Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, individual preferences play a crucial role in determining the best fit. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g is notable for its extremely light actuation force of just 28 grams and a bright sound profile, making it an exceptionally responsive switch that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke. This makes it an attractive option for typists seeking an exhilarating and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch elevates the work environment with its innovative design aimed at reducing noise while still maintaining impressive responsiveness. Rather than relying on silicone dampeners that dampen the sensation of each keystroke, the WS Silent Linear switches incorporate discreet cutouts in their stem railings to deliver a calm yet satisfying typing experience devoid of excessive noise. While the Chiikawa – 28g caters to those who revel in auditory feedback and lightness, the WS Silent Linear appeals to users seeking tranquility without sacrificing precision. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, a notable contrast emerges in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, noted for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic enhances resonance, making it particularly effective with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear opts for a nylon top housing, which is a traditional choice known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This fundamental difference in material not only alters the resulting sound but also the overall aesthetic quality of the switches, particularly when paired with lighting effects.
The bottom housings of both the Chiikawa - 28g and WS Silent Linear share a significant similarity: both utilize nylon. This commonality facilitates a deeper and fuller sound profile across both switches. The nylon bottom housing for the Chiikawa - 28g contributes to sound absorption, ensuring a softer and more consistent auditory experience when the keys bottom out. As such, typing on either switch will evoke a similar sound quality from the bottom housing, linking them through a shared foundation. This combination of equivalent bottom housing materials leads to a consistent performance across both models in terms of the tactile feedback and sound signature produced upon key press.
In essence, while the Chiikawa - 28g and WS Silent Linear differ in their top housing materials, their identical use of nylon for the bottom compartment fosters comparable results in how these switches perform overall. Users looking for a precise auditory experience may appreciate the crisper notes of the Chiikawa - 28g during the upstroke, thanks to its polycarbonate top, while also enjoying the fuller sound during the bottoming out, effectively synthesizing a harmonious experience with the nylon housing. This architectural blend makes both switches appealing choices for different user preferences, offering a nuanced approach to sound dynamic while leveraging nylon's acoustic properties to a similar end.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch, we see a distinct difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 28 grams, making it a lighter option ideal for prolonged typing sessions, while the WS Silent Linear’s actuation force is unspecified, presenting some uncertainty regarding its feel during use. However, the bottom out force of the Chiikawa is 34 grams, significantly lighter than the WS Silent Linear's bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is considered medium-heavy. This means that those who prefer a lighter touch and a more responsive experience will likely favor the Chiikawa switch, while those who appreciate a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the heavier WS Silent Linear switch. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter choice, providing a softer feel, whereas the WS Silent Linear offers a more forceful push, catering to different typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Linear measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel on your keystrokes, the WS Silent Linear would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced depth in your keystrokes for a more tactile experience, the Chiikawa with its 3.6 mm travel distance might suit you better. Both options cater to different preferences, with the WS Silent Linear providing a quicker response time and the Chiikawa offering a slightly deeper actuation.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched note when typing. This characteristic can lend a lively and engaging quality to the typing experience, particularly appealing to those who enjoy the audible feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch is designed to be much quieter. It presents a sound profile that can be categorized as neutral, muted, and subdued, ideal for environments where minimizing noise is a priority. This switch carefully balances its sound output, ensuring a pleasant typing experience without overwhelming the acoustic atmosphere, making it suitable for office settings or shared spaces.
When comparing feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is recognized for its very light actuation force, which leads to a highly responsive typing sensation. Unfortunately, the specific feel of the Chiikawa switches isn’t elaborated upon in the information given, leaving an openness to personal interpretation when it comes to tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch offers a mild feel, providing a gentle typing experience. The softness and approachability of the WS Silent Linear can appeal to users who prefer a more relaxed tactile feedback while typing. Both switches cater to different preferences in actuation force and response, with the Chiikawa leaning towards a lighter touch and the WS Silent aiming for a comfortable middle ground.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches each present unique qualities tailored to different user experiences. The Chiikawa switch shines with its bright auditory feedback and very light actuation, ideal for those who appreciate responsive, high-pitched keystrokes. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear offers a quieter, more subdued sound profile alongside a mild feel that makes it suitable for quieter environments. If you're inclined towards responsiveness and lively sound, the Chiikawa is your switch, while the WS Silent Linear would suit those valuing a tranquil typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Ultimately, both switches allow for distinct typing experiences based on individual needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch should be guided by your typing preferences and environment. If you favor a light actuation force and a vibrant sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option, especially for fast typists or gamers who thrive on responsiveness. Its 34 grams bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who like a light touch, and the crisp, high-pitched sound can enhance your typing experience, particularly in a casual or enthusiast setting. Conversely, if you work in a shared space or require a quieter environment, the WS Silent Linear switch is made for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force of 63.5 grams provides a satisfying, more controlled typing experience without the typical mechanical keyboard noise, making it suitable for professional settings or late-night work. With its moderate, muted sound profile and subtle feel, the WS Silent Linear strikes a harmonious balance between responsiveness and discretion. Ultimately, consider the context in which you'll be using your keyboard and your personal preferences to select the switch that best enhances your typing journey.
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