Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX SU
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX SU switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX SU stand out as two compelling options, each with unique characteristics tailored to different user preferences. The Chiikawa, known for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28g, offers a highly responsive typing experience complemented by its bright, crisp sound profile that appeals to those who enjoy an auditory feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the HMX SU, constructed with a robust PA12 housing and a T5 stem, delivers a subtle yet deeper sound profile, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued audio environment while typing. Each switch offers a distinct feel and sound, making them suitable for various typing styles—from rapid gaming to serene writing sessions. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
T5
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX SU, we observe a notable contrast in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness. This material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making the switch more visually appealing in illuminated setups. In contrast, the HMX SU features a nylon top housing. Nylon's softer properties lend themselves to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound and resulting in a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials gives each switch a distinct character, with the Chiikawa lending itself to clarity and brightness while the SU provides a warmer, deeper sound.
On the other hand, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX SU share the same material for their bottom housings, which is nylon. As a classic switch housing material, nylon contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile in both models. The softer plastic of nylon helps in sound absorption, thereby creating a duller and rounder auditory experience that complements the sharper sound of the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top. This consistency in bottom housing material ensures that both switches will deliver a cohesive typing experience characterized by a pleasing tactile response. Therefore, any user would find a similar bottom-out sound across both switches, despite the contrasting properties of their top housings.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX SU highlight how specific design choices can influence sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 28g's polycarbonate top combines with nylon in the bottom to create a balanced soundscape that merges clarity with warmth, while the HMX SU’s full nylon construction yields a more consistent and muted audio experience. If users prioritize a bright sound with RGB lighting capabilities, the Chiikawa is the clear choice, while those who prefer a deeper, more rounded sound might gravitate towards the HMX SU. Regardless of personal preference, the nylon bottom housing ensures that both models share a foundational auditory quality, leading to an enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch, a noticeable difference in weight becomes apparent. The Chiikawa - 28g features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a favorable choice for users who prefer a gentler typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial push feel while typing. Thus, while the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter option, resulting in easier actuation and potentially less finger fatigue, the HMX SU gives a stronger feedback that some users may find preferable. Overall, these contrasting forces illustrate the importance of personal preference in selecting a switch type tailored to individual typing styles.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their travel distances identical. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable feel when pressing down on the keys of devices equipped with either switch. With the same travel distance, both switches will provide a nearly identical actuation experience, ensuring that users will achieve similar results in terms of key responsiveness and overall typing comfort.
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 HMX SU has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the SU 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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch produces a bright and high-pitched profile that contributes to a very responsive typing experience. This crisp sound can be quite satisfying for typists who appreciate an audible feedback during use. In contrast, the HMX SU linear switch has a deeper and more subtle sound profile, resulting in a quieter operation that may appeal to users who prefer a less intrusive auditory experience. However, it's important to note that the overall sound of both switches can be influenced by various factors such as the keyboard housing, board material, and keycap choice, which means that personal preference will heavily dictate the ideal auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force of 28g, which allows for quick and effortless key presses, making it feel incredibly responsive and easy to type on, especially for those who enjoy faster typing speeds. On the other hand, the HMX SU linear switch offers a different sensation with its design, which may provide a more traditional, balanced linear feel. While the exact specifications of the SU's actuation force aren't provided, it generally caters to users who might prefer a slightly more pronounced tactile feedback compared to the lighter Chiikawa switches. Ultimately, the distinct actuation forces will contribute to different typing styles and preferences, but both switches are likely to offer a smooth linear action.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by its bright sound and very light actuation for a responsive feel, the HMX SU offers a deeper sound profile along with potentially more balanced tactile feedback. These differences illustrate that while both switches excel in offering linear typing experiences, they cater to varying preferences in sound and feel that can significantly enhance the overall typing experience. Choosing between them will largely depend on individual taste, and users may find satisfaction in either option, depending on their sound and feel preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX SU linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and the experience you want from your mechanical keyboard. If you prioritize a very light actuation force and an exceptionally responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option, especially if you enjoy a bright and high-pitched sound profile when typing. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who favor fast-paced gaming or quick typing tasks, as it requires minimal effort to press down, making it easier to achieve rapid key presses. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile experience with a deeper sound that reflects a fuller typing experience, the HMX SU linear switch would be more appropriate for you. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers more resistance, which can enhance your control during typing and gaming sessions. Its subtle, relatively deep sound profile can provide a more satisfying acoustic feedback, perfect for anyone who enjoys a more grounded typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches boils down to your desired typing feel and sound, so consider what features align best with your keyboard usage habits and preferences.
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