Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that cater to different typing preferences and styles. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, recognized for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, offers a highly responsive typing experience, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many users adore. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam, or Duck Duck switch, provides a refined balance of materials that results in a subtle yet satisfying clack upon actuation, enhanced by HMX's renowned factory lubrication for smoother keystrokes. While the Chiikawa - 28g excels in creating an engaging auditory experience with its light touch, the Sunset Gleam focuses on delivering a well-rounded tactile sensation that many users find delightfully rewarding. Both switches cater to distinct preferences: one prioritizing a lively sound and fast response, the other emphasizing a balanced and satisfying feel with reassuring sound. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Sunset Gleam both employ polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and translucency, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The clarity and resonance provided by this material make it particularly beneficial for setups with RGB lighting, as the light can shine through the clear housing effectively. Because both switches are made with polycarbonate tops, users can expect similar sound characteristics and a visually appealing aesthetic when the switches are integrated into their keyboard builds.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which produces a different auditory feel. Nylon's softer composition contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, absorbing more sound compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. This gives the switches a more rounded and mellow tone during activation, especially noticeable on bottom-out. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the typing experience by minimizing the impact of higher frequencies, making it ideal for users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback while typing.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Sunset Gleam may vary in their overall design and branding, the use of polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom in both switches results in a cohesive auditory experience. The polycarbonate allows for sharpness and clarity on actuation, while the nylon ensures a rounded and deep sound when bottoms are hit. This combination means that even though the visual and tactile aspects may differ slightly due to branding, the fundamental sound profiles they generate are likely to be quite similar, delivering both a crisp high-end and a warmer low-end for a balanced acoustic performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces are quite pronounced. The Chiikawa features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, paired with a bottom out force of 34 grams. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam comes with a heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Chiikawa is more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions or gaming without fatigue, while the Sunset Gleam offers a more substantial push feel that may be preferred by users seeking a firmer typing experience. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, making it a better choice for those who value ease of use, whereas the Sunset Gleam, being heavier, caters to users who appreciate a stronger keystroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, the Chiikawa switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Sunset Gleam’s 3.5 mm. This small difference means that users who prefer more pronounced key presses might find the Chiikawa switch to provide a more satisfying tactile experience, while those leaning towards quicker response times may favor the shorter travel of the Sunset Gleam. Given that both switches fall into the realm of shorter travel distances that cater to modern gaming preferences, the differences may be subtle but could influence personal choice based on a user's sensitivity to key press depth. Overall, the decision rests on whether one values the extra millimeter of depth for feedback (Chiikawa) or the slightly quicker engagement of the key (Sunset Gleam).
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 Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 audio profile. The high-pitched tones produced during typing can offer an engaging auditory experience, making it suitable for those who enjoy a lively sound when they type. In contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam boasts a more subtle top-out accompanied by a satisfying clack, providing a slightly richer auditory expression without overshadowing the typing experience. While both switches are linear and do not exhibit tactile feedback, the different sound profiles contribute to distinct atmospheres, making them appealing in their own right for various typing preferences.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is recognized for its very light actuation force of 28g, resulting in a highly responsive typing experience that is almost effortless. This lightweight feel can lead to faster and more fluid keystrokes, making it ideal for users who prefer quick and soft presses. The HMX Sunset Gleam, while also a linear switch, is noted for its well-balanced materials that provide a satisfying touch when the key bottoms out. The excellent factory lube enhances the overall smoothness, making it feel refined and polished during use. Although the actuation force may not be specified, the overall quality of the Sunset Gleam can lead to an enjoyable and comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g presents a bright sound and an extremely light feel, leading to a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam combines a subtle auditory feedback with a well-balanced, refined touch. Choosing between them will largely depend on your desired typing experience and the specific sound profile you favor.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, your choice should reflect your preferences for sound, actuation force, and overall typing feel. If you prioritize a very light actuation force and a crisp, bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its responsive nature, characterized by a softer bottom-out force of 34 grams, makes it ideal for those who enjoy a nimble and quick typing experience, particularly in gaming or fast-paced typing situations. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, the Sunset Gleam offers a satisfying clack and a refined typing experience with its quality materials and factory lube. This switch caters more to those who seek a balance between responsiveness and a tactile sensation, making it great for both typing and casual gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you lean towards the light and bright characteristics of the Chiikawa - 28g or the more grounded and robust experience offered by the Sunset Gleam.
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