Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream each offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and seek a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch captivates users with its smooth and creamy feel, attributed to the innovative use of POK materials in both the stem and bottom housing. This switch excels in delivering a clacky sound signature, bringing an enjoyable acoustic experience to typists who appreciate a rich auditory backdrop. While both switches belong to the linear category, their distinct characteristics cater to varying typing styles and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches exhibit distinctive properties that affect their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and structural integrity, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound. This sharper profile is ideal for those who favor a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated—thanks to the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream employs a proprietary blend for its top housing that emphasizes a high-pitched and clacky sound signature. While both top housings aim for brightness in sound, the materials differ in formulation, influencing the nuances of acoustic clarity and resonance.
Examining the bottom housings reveals further differences that affect overall sound quality and typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a nylon bottom housing, traditionally recognized for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, rounder sound profile. This results in a softer bottom-out feel that contrasts with the sharper notes from the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream adopts a POK bottom housing, which boasts notable strength and durability while also delivering a smooth typing experience. Its superior resistance to wear along with a touch of a clacky sound makes it an appealing choice for those looking for longevity and responsiveness, thus creating a unique tactile feedback distinct from the more muted, fuller sound of the Chiikawa's nylon.
While the materials used in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream differ in both sound characteristics and tactile feedback, they can deliver similarly satisfying results depending on the user's preferences. The interplay of the top and bottom housings in each switch creates a complex auditory experience. For example, while the Chiikawa achieves a clearer high-end sound through its stiffer polycarbonate top, the Vanilla Ice Cream achieves lively clackiness through its blended top housing and smooth POK bottom. Users seeking a specific auditory signature may find comparable experiences if they appreciate high-pitched sounds, even if they arise from differing housing materials—demonstrating that the art of switch design allows for an array of sound profiles stemming from a variety of material choices.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer a softer typing experience that allows for longer sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch has a heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. This difference indicates that while the Chiikawa switch is lighter and more suitable for extended use, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch provides a firmer feedback that some typists may prefer. Consequently, those who desire a lighter switch will find the Chiikawa more appealing, while those seeking a heavier option may gravitate towards the Vanilla Ice Cream.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vanilla Ice Cream features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a more pronounced feel, making it a better option for those who prefer a deeper typing experience. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream is the shorter switch, which may appeal to gamers and users who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. Both switches reflect the trend towards shorter travel distances in modern designs, so users who favor speed over depth might find them similar in terms of performance. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on one’s preference for travel distance and 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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch is characterized by its bright and crisp high-pitched tones, contributing to a lively auditory experience when typing. This quality enhances its responsiveness, making each keystroke feel invigorating. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a similarly high-pitched sound, but with additional descriptors such as marbly and resonant. The clacky sound produced by the Vanilla Ice Cream switch, often compared to the sound of two billiard balls colliding, creates an engaging auditory signature that can evoke a sense of satisfaction for those who appreciate such acoustic nuances. While both switches provide elevated sound levels, the Chiikawa leans toward brightness, whereas the Vanilla Ice Cream leans into a more complex resonant quality.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g's tactile sensation remains unspecified, leaving something to the imagination. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch shines with a buttery and creamy feel, delivering a smooth and effortless keystroke experience. This luxurious typing sensation can create an almost “melt-in-your-fingers” quality, heightening overall typing comfort. The materials used in the Vanilla Ice Cream switch contribute to this silky feel, often enhanced by factory-applied lubricant. The Chiikawa's light actuation force likely creates a different sensation, but without specific details, it remains an open comparison.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches highlight the advantages of high-pitched sound profiles, making them appealing choices for those who prefer brighter auditory feedback. While the Vanilla Ice Cream offers a distinct buttery and creamy tactile experience, the Chiikawa's feel remains less defined but notable for its light actuation force. Ultimately, both models aim to ensure a delightful typing experience, and your personal preference for sound and feel will guide you in choosing between them.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the type of typing experience you desire. If you prefer responsive keys with a very light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 34 grams results in rapid keystrokes that make it ideal for fast typists or gamers who thrive on quick reactions. Additionally, its bright, high-pitched sound profile creates a distinct auditory feedback that can enhance your typing pleasure. On the other hand, if you value a more nuanced and buttery feel, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch should be your go-to. With a heavier bottom-out force of 48 grams, it offers a more deliberate typing experience while still maintaining smooth, creamy keystrokes. Its unique material composition provides a satisfying tactile sensation and an engaging sound that resembles the delightful experience of enjoying your favorite dessert. Ultimately, your choice should align with your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style to ensure you get the most enjoyment from your mechanical keyboard.
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