Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Taro present two distinct options tailored to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force of 28 grams, making it incredibly responsive and allowing for rapid key presses. This responsiveness is complemented by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that appeals to those who enjoy an auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Jwick Taro switch offers a tactile experience characterized by a snappy level of tactility and a cozy, subdued color scheme that enhances the overall ambiance of the typing experience. The Taro's acute clacks provide satisfying auditory feedback, appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced keystroke sensation. Both switches have their appeal: the Chiikawa is perfect for gamers seeking speed and precision, while the Taro is better suited for typists who appreciate tactile feedback and a comfortable typing flow. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Taro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the high-pitched tones and delivers a crisper auditory feedback during key presses. This material's translucency further allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, providing an aesthetic appeal that emphasizes vibrant colors and illuminating effects. Consequently, both switches promise an engaging visual and acoustic experience, particularly beneficial for those who wish to customize their keyboard with RGB elements.
In contrast, when considering the bottom housing, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Taro employ nylon. This choice of material introduces a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer composition absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a muted yet rounded auditory experience. While the top housing primarily influences the sound upon key release, the nylon bottom housing contributes significantly to the overall typing experience by impacting the bottom-out sound and feel. As a classic switch housing material, nylon serves to create a balanced contrast with the sharper tones of polycarbonate, thus offering a rounded auditory character.
The combination of these materials in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jwick Taro ensures that users will enjoy a distinct yet harmonious sound profile. When pressing down on either switch, the user will feel the impact of the nylon’s deeper and fuller sound while the polycarbonate top provides the sharper response when releasing the key. The familiar use of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches means that many of the acoustic characteristics, namely clarity from the top and depth from the bottom, will yield similar experiences, allowing enthusiasts and casual users alike to appreciate the nuanced sonics that each model offers.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, there is a notable difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a lighter option, suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience for extended periods. In contrast, the Taro switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This implies that the Taro will likely require a stronger push to trigger a keystroke compared to the Chiikawa, which can lead to fatigue over time for some users. Therefore, while the Chiikawa offers a lighter overall feel with less resistance, the Taro provides a more substantial tactile experience, appealing to those who favor a heavier switch. If the Taro's actuation force were known, it could provide further insight into how it compares to the Chiikawa's lighter actuation. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, whereas the Taro is heavier, offering distinctly different typing experiences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the Taro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Chiikawa offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or users seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Taro's 3.7 mm travel could appeal to those who appreciate a bit more depth and feedback when pressing down on a key. While both switches fall within the spectrum of common travel distances, with traditional switches typically around 4.0 mm and shallow ones at 3.0 mm, the distinction between the 3.6 mm of the Chiikawa and the 3.7 mm of the Taro highlights a subtle preference for either responsiveness or a more substantial keypress experience.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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, high-pitched sound profile that is both crisp and clear, making it highly responsive when typing. This aesthetic is complemented by its very light actuation force, allowing the typing experience to be both enjoyable and energetic. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch creates a more neutral sound, characterized by its moderate acoustic quality that lends itself well to versatility in different environments. The acute and crisp clacks provide a satisfying auditory feedback, which suits both casual users and those needing a switch for professional settings.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is exceptionally light, which contributes to an effortless typing experience. Though the specific feel characteristics have not been detailed, it can be inferred that the switch offers a smooth and seamless keystroke that can make typing feel fluid and responsive. In contrast, the Jwick Taro tactile switch delivers a uniquely layered typing sensation, described as ‘buttery’ for its smoothness and ‘stepped’ for its dual stages of tactile feedback. This stepped nature allows for a discernible pre-travel and post-travel, creating an engaging experience that balances comfort with stimulation.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 28g offers a bright, lively auditory experience and a smooth typing feel, the Jwick Taro provides a neutral, professional sound paired with a rich tactile journey characterized by both smoothness and defined stages. Both switches cater to different typing preferences, making it possible to achieve satisfying results through either option, depending on whether you prioritize auditory clarity or a tactile typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing style and preferences. If you favor a lightweight feel combined with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is an excellent choice, especially for fast typists or gamers who appreciate quick actuation and responsiveness. Its low bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions where fatigue needs to be minimized, allowing your fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a touch of tactile feedback, the Jwick Taro switch would be a better fit. Its medium-heavy actuation and buttery smooth keystrokes provide a comfortable typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a blend of tactile response and stability while typing or gaming. Additionally, the neutral sound profile of the Taro makes it versatile enough for both home and office use without being disruptive. By considering these factors, you can confidently choose the switch that best aligns with your personal typing experience.
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