing an incredibly responsive typing experience characterized by a bright sound profile and a crisp, high-pitched tone that can elevate the auditory feedback of typing. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a more resonant and clacky sound, enriched by its impeccable factory lube job that ensures silky smooth keystrokes. While the Chiikawa might appeal to those who prioritize speed and a lighter touch, the Strawberry Wine (V2) attracts users who appreciate a more robust auditory experience combined with a smoother action. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) utilize different materials for their top housings, which contributes significantly to their sound profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and translucency. This material tends to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it particularly effective for highlighting RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) employs a Ly top housing, which offers a bright sound signature and resonates with a distinct clarity when typing. Although both are designed to enhance typing acoustics, the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top leans towards a more crystalline sound due to its rigid structure, while the Strawberry Wine's Ly material yields a vibrant resonance that may provide a slightly different auditory experience.
On the other hand, both switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. Nylon is a classic choice in the mechanical switch community, appreciated for its softer properties that create a deeper and fuller sound profile. This shared material means that when pressed, both switches will deliver a consistent deep and rounded sound, emphasizing the subdued characteristics that nylon is known for. The nylon bottom housing acts to absorb sound rather than amplify it, ensuring that the bottom-out sound feels more robust and resonant, which is a desirable quality for many users.
In conclusion, while the top housings of the Chiikawa and Strawberry Wine differ notably—impacting the way sound resonates when keys are released—the bottom housings echo similar properties due to their shared nylon composition. Consequently, despite the contrasting attributes of the top materials, users can expect a familiar, fuller sound when typing, as the bottom housing controls the key press's auditory experience. Therefore, while the overall sound profiles may diverge due to the unique top materials, the combination of a nylon bottom housing in both switches ensures that they will deliver deeper sounds when engaged, offering a pleasant balance between the two different top housing effects.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, significant differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 28g features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) has a notably heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams, offering a more substantial feel that typists who favor a firmer push may appreciate. Consequently, the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter switch geared towards comfort during long use, while the Strawberry Wine (V2), being the heavier option, caters to users looking for a more robust typing experience. These differences in force can lead to varied experiences; users seeking a lighter feel would benefit from the Chiikawa, whereas those who prefer a stronger keystroke would likely opt for the Strawberry Wine (V2).
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance of key travel, contributing to a similar feel and tactile feedback during use. As a result, those looking for a consistent typing experience can expect similar performance from both switches, making them equally suitable for users who prefer this specific travel length.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 produces a bright and crisp auditory experience that is quite engaging. This high-pitched sound profile ensures that every keystroke is not only responsive but also has a lively tone that makes typing feel more dynamic. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch offers a more resonant and clacky sound, creating a sharp and percussive auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience. The combination of clackiness and resonance in the Strawberry Wine (V2) results in a sound that is both immersive and vibrant, catering to those who enjoy more pronounced auditory feedback. While both switches feature lighter sound profiles, the Chiikawa leans towards a brighter sound, whereas the Strawberry Wine incorporates a clackiness that adds depth.
When considering the feel of the switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, which typically allows for a simply effortless typing experience. Although specific adjectives describing the feel of the Chiikawa aren't provided, its lightness suggests a responsive touch that fosters a nimble typing style. In contrast, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) is praised for its silky smoothness, which is a hallmark of well-lubed switches. This silky quality minimizes any resistance during key presses and releases, offering a luxurious and fluid feel that makes typing a pleasure. While the Chiikawa's feel remains somewhat ambiguous, the lightness of its actuation may produce a different sensation compared to the smooth, almost glass-like feedback provided by the Strawberry Wine (V2).
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch cater to distinct preferences within the linear switch category. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound profile and a very light actuation force that promises a lively and responsive experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) boasts a resonant and clacky sound, paired with a silky feel that enhances user comfort and satisfaction. While each switch has its unique qualities, those looking for a vibrant auditory experience may find enjoyment in either switch, with the Chiikawa focusing on brightness and lightness, and the Strawberry Wine (V2) providing a more pronounced sound coupled with a luxurious smoothness. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound precision or a smoother tactile feel during typing.
Conclusion
To summarize, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences for both feel and sound. If you prefer a light actuation force of 28 grams, a bright and crisp sound profile, and an exceptionally responsive feel, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent choice, especially for those who value quick keystrokes in typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more robust bottom-out force of 52 grams and enjoy a clacky and resonant auditory experience with a notably smooth typing sensation, the Strawberry Wine (V2) would likely align better with your needs. Its silky feel, combined with its rich sound, offers a delightful typing experience that many find satisfying. In essence, your decision should reflect your typing style and sound preferences, whether you lean towards a lighter, more agile experience or a fuller, more pronounced keystroke.
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