Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Swift both offer unique advantages that cater to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g, renowned for its exceptionally light 28g actuation force, delivers a bright sound profile that not only enhances responsiveness but also lends a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quick and nimble feel under their fingers, perfect for fast-paced gaming or typing. In contrast, the HMX Swift boasts a deeper sound profile thanks to its full nylon housing, coupled with a slightly heavier actuation force of 42g that provides a silky smooth typing experience. Its clacky, feathery qualities make it appealing for users who appreciate a more substantial feel and richer audio feedback. Both switches have their distinct charm, catering to varied preferences; 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
42g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
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 extended spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Swift, a distinct difference can be found in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and transparency. This choice contributes to a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile, particularly beneficial for those who appreciate clear acoustic feedback and RGB lighting effects. Conversely, the HMX Swift employs a nylon top housing, which is a softer material that tends to absorb sound, resulting in a more muted and round sound. This inherently alters the listening experience, as users of the Swift will encounter a fuller and deeper auditory response during typing, opposing the sharper tones produced by the Chiikawa.
In terms of bottom housing materials, both the Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Swift use nylon, creating a notable consistency between the two switches. Nylon is recognized for its sound-absorbing characteristics, promoting a deeper sound profile regardless of the specific switch. The similarities in the bottom housing mean that both switches will likely produce comparable bottom-out sounds, emphasizing a duller and fuller auditory experience when a key is fully pressed. This shared material helps bridge the acoustic divide created by their respective top housings and allows for a more familiar typing experience, despite the differences in their upper housing materials.
In essence, the variances in top housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Swift create distinct acoustic characteristics, with the Chiikawa delivering a sharper sound and the Swift offering a fuller tone. However, the identical nylon bottom housings help harmonize these contrasts, ensuring a cohesive typing experience when bottoming out on either switch. Thus, while users may appreciate the nuances of sound and feel distinct to each type of housing, the nylon bottom integrates a level of compatibility, allowing for a satisfactory performance across both switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences for typing experiences. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it the lighter option. In contrast, the HMX Swift requires a heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This difference indicates that while the Chiikawa switch offers a more effortless keystroke and may be ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Swift switch provides a firmer feel that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, if you favor a lighter touch, the Chiikawa is the clear choice, whereas the Swift may appeal more to those who appreciate a heavier key press.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Swift linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive switch, the Chiikawa offers a shorter travel, allowing for quicker actuation that's often favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Swift's longer travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial and hearty feel when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, your preference will dictate which switch suits you better, as the Chiikawa provides a more nimble experience while the Swift caters to those seeking a more traditional depth.
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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by its bright and crisp high-pitched tones, which give each keystroke a responsive and lively auditory signature. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Swift switch features a deeper sound profile, resulting in a clacky sound when engaged. The full nylon housing contributes to a fuller and more resonant sound, which some users may find more satisfying than the brighter tones of the Chiikawa. While both switches emit delightful sounds, the Chiikawa leans more towards a high-energy crispness, whereas the Swift's resonance provides a balance of clarity and depth.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, making it an effortless choice for typing. The light touch is paired with a quick responsiveness that allows for fast typing with minimal finger fatigue. In contrast, the HMX Swift switch boasts a 42g actuation force, providing a slightly more defined resistance that some users might prefer for tactile feedback. The Swift is described as easy to press, feathery, and bouncy, which enhances its responsiveness and comfort during extended usage. The combination of these characteristics allows the Swift to offer a smooth, buttery feel and a lively bounce, making it enjoyable for both gaming and typing tasks.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Swift linear switches offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who prioritize a bright sound and ultra-light actuation for speedy typing, while the Swift appeals to users looking for a deeper sound with a slightly more substantial feel. Ultimately, your choice may come down to the specific qualities you value most in a switch. Whether you gravitate towards the Chiikawa’s crisp and responsive nature or the Swift’s creamy and bouncy touch, both switches promise an engaging typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and what you prioritize in a switch's performance. If you lean toward a lighter touch and value a highly responsive, bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an ideal choice. Its 34g bottom-out force makes it perfect for those looking for minimal resistance, allowing for quick and effortless typing without causing finger fatigue. This switch shines in fast-paced environments, whether you're gaming or typing on documents, thanks to its feathery and bubbly feel. On the other hand, if you enjoy a deeper sound and are looking for a smooth and comfortable typing experience, the HMX Swift will serve you well. With a heavier actuation force of 50g, it provides a gentle resistance that is particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions, offering a luxurious creamy sensation that many typists adore. Overall, your choice should align with whether you favor a lighter, more responsive feedback or a richer, more tactile experience—both switches have their unique strengths that cater to different styles of use.
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