Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two intriguing options come to the forefront: the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Weightlessness. The Chiikawa - 28g stands out with its remarkably light 28g actuation force and bright sound profile, making each keystroke feel exceptionally responsive while delivering a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize speed and a lively auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a more nuanced experience with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enriches typing without overwhelming the user. Its balanced sound profile pairs well with the tactile sensation, providing a satisfying feel for those who enjoy a bit of resistance when actuating keys. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, with the Chiikawa appealing to those who favor agility and auditory stimulation, while the Weightlessness attracts those who appreciate tactile feedback and a more controlled typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
50g
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
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Gateron Weightlessness both utilize distinct materials in their switch housings that significantly influence their respective sound profiles and user experience. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, while the Weightlessness opts for a nylon top housing. The polycarbonate material is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, as its stiffer composition allows for clearer resonance. In contrast, the nylon top housing of the Weightlessness produces a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound and creates a rounder auditory experience. This fundamental difference in top housing materials means that users can expect contrasting tonal qualities when typing or gaming with each switch.
Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, leading to similar performance characteristics in that aspect. The nylon bottom housing in the Chiikawa - 28g provides that same deeper and fuller sound profile as seen in the Weightlessness, confirming the material as a reliable choice for a sound-absorbing component. As such, regardless of the differences in the top housing, users of both switches will experience shared qualities in the bottom-out sound and feel because of the nylon's tendency to dull the auditory feedback. This means that while a user may experience a distinct sound when pressing down on the Chiikawa due to its polycarbonate top, the bottoming-out sensation remains consistent with both switches given their identical bottom housing materials.
The nuanced interplay between these different materials—polycarbonate in the Chiikawa's top and nylon across both bottom housings—illustrates how the construction of mechanical switches can cater to diverse preferences. Users looking for a sharper auditory feedback might lean toward the Chiikawa - 28g, while those who prioritize a warmer and rounder typing experience may find the Gateron Weightlessness more suitable. However, with the nylon material common to both bottom housings, both switches promise a satisfying, consistent typing experience characterized by a lush sound profile when bottoming out. This demonstrates that the interplay of materials not only impacts the auditory qualities of each switch but also allows for the harmonization of user experiences across differing aesthetic and acoustic preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, clear differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for users who prefer a more effortless typing experience and longer sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to those who enjoy a more tactile and substantial feel while typing. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is unknown, which means a direct comparison in this aspect isn’t possible. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Gateron Weightlessness is the heavier choice, appealing to users with different preferences regarding the typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness measures at 3.4 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced tactile feedback for users who appreciate depth in their keystrokes. The Weightlessness, on the other hand, with its shorter 3.4 mm travel distance, caters to gamers and users who prioritize faster response times. For those who prefer the sensitivity and quicker actuation associated with shorter travel distances, the Weightlessness would be the better choice, whereas users who favor a more substantial feel might lean towards the Chiikawa.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 characterized by a bright and crisp sound profile that offers a high-pitched tone when typing, enhancing the overall auditory experience. The sound produced by the Chiikawa switches is light and responsive, making every keystroke feel lively. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch is designed to provide a balanced sound profile that is subtle to moderate, which complements its tactile characteristics. While both switches produce distinct auditory experiences, the Chiikawa switch stands out for its higher pitch, while the Weightlessness offers a more subdued yet satisfying sound.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, resulting in a smooth and responsive typing experience. The linear design means that there is no tactile bump or resistance as you engage the switch, leading to a seamless keystroke that is ideal for fast typists and gamers alike. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch provides a subtle to moderate tactile feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overly pronounced. This offers a nice balance where users can feel the switch engage, adding a sense of satisfaction to each keystroke while still maintaining a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in sound with its bright, high-pitched tones, while providing an extremely light and smooth feel. In contrast, the Weightlessness switch provides a more balanced auditory profile with a subtle tactile bump for those who enjoy a bit of feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound or tactile sensation in your typing experience, but both are sure to deliver enjoyable results based on their distinctive attributes.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a very light actuation force that responds quickly, allowing for swift key presses, the Chiikawa switch may be ideal for you. Its crisp, bright sound profile and lightweight feel create an engaging typing experience, perfect for users who enjoy a smooth, linear response without much resistance. On the other hand, if you value a tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with each keystroke, the Gateron Weightlessness switch is likely more suitable. This switch’s subtle to moderate tactile feel, paired with its balanced sound profile, caters to those who appreciate a bit of texture in their typing. In summary, your choice should reflect whether you seek the light, snappy performance of the Chiikawa switches or the tactile and feedback-rich experience offered by the Gateron Weightlessness.
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