Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right type can significantly impact your typing experience, and two standout options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its extremely light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. This switch is perfect for those who prefer a lightweight touch and enjoy auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch is designed for quieter environments, offering a medium tactile feel and superior noise reduction capabilities without the use of silicone dampeners. It combines a peaceful typing experience with precise responsiveness, making it an excellent choice for office settings or shared spaces. While both switches have their unique strengths—one favoring a lively auditory experience and the other prioritizing a tranquil atmosphere—understanding their specific features is essential for making the right decision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best 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
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches provide a compelling comparison, particularly in their top housing materials. The Chiikawa - 28g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This choice contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it especially suitable for setups with RGB lighting due to its clear design. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, creates a deeper and rounder sound profile and absorbs more sound, resulting in a quieter and more muted acoustic experience. While both switches feature different materials in their top housings, they cater to diverse preferences in auditory feedback and aesthetic influences.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the WS Silent Tactile employ nylon, a classic switch housing material. The similarity in bottom housing gives both switches a certain consistency in terms of sound absorption and the warmth of the sound profile. The use of nylon in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound experience, providing a solid foundation for key presses. This shared material allows for a unified acoustic signature during bottom-out, where the tactile feedback and sound remain enjoyable, irrespective of the differences in the top housing. Even though each switch adopts different materials for their upper housing components, the nylon base ensures they maintain a degree of similarity in sound characteristics.
In essence, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches offer distinct experiences based on their top housing materials, yet they establish common ground through their nylon bottom housings. While the Chiikawa - 28g's polycarbonate top produces a brighter, more resonant auditory feedback, the WS Silent Tactile's nylon top yields a muted, mellower sound experience. However, in practical use, both switches can deliver satisfactory and pleasing results given their nylon bottom housing, which anchors the switches in deeper sound characteristics. By examining the interplay of the materials, one can appreciate the nuanced effects on the overall performance and sound profile of these two switches.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch features an actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, classified as medium-heavy. Comparing actuation forces, the Chiikawa switch is notably lighter, making it ideal for users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions, such as at work or during extensive gaming. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile, with its heavier bottom out force, offers a more substantial typing experience that some users might find satisfying. Since the actuation force of the WS Silent Tactile isn't specified, we cannot directly compare it to the Chiikawa's actuation force; however, the significant difference in bottom out force indicates that the Chiikawa switch is overall the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for extended use without fatigue.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This reveals that the Chiikawa switch provides a marginally deeper keypress compared to the WS Silent Tactile, which may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile may benefit gamers or users who favor quicker response times, providing a more rapid actuation suitable for fast-paced activities. Therefore, while both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Chiikawa switch offers a tad more depth, catering to those who prefer a fuller typing experience, whereas the WS Silent Tactile caters towards users looking for briskness.
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 Tactile 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 Chiikawa - 28g presents a bright and crisp sound profile, characterized by its high-pitched notes that make each keystroke notably responsive while maintaining an engaging auditory experience. This rich acoustic characteristic can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more enthusiastic sound while typing. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch prioritizes a muted auditory experience, offering a neutral sound profile that minimizes keyboard noise. With precision-engineered stem railings that create a soft yet crisp typing sensation, this switch is particularly suited for office environments where noise reduction is essential. Overall, if you're after an audible feedback experience, the Chiikawa will excel, while the WS Silent Tactile offers a quieter alternative, catering to those sensitive to sound.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g features a very light actuation force that enhances its responsiveness, creating a typing sensation that can be described as invigorating—ideal for fast typing. Its smooth linear travel means there is no tactile bump, allowing for uninterrupted keystrokes that some find exhilarating. On the other hand, the WS Silent Tactile switch exhibits a medium tactility that strikes a balance between firm feedback and comfort. The switch provides an accented feel, making each keypress distinct without being overwhelming. This tactile experience, combined with the mild touch of the switch, ensures a satisfying typing experience that offers pronounced feedback without introducing discomfort or scratchiness.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is perfect for users who enjoy a bright, lively sound along with an invigoratingly responsive feel, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch excels in providing a muted operation with a well-balanced tactile feedback suitable for both work and home environments. Depending on your typing style and environment, you can choose between the excitement of the Chiikawa or the tranquility of the WS Silent Tactile, each promising a unique experience tailored to different preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prioritize a lightweight and responsive feel, along with an expressive sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent choice. It's ideal for gaming and fast-paced typing scenarios where every keystroke needs to be fast and reactive, making it a suitable option for enthusiasts who enjoy a lively auditory experience. On the other hand, if you find yourself typing in shared spaces like offices or prefer a more subdued auditory experience, the WS Silent Tactile switch would be more advantageous. With its medium actuation force and carefully engineered features for noise reduction, this switch ensures a satisfying tactile sensation while maintaining a peaceful typing environment. Therefore, consider your usage context and tactile preferences carefully to select the switch that best elevates your typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
