Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the selection can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch known for its light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a quick and responsive feel while enjoying a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke. This switch is particularly suitable for typists who prioritize speed and fluidity without tactile interruptions. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet is a tactile switch, celebrated for its smooth actuation and gentle tactile feedback, which can enhance the typing experience by providing a satisfying and pronounced bump at the actuation point. The Violet's neutral sound signature further contributes to a balanced and enjoyable atmosphere, appealing to users who appreciate a more tactile and grounded feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Chiikawa for speed enthusiasts and the Violet for those who value tactile sensations. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Violet share a notable similarity in their choice of housing materials, both employing polycarbonate for the top housing. This common selection contributes to a sharp, higher-pitched sound profile characteristic of polycarbonate, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. The clarity offered by the polycarbonate in both switches enhances the user's experience, particularly when utilizing RGB lighting; the translucent top allows for vibrant light diffusion, making keycap illumination strikingly accentuated. Consequently, users of both switches can expect a crisp and resonant sound when key presses are engaged, maintaining a consistent auditory experience across both models.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Violet is crafted from nylon. This choice introduces a warmer, fuller sound profile compared to their polycarbonate counterparts. Nylon is recognized for its softer and more absorbent nature, which creates a deeper and rounder typing experience. This divergence in housing materials means that while the top housing contributes to the clarity and high-pitched tone of the sound, the nylon bottom housing softens the auditory response, resulting in a broader sound spectrum. Thus, users of these switches can enjoy a blend of audio qualities, with the Chiikawa - 28g and the Violet providing a well-rounded acoustic output.
Ultimately, although the Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Violet utilize different materials for the top and bottom housings, they can yield similar results in terms of overall sound and feel. The polycarbonate top ensures that each keystroke delivers a sharp and clear sound, while the nylon bottom housing absorbs sound, creating a harmonious balance. Users can find satisfaction in the distinct auditory profile created by these combinations, enjoying the best of both worlds: the pronounced clarity from the polycarbonate top and the rich depth from the nylon bottom. This setup allows both switches to cater to different preferences while providing an engaging typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, it is evident that they cater to different preferences in typing feel. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams. In contrast, the Violet switch requires a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suited for those who appreciate a more substantial and resistant typing experience. While the bottom out force for the Violet switch is unknown, the distinct actuation forces illustrate a clear differentiation: the Chiikawa is the lighter option, ideal for longer typing sessions, while the Violet, with its heavier feel, may appeal to users seeking a firmer keystroke. Overall, these differences highlight how users can select a switch based on their typing style preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Violet switch, which may appeal to gamers or users looking for quicker key actuation and response times. In contrast, the Violet switch's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth when pressing a key. Overall, users seeking a more responsive experience would lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who favor a more pronounced key press might opt for the Violet.
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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 delivers a bright and crisp auditory profile that is particularly striking when typing. This high-pitched sound creates an engaging acoustic environment, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback during their keystrokes. Conversely, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch exhibits a neutral sound signature, producing a moderate auditory experience that remains unobtrusive. This balanced sound profile makes the Violet switches suitable for various environments, whether for work or leisure, as it won't interfere with concentration or conversation. Users can expect the Chiikawa to provide a livelier and more exhilarating sound, while the Violet offers a calm and composed auditory backdrop.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force, which contributes to a highly responsive typing experience. This makes the switches ideal for quick typing and gaming, as the lightness allows for less finger fatigue over extended use. In contrast, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch is designed with gentle tactile feedback that features a stepped feel; users can sense two distinct stages in the keystroke, making it quite different from the smoothness of the Chiikawa. The Violets provide a pleasant nudging sensation that allows typists to recognize each actuation without harshness, creating a soothing typing experience that is conducive to longer writing sessions or focused tasks.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct experiences catering to different preferences. The Chiikawa excites with its bright sound and lightweight feel, making it a fantastic companion for users who thrive on rapid typing and an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, the Violet’s neutral sound and gentle tactile feedback provide a more subdued and balanced typing experience, ideal for those who appreciate subtlety and comfort in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between the two will largely depend on whether one prefers a lively and responsive switch or a more balanced and comforting typing environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a very light actuation force with a bright sound profile that enhances the typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g may be the ideal choice for you. Its responsive nature and high-pitched sound make it perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic and engaging typing feel, especially for fast typists or gamers who prefer quick key presses. On the other hand, if you favor a smoother keystroke with a gentle tactile feedback, the Jerrzi Violet switch should be your go-to option. The Violet’s neutral sound signature coupled with its stepped tactile feedback offers a balanced typing experience that’s comfortable for extended use, making it suitable for both work environments and leisurely typing sessions. In essence, consider what aspects of switching you prioritize—whether it's the crispness and responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the balanced and tactile feedback of the Violet—as that will guide you in selecting the right switch for your mechanical keyboard.
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