Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Venus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Venus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the nuances of mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options arise: the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Venus, both categorized as linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is distinguished by its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for users who prefer a fast-paced typing experience. Its bright sound profile contributes to a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many find satisfying. In contrast, the TTC Venus offers a unique "Q-texture" experience, combining a smooth, frictionless glide with a springy sensation reminiscent of indulging in chewy mochi or tapioca pearls. This switch prioritizes a muted sound profile, creating a more subdued typing atmosphere while still allowing for rapid keystrokes. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether one prioritizes auditory feedback or a softer soundscape. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened 20.5mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Venus, a distinct contrast emerges in their top housing. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate material that is known for its ability to produce a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for an impressive RGB lighting effect when utilized in keyboard switches. In contrast, the TTC Venus employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, renowned for generating a deeper, more muted sound. The unique quality of the POM material results in an overall sound profile that is pleasing yet less pronounced, illustrating a clear divergence in auditory characteristics influenced by their respective top housing materials.
The bottom housing of the two switches presents a further distinction. The Chiikawa - 28g features a nylon bottom housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon's softer plastic composition helps absorb sound, contributing to a rounder and more subdued auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Venus boasts a polycarbonate bottom housing, akin to that used in its top housing. This similarity pushes the sound profile towards a higher-pitched and crisper tone, owing to polycarbonate's stiffness. This blend of materials results in varied user experiences; the Chiikawa - 28g emphasizes depth and fullness, while the Venus offers a sharper sound signature, underscoring the intricate impact of housing materials on overall switch performance.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials significantly influences the sound and feel of the switches. In the case of the Chiikawa - 28g, the summation of its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom produces a compelling sound that balances clarity with depth. Conversely, the TTC Venus, with its POM top and polycarbonate bottom, presents a unique contrast that emphasizes a more muted auditory profile on the ascent while maintaining a brisk sound quality on the descent. Consequently, while these switches may yield different auditory experiences due to their housing materials, the contributions from both the top and bottom housing can amplify their distinct features—resulting in a blend of effects that cater to diverse user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams, which allows for easier keystrokes, making it ideal for prolonged typing and long gaming sessions. In contrast, the TTC Venus switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, giving it a more substantial feel that may appeal to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. This difference extends to their bottom out forces as well, with the Chiikawa’s bottom out force at 34 grams compared to the Venus’s 52 grams. In summary, the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, accommodating a more effortless typing style, while the Venus switch offers a heavier, more tactile experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Venus has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm means that the Chiikawa will offer a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, which can be advantageous for gamers seeking quicker actuation. However, the Venus, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial tactile experience for users who prefer a deeper keystroke. Ultimately, if you're looking for swifter response times, the Chiikawa is the better option, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress might lean towards the Venus.
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 TTC Venus has an MSRP of $7.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Venus for $5.09.
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
When comparing the sound of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the TTC Venus linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa produces a bright, crisp, and high-pitched sound profile that stands out, providing an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the TTC Venus is characterized by a low-pitched, muted, and subdued acoustics, making for a quieter typing environment. This shift from the Chiikawa's lively sound to the Venus's more bass-heavy, gentle tones indicates how the choice of switch can dramatically shape the overall typing experience based on personal preference or work environment.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a notably responsive experience due to its very light actuation force, allowing for quick and effortless key presses. Meanwhile, the TTC Venus is designed with an emphasis on comfort and smooth operation, highlighted by its buttery and frictionless glide, as well as a unique gummy feel that adds an element of softness upon bottoming out. The Chiikawa's lightweight and reactive nature contrasts with the Venus's combination of smoothness and gentle resistance, illustrating different approaches to the tactile sensation of typing.
Overall, the comparison between the Chiikawa - 28g and TTC Venus switches showcases distinct qualities that might appeal to different users. If you prefer a crisp, engaging sound and light actuation with vivid responsiveness, the Chiikawa may be your go-to. Conversely, if you favor a quieter, more muted sound alongside a smooth and plush typing experience, the Venus would likely resonate better with you. Ultimately, both switches cater to unique preferences, allowing users to choose based on their individual priorities in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Venus linear switch ultimately depends on your typing style and personal preferences. If you prefer a super light actuation force that allows for quick and responsive key presses, the Chiikawa - 28g is the ideal choice for you. Its bright sound profile and crisp feedback can provide a lively typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more spirited and engaging auditory sensation while typing. This switch could be especially appealing if you're looking for an option that shines in gaming scenarios or fast-paced typing situations where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you favor a more controlled and muted experience without compromising on smoothness, the TTC Venus might be your better option. With a slightly higher actuation force and a sound profile that is low-pitched and subdued, it offers a refined typing experience characterized by its unique “Q-texture.” This switch is perfect for anyone looking for an enjoyable, frictionless glide, whether you're typing for long hours at work or seeking a quieter setup for your home. Ultimately, both switches have their own strengths, so consider what aspects matter most to you in your keyboard experience.
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