Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gazzew U4T
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew U4T switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew U4T offer distinctly different experiences that cater to varying typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is praised for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke, making it an ideal choice for users who appreciate a quick and responsive typing feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T stands out with its rich, bassy 'thock' sound and pronounced tactile feedback, providing a rewarding auditory and tactile sensation that satisfies those who favor a more pronounced response from their switches. Each switch has its own set of advantages: the Chiikawa excels in speed and lightness, while the U4T offers depth and satisfying 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 17.5mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew U4T, significant differences reveal themselves in the top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile that offers clarity and resonance, particularly suited for RGB lighting applications. This translucency allows for better lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetic experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T’s top housing utilizes a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic," which, due to its softer characteristics, tends to emit a richer and deeper sound profile. This disparity in materials means that while both switches deliver unique auditory experiences, they do so in distinctly different manners, with the Chiikawa - 28g favoring a more defined high pitch and the U4T offering a fuller, rounder sound.
Turning attention to the bottom housing, both switches share similarities as they both employ softer materials that contribute to a distinctive sound experience. The Chiikawa - 28g’s nylon bottom housing provides a depth and fullness to the sound, absorbing vibrations to create a duller roundness that contrasts with the sharper notes of its polycarbonate top. Meanwhile, the U4T features the same proprietary Gazzew blend as its bottom housing, further emphasizing the deep sound profile. The softness of these materials allows both switches to deliver resonant soundscapes that enhance the typing experience. However, the Chiikawa's nylon bottom may create a different sound experience from the U4T's blend, although they similarly aim for that rich acoustic profile.
Ultimately, the combined effects of the materials in both switches lead to varied auditory experiences based on how each component contributes to sound production. The top housing significantly influences the release sound, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed. While the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gazzew U4T each utilize different materials in their top housings, they converge in their goal of producing a rich and gratifying typing experience through their softer bottom housings. Therefore, although the specific sound profiles differ due to the unique designs and materials used, both switches can provide users with satisfying results, contingent on their particular preferences in tactile feedback and sound quality.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch, there are notable differences in weight and feel. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Gazzew U4T does not specify an actuation force, but it has a bottom out force of 65 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. This indicates a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push while typing. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the U4T, due to its higher bottom out force, is the heavier choice. For users seeking a minimalist and effortless typing experience, the Chiikawa would be ideal, whereas those desiring a more robust tactile feedback should consider the U4T.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gazzew U4T tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction highlights a difference in user experience; the shorter travel of the Chiikawa switch may appeal to gamers who prioritize quick responsiveness in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the U4T's 4 mm travel distance offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a deeper, more satisfying keypress. Ultimately, those seeking enhanced speed might lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who favor a more traditional and hearty typing experience might opt for the U4T. Thus, while both switches provide distinct advantages depending on user preference, the Chiikawa boasts the shorter travel distance, making it the faster option.
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 Gazzew U4T comes in at $6.50 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 produces a bright and crisp sound profile, characterized by high-pitched tones that resonate with a lightness unique to its very low actuation force. This makes for a lively and engaging typing experience; each keystroke feels responsive and almost playful. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4T switch boasts a bassy, thocky sound that delivers a deeper, richer auditory experience. The thock from the U4T creates a satisfying "knock" with each key press, appealing to those who appreciate a more robust acoustic response while typing. These distinctly different sound profiles mean that the Chiikawa switch is ideal for those seeking an airy feel, while the U4T is suited for users who prefer a more resonant and impactful auditory feedback.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is notable for its extremely light actuation force, resulting in a very smooth and effortless typing experience. The low force may lead to fatigue over extended sessions, but for those who favor rapid keystrokes, this switch excels in providing speed and agility. In contrast, the U4T provides a sharp tactile experience marked by strong and crisp feedback. Each press delivers pronounced tactile bumps that enhance typing precision, making it particularly rewarding for users who enjoy a more deliberate feel and who benefit from clear tactile indications of actuation. This stark difference means that those who prioritize lightness and speed may lean toward the Chiikawa, while those wanting feedback and control would prefer the U4T.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gazzew U4T switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa offers a bright auditory experience with a smooth, light typing sensation, perfect for those who seek quick and responsive actions. Conversely, the U4T combines a bassy, thocky sound with sharp tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these two largely depends on whether one prioritizes a light, airy typing experience or a deeper, tactile engagement with pronounced auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gazzew U4T tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you value an ultra-responsive feel complemented by a light actuation force and an airy, bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal for you. This switch is especially suited for fast typists or gamers who thrive on quick, smooth actions without any hindrance. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile experience with a pronounced feedback and a deeper, more satisfying auditory cue, the Gazzew U4T will likely suit your style better. Its higher bottom-out force and rich, thocky sound create a satisfying typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate a balance of tactile and auditory feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, consider your usage scenarios—whether you're looking for speed and responsiveness with the Chiikawa or a rich, tactile experience with the U4T—to find the switch that aligns with your preferences.
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