Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Type S
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type S switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options stand out: the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type S, both of which are linear switches designed to enhance your typing experience but cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force of just 28g, providing a crisp and bright sound profile that makes every keystroke feel swift and responsive—ideal for users who favor quick and agile typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a heavier 65g bottom-out force, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial keystroke. Its sound profile leans towards a deeper, muted quality, thanks to contemporary factory lubing techniques that achieve a more balanced acoustic experience. While the Chiikawa switch emphasizes bright responsiveness, the Type S focuses on a weightier and more subdued feel. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
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
18mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type S switches illustrate a compelling contrast in terms of auditory characteristics and physical properties. The Chiikawa - 28g features a top housing made of polycarbonate, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This stiffness not only contributes to enhanced sound clarity but also makes polycarbonate an ideal choice for RGB lighting applications, as its translucency allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the Gateron Type S utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to offer a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer nature enables it to absorb more sound waves, resulting in a more muted auditory experience. This fundamental difference between the two materials fundamentally influences the way each switch interacts with sound and light, creating distinct user experiences.
Both switches contain nylon in their bottom housings, bringing a cohesive quality to their sound profiles regarding bottoming out. The Chiikawa - 28g also uses nylon in its bottom housing, emulating the Type S's strategy by absorbing sound and creating a rounded typing experience. As a classic material for switch housing, nylon helps to soften the overall acoustic experience, delivering a fullness that users often appreciate. Although the Chiikawa - 28g's top housing engages a contrasting material that heightens certain frequencies, both switches will present a consistent sensation during key presses, wherein the softer nylon bottom contributes to a rich and deeper sound profile that ties their performances together.
In summary, while the sound profiles of the Chiikawa - 28g and Gateron Type S switches differ significantly due to their top housing materials, the use of nylon in their bottom housings ensures a level of commonality in their acoustic characteristics. Users can expect a rounded and muted auditory feedback from both switches during key presses, providing a satisfying experience. For those seeking a hybrid between the clear, crisp sound of polycarbonate and the deep, absorbing qualities of nylon, the combination found in the Chiikawa - 28g may offer a unique blend, while the Type S delivers more consistent characteristics throughout. Ultimately, these materials shape the unique sound experience each switch presents, with the nylon bottom achieving a harmonious depth across both options.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users seeking a lighter typing experience that reduces fatigue during extended use, such as in long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Type S demands a much heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. This means that while the Chiikawa is designed for ease and comfort, the Type S provides a stronger tactile sensation, making it ideal for users who favor a firmer push. Ultimately, if you're looking for a lighter switch with less effort required to actuate, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, whereas the Type S suits those desiring a more robust feel.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch differ significantly, with the Chiikawa offering a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Type S extending to 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch has a shorter travel distance compared to the Type S, which may appeal more to gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer deeper key presses. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference; those who enjoy a more responsive feel may lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who appreciate a more pronounced depth may opt for the Type S.
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 S 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
In the realm of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its distinctively bright and high-pitched profile, providing a crisp auditory feedback that many typists enjoy. Its very light actuation force contributes to this lively sound, making each keystroke feel engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron Type S offers a more subdued auditory experience, characterized by a neutral yet deeper tone. This sound signature strikes a balance that accommodates a variety of settings, from home to office, ensuring it doesn’t interfere too much with your environment. The choice between these two switches essentially boils down to personal preference; if you seek a lively and bright auditory feedback, the Chiikawa may be your go-to, while for a more grounded and versatile sound, the Type S could be more appealing.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its notably light actuation force, allowing for effortless typing that can lead to quickly executed keystrokes, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a nimble typing experience. Comparatively, the Gateron Type S is designed with a heftier 65g bottom-out force, appealing to those who appreciate a weightier keystroke that can provide a reassuring tactile response. This contrast means that while the Chiikawa switch promotes speed and agility, the Type S fosters a more deliberate and controlled typing sensation.
In conclusion, selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Type S linear switches involves weighing sound and feel preferences. The Chiikawa offers a bright, light actuation experience that feels swift and responsive, while the Type S presents a deeper, neutral sound with a more substantial actuation force that many find satisfying for a range of applications. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style and the environment in which you plan to use the switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Type S linear switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and the environments in which you typically use your keyboard. If you gravitate towards a lighter typing experience and appreciate a responsive switch with a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its low actuation force of just 28 grams makes it perfect for rapid typing, which can be particularly beneficial in gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial keystroke and a balanced, neutral sound profile, the Gateron Type S would likely suit you better. Its 65 grams bottom-out force offers a medium-heavy feel, providing tangible feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and reduce the risk of accidental keystrokes. Additionally, the Type S's subdued acoustics make it suitable for quieter environments like offices, where you might want to minimize noise while typing. Therefore, the decision should reflect whether you value a lighter and louder profile or a more weighted, neutral touch in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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