Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Type L
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type L switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type L, both linear switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out due to its exceptionally light 28g actuation force, which facilitates rapid keystrokes and an airy typing experience, complemented by its distinctive bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a responsive and energetic feel while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Type L, which requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45g, provides a more subdued sound, favoring deeper acoustic characteristics. Part of the "Project Rehash" initiative, it revives traditional travel distances with modern lubricating practices, offering a smooth keystroke that is both easy to press and more grounded in feel. This switch is suitable for users who appreciate a stable typing experience with a richer auditory feedback. 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
38g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type L, there are notable differences, particularly in the top housing. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This material's stiffer composition allows for clearer resonance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a bright auditory experience, especially when combined with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gateron Type L employs a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a duller, rounder auditory experience that appeals to users who prefer a more muted typing sound.
Both switches feature nylon bottom housings, a common element that lends a similar impact on the overall sound and feel. The nylon in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type L contributes to a robust bottom-out sound, ensuring a more substantial typing experience. The material's ability to absorb sound means that both switches will provide a deeper auditory feedback when bottomed out, leading to a consistent typing experience between the two models. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing helps to unify the overall sound profile, even if the top housings differ dramatically.
Thus, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Type L differ in the materials used for their top housings, the similarity in their nylon bottom housings allows for some consistency in performance. Users can expect to enjoy a rounded sound when bottoming out both switches due to the properties of nylon, though the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top will deliver a sharper tone on release, contrasting with the Gateron’s warmer timbre. This combination caters to a variety of preferences, offering a unique yet complementary typing experience based on the differences in housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct tactile experiences. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. In contrast, the Type L features a heavier actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Chiikawa switch is more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for prolonged typing sessions with less finger fatigue, while the Type L caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing keys. Overall, if you favor a lighter typing experience, the Chiikawa is the better option, whereas the Type L offers a firmer response for those who prefer stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is clear that they differ. The Chiikawa - 28g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Gateron Type L, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. This indicates that users of the Chiikawa switch may experience quicker responsiveness, which is often preferred by gamers seeking faster key activation. In contrast, the Type L’s longer travel distance can provide a more substantial keystroke that some users may find more satisfying, as it offers a sense of depth while typing. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g would be the ideal choice, while those who enjoy a deeper key press might lean toward the Gateron Type L.
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 Gateron Type L comes in at $4.70 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
The sound profile of the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is bright and crisp, providing a high-pitched auditory response that can be quite engaging during typing. This lightness in actuation force contributes to its responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively and energetic. In contrast, the Gateron Type L lean towards a deeper and more subdued sound. It produces a neutral sound profile that is less obtrusive than traditional switches, making it suitable for a variety of environments, whether at home or in a more formal setting. Although both switches offer unique sound characteristics, they cater to different auditory preferences—those seeking an exuberant sound may gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those desiring a more muted experience would likely prefer the Type L.
When it comes to their tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by a notably light actuation force that allows for quick key presses, ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios. However, the specific descriptive qualities regarding its feel are not provided. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L provides a "feathery" and "easy-to-press" sensation, making them incredibly comfortable for prolonged typing tasks. The gentle resistance and minimal force required to activate each key promote reduced finger fatigue, enhancing the overall typing experience. The Type L’s design supports the notion of effortless keystrokes, which can be particularly advantageous for users who type extensively.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and Gateron Type L both excel in distinct aspects that cater to varying preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa switch's bright sound and light actuation make it perfect for those looking for an energetic typing experience, while the Gateron Type L offers a deeper, more subdued sound combined with a remarkably light and responsive feel that is easy on the fingers. Depending on your priorities—whether you value a vibrant auditory feedback or a comfortable, gentle typing experience—both switches can deliver satisfactory results suited to your individual needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a very light actuation force and enjoy a bright, crisp sound profile, then the Chiikawa - 28g may be the ideal option for you, especially if you spend long hours typing or gaming, as its low weight can help minimize finger fatigue. Conversely, if you're looking for a switch that offers a more subdued sound with a deeper acoustic signature, the Gateron Type L might be a better fit. Its feathery feel and moderate actuation force make it well-suited for a balance of typing comfort and responsiveness, making it versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks, whether you’re gaming, working, or just browsing. Ultimately, consider your specific use case, sound preferences, and tactile needs when making your choice, as both switches provide unique experiences tailored to different styles.
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