Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Wine Red offers distinct experiences appealing to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a remarkably responsive typing experience that can feel exhilarating for those who favor light touches and quick key presses. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switches are celebrated for their pillowy light feel paired with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound, making them an excellent choice for users who appreciate a more subdued and immersive auditory experience. While both switches fall under the linear category, which means they offer smooth keystrokes without any tactile bump or click, they cater to varied needs: the Chiikawa emphasizes brightness and responsiveness, while the Wine Red focuses on comfort and richness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Wine Red switches, both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material plays a crucial role in defining the acoustic characteristics of the switches. The use of polycarbonate results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to the material's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it particularly effective for users who appreciate an inviting RGB lighting aesthetic. As both switches incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, users can expect a similar enhancement in sound definition and visual appeal when utilizing the switches with RGB lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials differ significantly between the two switches, with the Chiikawa - 28g featuring nylon and the Wine Red employing more polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile; this is due to its ability to absorb sound, making it less resonant than polycarbonate. This difference plays a crucial role in the overall tactile experience and sound profile of the switches. When keys are pressed, the Chiikawa's nylon bottom housing offers a more muted and rounded sound, whereas the Wine Red's polycarbonate bottom housing will produce a clearer and sharper sound when bottoming out.
The differing materials in the bottom housing thus shape the typing experience, as users will feel the distinct attributes of each switch during operation. In the case of a switch where top and bottom housings are formed from different materials, like the Chiikawa and Wine Red, the combined qualities will dictate the overall sound and feel. The Chiikawa will resonate with a dynamic depth from the nylon bottom, while the Wine Red will maintain a bright clarity with both top and bottom being polycarbonate. Thus, while they share similarities in their top housing, the divergent bottom materials lead to varied auditory experiences and tactile feedback for the user, making each switch unique despite some common ground.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as users can type for longer periods without fatigue. In contrast, the Wine Red switch has a heavier actuation force of 44 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger tactile feedback. In summary, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Wine Red switch is heavier, catering to different preferences for typing feel and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, we find noteworthy differences. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red switch features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. Conversely, the Wine Red switch provides a fuller depth at 4 mm, which might be preferred by users who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference: for those who value speed and responsiveness, the Chiikawa switch may be more appealing, while those who favor a deeper keypress may lean towards the Wine Red switch.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch offers a bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone when typing that enhances the overall auditory experience of the keyboard. This characteristic contrasts with the KTT Wine Red linear switch, which provides a satisfyingly deep, rich sound. The Wine Red's bassy and low-pitched tones create a more mellow auditory environment, reminiscent of a deeper sound. These differences mean that when using the Chiikawa switch, you’ll experience a more pronounced and lighter effect, while the Wine Red switch will deliver a heavier, more resonant acoustics.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press. This lightness enhances swift typing and reduces fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, the Wine Red switch is characterized by its pillowy light type feel, which imparts a sense of softness upon keystrokes. While both switches might deliver a light feel, the Chiikawa is more focused on speed and responsiveness, whereas the Wine Red offers a cushioned typing experience, combining comfort with control.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and KTT Wine Red linear switches cater to distinct preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels in a brighter auditory experience with its light touch, making it ideal for those who favor rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Wine Red appeals to users seeking a rich and deep auditory experience, combined with a soft, pillowy feel. Depending on your personal tastes and typing style, both switches can provide satisfying performance, albeit with different auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the KTT Wine Red linear switches ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you're looking for. If you favor a lightweight touch and require a highly responsive switch for gaming or fast typing, the Chiikawa - 28g's light actuation force of 28g makes it an excellent option. Its bright sound profile enhances clarity and provides an engaging auditory feedback, ideal for those who appreciate a more delicate and agile typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a richer, deeper sound and a slightly heavier keypress, the KTT Wine Red with its 55g bottom-out force will deliver a more substantial feel. Its pillowy smoothness, combined with the satisfying, bassy sound during key presses, makes it well-suited for typists who enjoy a more tactile and immersive experience. Ultimately, choose the Chiikawa - 28g for its responsiveness and brightness if you're an avid gamer or fast typist, and opt for the Wine Red if you desire a deeper sound and a noticeably grounded typing experience.