Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew U4Tx switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can profoundly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its light actuation force and distinctive bright sound profile, making each keystroke feel incredibly responsive while producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that is both playful and engaging. This switch is ideal for those who favor speed and fluidity in their typing, as it eliminates the tactile bump typical of other switches. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx offers a compelling blend of tactile feedback and sound refinement. With its deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet "whoosh" at the top, it provides a luxuriously tactile experience that many typing enthusiasts find satisfying and acoustically appealing. The U4Tx is perfect for users seeking a more nuanced typing experience with the benefit of a tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your personal preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gazzew U4Tx, notable differences can be identified in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This makes it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the U4Tx employs a proprietary blend referred to as "boba plastic" for its top housing, characterized by its softness, which results in a richer and deeper sound profile. Therefore, while both switches provide unique sound characteristics, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a crisper sound, while the U4Tx creates a rounder acoustic experience.
The bottom housings of both switches showcase a different approach, but they share a similar philosophy regarding sound absorption. The Chiikawa - 28g features a nylon bottom housing that is classic in nature; it provides a deeper and fuller sound profile because the nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller tone. The Gazzew U4Tx, on the other hand, employs its proprietary boba plastic blend for the bottom housing, which also offers a soft and rich sound profile similar to nylon. This shared softness allows both switches to achieve a fuller sound on bottoming out despite the different materials used for the top housing.
Ultimately, the combination of the contrasting top housing materials leads to distinctive auditory experiences when engaging with either switch. The separate sonic attributes of the top and bottom housings dictate how each contributes to the overall switch performance. With the Chiikawa - 28g’s polycarbonate top providing clarity and the softness of its nylon bottom offering depth, users experience a unique typing feel and sound. Meanwhile, the U4Tx's top and bottom housing, both utilizing softer materials, synergistically offer a round sound profile. Users who seek similar results in ambience may find common ground in the soft characteristics of the U4Tx, even if the crisper notes of the Chiikawa are not replicated, demonstrating how the choice of materials shapes overall sound and feel in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, significant differences in actuation and bottom out forces arise. The Chiikawa switch boasts an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a lighter option that facilitates longer typing sessions and potentially a more comfortable experience during extended use. In contrast, while the actuation force of the U4Tx is unknown, its bottom out force is significantly higher at 62.5 grams, indicating that it provides a heavier, more substantial typing experience suited for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is better for users seeking lightness and ease of typing, while the U4Tx caters to individuals who enjoy a firmer response beneath their fingers. Overall, if performance under pressure is a priority, the U4Tx may be the preferred choice due to its higher bottom out force despite the unknown actuation force.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, providing a consistent experience in terms of keypress dynamics. Since both switches have an identical travel distance, they will yield similar results in key actuation and overall typing experience, making either switch a great choice depending on personal preference for linear versus tactile feedback.
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 U4Tx 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 delivers a bright, high-pitched acoustic profile that provides a crisp and lively auditory experience when typing. This results in a very responsive sound that complements its light actuation force, making each keystroke feel energetic. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch offers a more refined sound profile characterized by a deep, resonant “thock” when bottoming out, which provides a satisfying auditory sensation. Additionally, when topping out, the U4Tx produces a whisper-quiet sound that minimizes noise, making it an excellent choice for quieter environments. Together, these sound characteristics reflect the distinct personalities of the two switches, where the Chiikawa is bright and responsive while the U4Tx combines deep resonance and muted tones for a more nuanced experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is lauded for its very light actuation force, which enables rapid typing and a nearly effortless pressing sensation; however, specific tactile feedback details are not provided. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx switch features a sharp tactile bump that is both prominent and crisp. This tactile feedback provides users with an unmistakable indication of actuation, enhancing the overall typing experience by making each keypress feel deliberate and satisfying. The contrast in feedback intensity suggests that the Chiikawa may prioritize speed and lightness, while the U4Tx emphasizes tactile distinction.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Gazzew U4Tx switches cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa offers a bright and energetic sound with a lightweight feel, ideal for fast typists, while the U4Tx presents a deeper sound profile with pronounced tactile feedback, perfect for those who enjoy a more luxurious typing experience. Depending on your typing style and sound preferences, you can achieve either a lively or a rich acoustic environment, ensuring a satisfying experience regardless of your choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch should primarily depend on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you value a lightweight key press and an extremely responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa switch, with its 34-gram bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. It's ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a bright sound profile and a quick actuation, allowing for rapid keystrokes with minimal effort. However, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback combined with a unique acoustic experience, the Gazzew U4Tx switch could be a better fit. This switch's heavier 62.5-gram bottom-out force provides a satisfying tactile bump that can enhance your typing accuracy, making it particularly suitable for typists and programmers who appreciate the rich, deep sound and muted characteristics of the U4Tx. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your typing style—whether you prioritize lightness for speed or prefer a richer, more tactile experience for precision.
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