Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Xinhai offer distinct yet complementary experiences, especially for enthusiasts who favor linear switches. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience with each keypress. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch combines a unique PA12 top housing with a POM stem, resulting in a softer acoustics profile while still delivering a crisp and higher-pitched resonance. This switch stands out for its "bouncy," "clacky," and "creamy" characteristics, appealing to users who appreciate a slight auditory feedback without sacrificing smoothness. Both switches have their distinctive charm—whether you're drawn to the energetic feedback of the Chiikawa or the sophisticated sound of the Xinhai. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
45g
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Xinhai, one cannot help but notice the distinctive characteristics brought forth by their differing top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile thanks to its stiffness and translucency. This allows for crisp and resonant auditory feedback, making it particularly appealing for users who favor RGB lighting effects. In stark contrast, the HMX Xinhai utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its softer characteristics that absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This fundamental difference in material greatly affects the overall auditory experience when using either switch, with the Chiikawa catering to those who appreciate clarity, while the Xinhai offers a more subdued and rounded sound.
Examining the lower sections of both switches reveals an interesting similarity; both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Xinhai employ nylon for their bottom housings. This shared material leads to comparable sound profiles that are fuller and deeper, a hallmark of nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. Regardless of the different top housings, users can expect a consistent experience when typing due to the nylon's dominating characteristics in the bottom housing. This commonality reinforces the notion that while the top housing significantly influences the higher-end sound qualities, the bottom housing remains crucial for producing the overall feel and bottom-out sound associated with keystrokes.
In summary, the contrasting top housing materials of the Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Xinhai serve to create distinctive sound profiles that cater to different user preferences. The polycarbonate of the Chiikawa enhances clarity and brightness, while the nylon of the Xinhai imbues a deeper resonance. However, the shared nylon in the bottom housings helps to bridge the gap, ensuring that both switches produce a rich auditory experience despite their differences in top materials. This synergy between the bottom and top housings illustrates how each component can affect the overall performance, allowing users to enjoy a multi-faceted experience that combines both sharper and fuller sound profiles.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch present distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom-out forces. The Chiikawa features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom-out force of 34 grams, making it a great choice for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during long periods of use. In contrast, the Xinhai switch has a heavier actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom-out force of 45 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel. This difference in actuation forces suggests that while the Chiikawa may be better suited for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Xinhai could provide a more tactile experience for users who prefer additional resistance. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is lighter overall, while the Xinhai is heavier, offering distinct options depending on user preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there are clear differences to note. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a more substantial feel with its deeper travel distance, which may appeal to those who appreciate a hearty depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance allows for quicker actuation, making it a better choice for gamers seeking rapid response times. Ultimately, if you favor a more responsive experience, the shorter travel distance of the Xinhai may be preferable, whereas those who enjoy a fuller keystroke might opt for the Chiikawa. Thus, the Chiikawa - 28g linear switch is the longer option, while the HMX Xinhai linear switch is the shorter one.
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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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 linear switch is characterized by its bright and crisp auditory profile, making it suited for those who appreciate a lighter and more responsive typing experience. This switch produces a high-pitched sound that is both engaging and pronounced during use. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai switch offers a clacky sound, which is sharp and snappy, contributing to a vibrant acoustic experience. While both switches are geared toward delivering a bright sound, the Chiikawa's sonic signature is more delicate, while the Xinhai emphasizes a percussive quality.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 28g excels with its very light actuation force, providing a responsive typing experience that enhances speed and minimizes finger fatigue. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy rapid keystrokes or gaming. Meanwhile, the Xinhai switch stands out with its bouncy and creamy characteristics. The bounciness offers a spring-like feedback that makes typing feel lively and engaging, while the creamy aspect ensures a smooth and silky sensation as fingers glide effortlessly across the keys. Together, these qualities create a distinct tactile experience that many enthusiasts find enjoyable.
In summary, while both the Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Xinhai linear switches are designed to provide a delightful auditory and tactile experience, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light actuation force make it an excellent choice for those who lean towards speed and responsiveness, whereas the Xinhai’s clackiness and creamy bounce offer a more dynamic and smooth typing experience. Depending on your typing style and preference for sound and feel, either switch could serve you well, and you may find that they produce similar joys in their unique ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a feather-light typing experience with a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 28g is the ideal choice for you. Its lower bottom-out force of 34 grams makes it exceptionally responsive, allowing for quick, effortless keystrokes, which suits fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed and agility. In contrast, if you appreciate a more substantial feel with a balanced blend of performance and elegance, the HMX Xinhai switch would be more fitting. With its 45-gram bottom-out force, it provides a gentle but satisfying resistance and features a unique bouncy feel that enhances your typing experience. The Xinhai's creamy sensation combined with its clacky sound profile also makes for a delightful auditory and tactile feedback that can truly elevate your keyboard experience. Thus, consider your typing habits and preferences—whether you lean towards lightweight brilliance with the Chiikawa or seek a more refined and textured experience with the Xinhai—to make the best choice for your setup.
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