Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Twilight stand out as two appealing options for linear switch enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight features an extended 3.85mm travel distance, which contributes to a slightly quieter typing experience while still maintaining the clacky signature sound associated with HMX switches. This could appeal to those who enjoy a tactile sensation without the loudness, especially in shared environments. Both switches cater to different preferences, inviting you to consider what aspects are most important in your typing experience. 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Twilight switches reveal distinct acoustic signatures due to their differing top housings. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffer composition, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality enhances the resonance of the switch and, combined with its translucency, makes it particularly effective for showcasing RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Twilight opts for a nylon top housing, a material traditionally known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively. The nylon's softer characteristics yield a deeper and fuller sound profile, offering a duller and rounder auditory experience. Thus, the top housings play a significant role in shaping the overall sound quality of each switch.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Twilight utilize nylon, which provides consistency in acoustic performance attributes. The nylon material in the bottom housing of the Chiikawa offers the same deep and full sound profile characteristic of the Twilight. Consequently, when it comes to the actuation and bottom-out experience, both switches will evoke a similar auditory response thanks to their shared use of nylon in this part. Notably, the bottom housing contributes more significantly to the tactile feel and sound experienced when the switch is fully pressed down, making the switch sound and feel more cohesive.
In summary, while the Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Twilight switches employ different materials for their top housings, they ultimately converge in their bottom housing materials. The polycarbonate of the Chiikawa top allows for a bright and sharp sound versus the Twilight's more subdued nylon top. However, the nylon in the bottom housing of both switches harmonizes the typing experience, imparting a deeper sound that retains the classic character of nylon switches. Therefore, although the upper ends of the switches yield contrasting acoustic profiles, the shared nylon material at the bottom results in a surprisingly unified overall performance.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present a notable contrast in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of just 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a suitable choice for users who favor a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with less effort. In comparison, the HMX Twilight has a heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial feedback when typing or gaming. As such, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Twilight is the heavier choice. The significant differences in both actuation and bottom out forces suggest that users will experience noticeably distinct feel and responsiveness with each switch, contributing to their overall typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, the Chiikawa measures at 3.6 mm, while the Twilight is slightly longer at 3.85 mm. This means that the Chiikawa provides a shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times that gamers often prefer. On the other hand, the Twilight's 3.85 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, catering to those who appreciate a deeper actuation. Ultimately, while both switches fulfill different preferences—quick responsiveness versus a more pronounced depth—the Chiikawa's shorter travel could be ideal for users seeking speed, whereas the Twilight would suit those who lean toward a more traditional switch 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 HMX Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp sound profile that produces a high-pitched tone during typing. This makes it highly responsive and engaging for users who enjoy an auditory feedback while they type. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight linear switch features an extended travel distance of 3.85mm, leading to a slightly quieter sound while still retaining the signature clacky characteristics commonly associated with HMX switches. Both switches provide unique auditory experiences, where the Chiikawa excels in brightness and crispness, while the Twilight offers a more subdued yet still dynamic acoustic profile.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press, which can benefit fast typists or gamers seeking quick reactions. The lightness of the switch can make it feel almost effortless to type on, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Twilight, while also a linear switch, is not specifically described in terms of its feel, thus leaving some unknowns about its tactile characteristics. More information would be needed to provide a comprehensive comparison in this area.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Twilight linear switches cater to differing preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa shines with its lighter actuation and bright sound, suitable for those who appreciate responsiveness and auditory feedback. The Twilight presents a quieter typing experience with a longer travel distance, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for sound and the desire for tactile characteristics in a switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you enjoy an ultra-light typing experience with a touch of auditory delight, the Chiikawa - 28g with its 28g actuation force and bright, high-pitched sound will suit you well. This switch is perfect for fast typists or gamers who value responsiveness and a crisp feedback while maintaining a less tiring typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bit more resistance, the HMX Twilight linear switch with its heavier 50g bottom-out force and extended travel distance may be the better choice. This switch offers a quieter experience while still retaining the “clacky” characteristics of the HMX series, making it an excellent option for those who type with purpose or require more feedback in each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and whether you lean towards a lightweight, vibrant experience or a more solid, cushioned feel.
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