Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g switch stands out with its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer quick, responsive keystrokes without the burden of excessive weight. This switch delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound that can make typing feel effortless and fluid. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switch offers a more nuanced typing experience, characterized by its thuddy and punchy sound. With a pronounced tactile feedback, the Viola Tricolor creates an engaging environment that balances sharpness with comfort, ensuring your fingers receive the satisfying reverse push without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you are drawn to the Chiikawa's quick responsiveness or the Viola's rich tactile feedback, both switches offer unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Haimu Viola Tricolor, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This choice of material contributes significantly to the sound profile of each switch, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate's rigidity enhances resonance and clarity, thus allowing users to enjoy a distinct and vibrant sound when the keys are engaged. Furthermore, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, which not only allows for the seamless integration of RGB lighting but also heightens the overall visual appeal of the keyboards.
Conversely, while the top housings of both switches are identical in material, the bottom housings diverge as they are both made from nylon. This classic plastic material serves to soften the acoustic profile, producing a deeper and fuller sound during typing. The inherent properties of nylon, which absorb sound more effectively than stiffer materials, result in a more subdued and rounded auditory response. Consequently, the combined effects of the polycarbonate top housing and the nylon bottom housing in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Viola Tricolor yield a well-balanced acoustic signature that offers both clarity and richness in sound output.
In summary, the alignment in the housing materials for both switches allows for similarities in sound profile attributes, particularly in terms of brightness from the polycarbonate tops. However, the differentiation in the bottom housing introduces a sense of depth and fullness to the overall typing experience, with the nylon absorbing sound for a more rounded finish. Users can expect a consistent auditory clarity during key press engagement thanks to the polycarbonate tops, while the nylon bottoms will lend a unique texture and feel as they interact with the key strokes at the bottom-out point, thereby highlighting the inherent strengths of both materials in achieving a harmonious keyboard experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, notable differences emerge that can influence user preference. The Chiikawa switch features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions as it requires less effort to trigger a keystroke. In contrast, the Violet Tricolor has an unknown actuation force but a significantly heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This heavier force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and tactile typing experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa is the lighter option, ideal for prolonged use, the Viola Tricolor caters to users who enjoy a firmer feedback with each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This difference of 0.2 mm means that the Chiikawa switch offers a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker key activation. In contrast, the Viola switch, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may provide a more satisfying tactile experience for users who appreciate a bit more depth in their key presses. Consequently, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Bsun Chiikawa's shorter travel distance may be the better choice, whereas if you prefer a more pronounced key feel, the Haimu Viola Tricolor would suit you better.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is recognized for its bright acoustic profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched sound that promotes an engaging typing experience. This light actuation force contributes to its responsiveness, making it an enjoyable choice for users who prefer that quick feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch offers a distinctly different auditory experience. It embodies a thuddy and punchy sound characteristic, providing a more robust presence during typing. With a lower-pitched sound that resembles the richness of bass tones, the Viola Tricolor creates a deeper, more resonant auditory environment compared to the Chiikawa, showcasing how sound profiles can vastly differ even within the same category of keyboard switches.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g presents a very light and smooth typing experience typical of linear switches, promoting effortless key presses that many users find liberating and enjoyable. However, specific tactile characteristics for the Chiikawa were not mentioned. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch stands out with its pronounced tactility, offering a medium-level tactile sensation that is not too overwhelming. This invigorating feel promotes an immersive typing experience, blissfully combining moderate actuation force and pronounced feedback to keep the user engaged. This blend of tactile satisfaction without being overly aggressive makes the Viola Tricolor a thoughtful choice for those who appreciate a tactile element in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch will ultimately depend on your preferences for sound and feel. The Chiikawa offers a bright, light experience with a crisp auditory response, while the Viola Tricolor provides a richer, deeper sound coupled with a satisfying tactile feedback. Each switch brings its unique qualities to the table, and by understanding their differences, you can find one that aligns with your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch largely depends on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you favor a lighter touch with quick actuation, the Chiikawa - 28g is ideal for you; its crisp sound and responsive feel make it perfect for fast typists and those who appreciate a playful keyboard experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more substantial typing action that delivers a satisfying tactile feedback, the Haimu Viola Tricolor is a better fit. With its medium-heavy resistance and thuddy sound profile, it offers an invigorating experience that many find fulfilling, particularly for writing or gaming where feedback is essential. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, more agile switch or one that provides more pronounced tactile engagement and a deeper, richer sound.
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