Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro present two distinct yet compelling options for typists and gamers alike. The Chiikawa - 28g is a linear switch renowned for its incredibly light actuation force of just 28 grams, making it exceptionally responsive. Paired with a bright sound profile, it offers a crisp, high-pitched auditory experience that appeals to those who enjoy a lively typing feel without the tactile feedback. On the contrary, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro features a medium tactile feedback with a fairly light touch and a neutral sound signature, effectively serving as a "Goldilocks" choice for users desiring a harmonious balance between feedback and noise. While the Chiikawa might attract users looking for a speedy, clicky experience, the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who prefer a more grounded and tactile sensation when typing. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share significant similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the top housing which is made from polycarbonate. This choice results in a sound profile that is sharp, high-pitched, and crisp, stemming from polycarbonate’s stiff nature. Both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, making them ideal for use with RGB lighting setups. The clear aesthetic not only enhances the overall appearance of the keyboard but also improves the visual effects of the lighting, creating a vibrant display that is both visually and audibly pleasing.
However, while the top housings of the Chiikawa - 28g and the Violet Gold Pro are identical, their bottom housings utilize the same nylon material, which significantly influences the sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic, offers a deeper and fuller sound experience due to its sound-absorbing properties. This softer material creates a contrast with the sharper top sound produced by the polycarbonate, resulting in a balanced auditory experience when typing. The marriage of these materials in both switches means that when a key is bottomed out, users will experience a rich roundness from the nylon, while the release will produce clarity from the polycarbonate.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro are constructed with the same materials in terms of top and bottom housings, this results in a unified sound experience characterized by the unique properties of polycarbonate and nylon. The combination of a crisp top housing and a fuller bottom housing ensures that users can enjoy a well-rounded typing experience, where the quick, clear sound blends harmoniously with a more nuanced bottom-out sound. Those who seek to achieve a consistent yet dynamic auditory profile will find both switches deliver similarly satisfying results despite their individual characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch with the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the differences in actuation force are quite pronounced. The Chiikawa switch features a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams, appealing to those who appreciate a more substantial feel under their fingers. Regarding bottom out forces, the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 34 grams, indicating how much pressure is needed to press the switch all the way down. The bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro is unknown, which means we can't compare that aspect directly. Overall, while the Chiikawa switch is lighter and may facilitate less fatigue during prolonged use, the Violet Gold Pro offers a stronger push for users who enjoy a more tactile and resistant keystroke experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, the key difference lies in their respective distances: the Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter distances allow for faster key actuation. On the other hand, the additional 0.2 mm of the Violet Gold Pro can provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience, making it feel less abrupt during use. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Chiikawa catering to those who favor quick responsiveness and the Violet Gold Pro appealing to users who enjoy a deeper key press.
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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 Chiikawa - 28g linear switch delivers a bright and crisp high-pitched tone that makes typing feel lively and responsive. This characteristic sound can be quite appealing, especially for those who appreciate an auditory feedback that is sharp and distinct. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch features a neutral sound signature, which is moderate and well-balanced. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether you're in a quiet office or at home, as it won’t be overly distracting. Consequently, while both switches provide satisfying auditory experiences, the Chiikawa caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced sound, while the Violet Gold Pro aims for a more subtle approach.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 28g is known for its very light actuation force, making it responsive and effortless to type on. The lack of resistance allows for quick keystrokes, which can be ideal for fast typists or gamers. In contrast, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro employs a stepped tactile design, giving you a noticeable bump during actuation that provides feedback but without being overwhelming. The medium tactility strikes a balance, offering some satisfying resistance while still requiring a light touch. This results in a versatile typing experience that suits both casual and serious typing activities. Overall, while both switches exhibit distinct feel qualities, they can fulfill different preferences – one being suited for speed and the other for a balanced tactile response.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa is bright and responsive in sound while being exceptionally light to press, making it a great choice for those who love rapid typing with immediate auditory feedback. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro provides a more balanced sound and a stepped tactile feel that appeals to users looking for a moderate level of feedback and resistance. Depending on what qualities matter more to you—sound or the type of feel—you can choose the switch that best fits your typing style, or even explore a combination, as each can create enjoyable typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you appreciate a lighter, more responsive touch and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound that gives an energizing feel while typing, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its low actuation force makes it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick responses are crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a well-rounded tactile experience that balances both actuation force and sound, the Violet Gold Pro may be the better choice. Its medium tactility and neutral sound profile cater to a broader range of activities, making it suitable for both office work and casual use at home, while also being forgiving for beginners and satisfying for more experienced typists. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing you value most—whether it’s speed and sound or a smoother tactile feedback—as this will guide you toward the switch that best fits your needs.
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