Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) present two appealing options for typists and gamers alike, each with its own strengths. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a responsive typing experience that culminates in a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback—making it a fantastic choice for users who enjoy quick keystrokes and a lively soundscape. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switches are designed with Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, delivering a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a more substantial feel and a deeper auditory signature with each keystroke. While the Chiikawa - 28g excels in lightness and brightness, the Tomcat (Heavy) indulges those seeking a more robust and refined typing sensation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
64g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.95 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
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
Extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share key similarities in their top housing materials, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffness. Its translucency not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches—especially for setups with RGB lighting—but also contributes to a clear and resonant sound. Because both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect a fundamentally similar auditory experience when pressing the keys, producing bright tones ideal for gaming or typing applications.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, another common material in switch design, known for its capacity to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic of nylon stems from its relatively softer plastic nature, which absorbs more sound than stiffer options like polycarbonate. As a result, when using either the Chiikawa - 28g or the Tomcat (Heavy), users will notice a distinctive sound when the key bottoms out, with both switches capable of delivering a warm and rounded auditory response. This convergence in bottom housing material ensures that both switches will provide a similar depth of sound, enhancing the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the juxtaposition of materials creates a complementary auditory profile for both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Tomcat (Heavy). The polycarbonate top housing contributes to brightness and clarity, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a richer and deeper sound. Users can anticipate a cohesive experience with these switches, where the highs and lows of the sound profile work in tandem to deliver results that are satisfying and desirable. Both switches harness the unique qualities of their materials, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the best of both worlds—a crisp release and a profound bottom-out sound.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, significant differences emerge that cater to varying user preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g switch features a notably lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch comes with a much stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 64 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. The stark difference in the forces indicates that users of the Chiikawa will likely find it easier to type for longer periods, while those who prefer a heavier key feel may opt for the Tomcat. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Tomcat is the heavier one, providing distinct tactile experiences for different typing preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity ensures that users will experience the same keypress depth when activating either switch, providing a consistent tactile feedback across both options. Consequently, when using either switch, you can expect similar results in terms of feel and performance due to their equal travel distance. Whether typing or gaming, both switches will deliver the same travel distance, making them equally suitable for users seeking a tactile 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 Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) comes in at $2.99 per 10 switches.
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 switch presents a bright sound profile characterized by its crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. This quality enhances the typing experience, making every keystroke feel more pronounced and engaging. In contrast, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switch features a resonant sound profile, which may lend a deeper and more robust auditory experience compared to the sharper notes of the Chiikawa. While both switches produce unique sound qualities, personal preferences regarding sound characteristics will dictate which one a typist might favor.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is defined by its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press down. This quality allows for efficient typing with minimal finger fatigue, ideal for rapid input. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch is designed with Ly stems that are known for a super smooth typing experience, contributing to a generally more controlled and satisfying keystroke. The differences in actuation force and smoothness mean that users will experience two distinctly different sensations when typing, influencing the overall enjoyment and efficiency of their input.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) switches both offer unique sound and feel qualities suited to different typing preferences, both can create satisfying experiences based on what the user is looking for. For a bright and responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa is an excellent choice, whereas the Tomcat provides a heavier, smoother experience with its resonant sound. Understanding these qualities will help newcomers select the switch that best fits their typing style and auditory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the specific performance characteristics you desire. If you prefer a switch that offers a light actuation force and a responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched feedback make it ideal for those who enjoy a more lively typing experience, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming. Additionally, if you often find yourself typing for long periods, the lighter actuation can help reduce fatigue. On the other hand, if you lean towards a heavier, more deliberate typing experience, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a solid bottom-out force that can provide a satisfying tactile sensation. Its smooth operation, thanks to the Ly stems, combined with a resonant sound profile, makes it perfect for those who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you prioritize a light and responsive switch or a heavier and smoother typing experience.
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