Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Vintage Citrus both offer compelling features, yet they cater to different preferences and needs. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its light actuation force and distinct bright sound profile, providing a responsive typing experience paired with a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus switch is tailored for gaming enthusiasts, featuring an exceptionally low actuation distance of just 1mm, allowing for rapid key presses and quick reaction times. This switch also presents a bright, clacky sound profile and a notably smooth push feel, making it ideal for gamers seeking performance and tactile feedback. Ultimately, whether you're drawn to the Chiikawa for its agility and pleasing acoustics, or the Vintage Citrus for its speed and fluidity, both switches stand out in their own right. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Vintage Citrus, distinct differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer composition, allowing it to produce a sharper, clearer sound profile. This characteristic makes polycarbonate particularly suitable for RGB applications, as its translucency can enhance visual aesthetics when paired with lighting. On the contrary, the Vintage Citrus features a nylon top housing, which, being a softer plastic, produces a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer nature of nylon leads to the absorption of sound waves, resulting in a more muted auditory experience when compared to the Chiikawa's higher-pitched offerings.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which serves to unify certain acoustic characteristics in their sound profiles. In this case, the nylon bottom housing enables both models to deliver a deeper and fuller sound, emphasizing the bottom-out feel during key presses. This shared trait indicates that, regardless of their differing top materials, both switches can achieve similar results in terms of sound depth and overall tactile feedback. The softer nylon absorbs more sound, creating a satisfying and rich auditory experience when typing on either switch.
The key distinction lies in the divergence of the top housing materials, which ultimately influences how each switch behaves acoustically. The Chiikawa - 28g offers an experience that is crisper and brighter, suitable for those who prefer a more defined sound with their typing, especially under RGB lighting. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, with its nylon top housing, delivers a more mellow and enveloping sound profile, providing warmth and richness to each keystroke. Therefore, while both switches can share common auditory qualities due to their nylon bottom housings, their individual top materials impart unique sonic signatures that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g features a lightweight actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Vintage Citrus has a significantly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more substantial, tactile feel while typing. This contrast implies that the Chiikawa - 28g is best suited for users seeking comfort during prolonged use, while the Vintage Citrus will appeal to those who prefer a stronger push and more resistance. In summary, the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter switch, while the Vintage Citrus is the heavier option, providing distinct typing experiences based on the user's preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This difference positions the Chiikawa switch as the one providing a more substantial key press, appealing to those who prefer a deeper feel and a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more to gamers or users looking for faster response times, facilitating quicker key presses. For those who favor a more responsive feel, the Vintage Citrus would be the go-to option, whereas users who enjoy a hearty depth in their keystrokes would likely prefer the Chiikawa. In summary, the Chiikawa offers a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm for a more pronounced key press, while the Vintage Citrus provides a more immediate response with its 3 mm travel distance.
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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This clarity adds an auditory satisfaction to each keystroke, making it particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a pronounced sound. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus switch also showcases a bright, clacky sound profile, which, while being designed primarily for gaming, offers a similar auditory experience. Both switches deliver a lively sound that can contribute to an engaging typing or gaming atmosphere, although the specific loudness and resonance may vary based on the keyboard and keycap combination used.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press. This lightweight feel allows for rapid actuation, which can enhance typing speed and reduce finger fatigue during extended use. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch stands out with its exceptionally low actuation force of just 1mm, crafted for rapid-fire inputs. Additionally, it maintains a remarkably smooth push feel that caters to gamers looking for efficiency and quick engagement. While both switches prioritize a light actuation, the Chiikawa's emphasis on overall responsiveness and the Vintage Citrus's focus on speed and smoothness may offer different tactile experiences for the user.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches present compelling choices for enthusiasts seeking a vibrant auditory feedback and a lightweight feel. With their bright sound profiles and low actuation forces, both switches encourage swift, responsive typing or gaming experiences. Although their specific tactile properties differ slightly, users can expect to achieve a similar level of engagement and satisfaction with both options, whether they prioritize a clear sound or ultra-fast actuation.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing or gaming preferences. If you enjoy a light touch and are looking for a switch that's not only responsive but also produces a bright and high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 28g is a great choice. Its lower bottom-out force of 34 grams makes it particularly appealing for typists who favor quick, effortless keystrokes and a more playful auditory feedback. This switch shines in environments where you want to maximize speed and playfulness in your typing experience. On the other hand, if your focus is on gaming, especially rapid-fire inputs, the Vintage Citrus should be your go-to option. With a medium-light bottom-out force of 53 grams and an incredibly low actuation distance of just 1mm, it allows for extraordinarily swift responses that can enhance your gaming performance. Additionally, its clacky sound profile enhances the overall gaming experience, making each keystroke feel satisfying and impactful. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a light and responsive typing experience with the Chiikawa or the speed-driven performance found in the Vintage Citrus switch.
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