Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade stand out for their unique characteristics, catering to different typing preferences and aesthetics. The Chiikawa - 28g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a highly responsive and crisp typing experience that many users appreciate for fast-paced typing and gaming. In contrast, the WS Jade features a metallic insert in its stem base, which contributes to its distinctive bright and resonant sound profile, creating an additional layer of auditory feedback as you type. The WS Jade also excels in delivering a smooth and creamy feel, coupled with a visually appealing RGB display enhanced by a light diffuser. Both switches appeal to different user preferences: while the Chiikawa - 28g emphasizes responsiveness and bright acoustics, the WS Jade offers a luxurious and robust typing experience. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, there is a distinct contrast between the materials used for the top housing. The Chiikawa - 28g employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for its stiffer qualities that produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic makes it particularly well-suited for features like RGB lighting, as the polycarbonate's translucency allows light to shine through more effectively, enhancing visual effects. In contrast, the WS Jade utilizes POM for its top housing, which contributes to a deeper, more muted sound. While both materials create desirable sound profiles, their inherent properties lead to differing auditory experiences, with polycarbonate leaning toward clarity and brightness and POM favoring warmth and depth.
The bottom housing of both switches also presents a striking contrast in material choice. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes nylon, a classic material that absorbs sound and results in a fuller, more rounded auditory experience. This softness contributes to a deeper bottom-out sound when the keys are pressed. On the other hand, the WS Jade features a POM bottom housing, renowned for its unique and pleasing sound, albeit leaning towards a similarly muted, deeper tone. This means that while the two switches may produce different auditory results due to the variation in top housing materials, the bottom housings can bring a certain degree of similarity in sound profile. Both POM in the WS Jade and nylon in the Chiikawa offer cushioning and depth, which enhances the overall sound experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the top and bottom housing materials in both switches is crucial in shaping their sound profiles. In the Chiikawa - 28g, the clarity of the polycarbonate top housing emphasizes higher frequencies, complemented by the fuller sound of the nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the WS Jade relies on the consistent and muted characteristics of its POM materials throughout, leading to a more uniform sound experience. Despite their differences, both switches have the potential to deliver satisfying acoustic results, ensuring that users can enjoy distinct yet equally enjoyable typing experiences. If one were to swap the top housing of the WS Jade with that of the Chiikawa, the resulting combination would blend the clarity of polycarbonate with the depth of POM and nylon, achieving a unique sound profile that draws on the strengths of both materials.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch present notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g has a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch that allows for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the WS Jade features a significantly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, catering to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel and a firmer typing experience. As such, the Chiikawa - 28g is the lighter option, while the WS Jade is heavier. This distinction means that if a user desires a lighter switch for extended use, the Chiikawa would be more suitable, whereas those seeking a stronger tactile feedback will find the WS Jade more appealing.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch feature the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that regardless of which switch you choose, you can expect a similar feel when pressing down on the keys, as both switches require the same amount of distance to be activated. Because their travel distances are identical, users can anticipate a similar typing experience in terms of key actuation, leading to comparable responsiveness and feedback in both switches.
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 Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is characterized by its bright and crisp audio profile, producing a high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience. This sharp sound can be particularly delightful to those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch offers a distinct and multifaceted sound experience, featuring a clacky, marbly, and resonant profile due to the metallic insert within the stem and other design elements. The combination of these features results in a sharper and more percussive audio response when typing, which may appeal to users looking for a more varied auditory sensation.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 28g provides a very light actuation force, contributing to a highly responsive typing experience; however, specific details about the tactile sensation are not available. Meanwhile, the WS Jade switch stands out with its silky and creamy feel, ensuring a smooth and buttery typing experience that minimizes resistance as you type. This unique combination not only enhances the overall smoothness but also makes it feel like your fingers are gliding effortlessly over the keys, adding to the enjoyment of long typing sessions.
In summary, while both the Chiikawa - 28g and WS Jade linear switches offer distinctive sound and feel characteristics, they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa's bright and high-pitched sound, combined with its light actuation force, provides a responsive typing experience. Conversely, the WS Jade’s rich, resonant sound and silky, creamy feel offer a more immersive auditory and tactile experience. Depending on what aspects of sound and feel are most important to you, either switch could deliver a satisfactory typing experience, but each leans towards a different typing aesthetic.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you value a lightweight feel and responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option, offering a bottom-out force of 34g that makes for quick and effortless typing. Its bright sound profile combined with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback can enhance your overall typing experience, making it particularly suited for light typists or those who enjoy a more playful and lively sound environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial setup with a solid typing experience, the WS Jade, featuring a heftier 60g bottom-out force, may be your switch of choice. Its creamy and silky feel alongside a clacky and resonant sound adds a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for those who enjoy a more robust feedback and impressive auditory characteristics. Ultimately, consider what factors matter most to you—lightness and responsiveness or weight and a rich auditory experience—as both switches cater to distinct styles and preferences.
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