Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, users often weigh the unique attributes of each option to find the ideal fit for their typing style and preferences. The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g stands out for its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value a responsive and crisp typing experience. Its quick actuation and high-pitched sound ensure an engaging auditory feedback, perfect for fast typists or gamers seeking agility. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) caters to those who prefer a slightly heavier switch with a more refined acoustics profile. Designed with a PA12 top housing and a POM stem, it emphasizes a balance of subtle sophistication and precise performance, appealing to users who appreciate a more solid feel without sacrificing response time. Both switches have distinct characteristics that can enhance your typing experience, but understanding their nuances is essential for making the right choice. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 (Heavy), we encounter notable contrasts in the types of plastics used for their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g employs a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness and clear acoustic properties. This material enhances the overall typing experience by producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting effects, allowing vibrant colors to shine through brightly. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) utilizes a nylon top housing. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs more sound energy, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile that tends to be mellower compared to polycarbonate. This fundamental difference in sound abstraction between the two materials results in distinct auditory experiences when typing.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Xinhai (Heavy) share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. This commonality induces a deeper and rounder sound profile and a more cushioned feel when bottoming out on either switch. In this context, the nylon bottom housing serves to unify the two designs in terms of tactile feedback and sound absorption. Thus, while the top housings diverge in terms of materials, the nylon bottom housing ensures consistency in the overall sound experience at the point of actuation, given that it significantly influences the bottom-out feel and auditory feedback during usage.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Xinhai (Heavy) switches presents a balanced interplay between sound profiles and tactile sensations. Users can experience the sharpness and clarity of the polycarbonate top housing in the Chiikawa - 28g and the softness and roundness of the nylon top housing in the Xinhai (Heavy). However, the resemblance in the bottom housings means that both switches deliver a satisfying and consistent foundation in terms of feedback and sound during actuation. Consequently, users may find that even though they are engaging with two distinct sound profiles, elements of sound absorption and tactile feedback remain remarkably similar due to the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa features a light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it suitable for those who prefer a lighter switch, ideal for extended typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. This juxtaposition indicates that if a user desires a light touch and less strain during prolonged use, the Chiikawa switch would be the preferred option, while those seeking a firmer feel and feedback may gravitate towards the Xinhai switch. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, whereas the Xinhai is the heavier one, catering to different preferences in typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai measures slightly shorter at 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option, providing a more pronounced feedback for those who favor a deeper press. In contrast, the Xinhai's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking quicker response times, catering to a preference for rapid key activation. If you gravitate towards a more responsive feel, the Xinhai may be preferable; however, those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke might find the Chiikawa's travel distance more satisfying. Overall, the differences in travel distance highlight the varied needs and preferences among users when choosing their ideal 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 HMX Xinhai (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched resonance that many find satisfying while typing. This auditory feedback is particularly appealing to users who appreciate a more lively sound experience from their keyboards. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch offers a softer acoustics profile due to its unique PA12 top housing, yet it still manages to deliver a distinctively crisp, higher-pitched resonance thanks to its POM stem. While both switches have a pleasant sound, the Chiikawa leans towards a more pronounced and lively sound, while the Xinhai provides a subtler, refined experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g is characterized by its very light actuation force of 28g, resulting in a notably responsive typing experience that can be particularly enjoyable for those who prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the Xinhai (Heavy) switch comes with a heavier actuation force, which may provide a sense of more deliberate keystrokes, ideal for users seeking tactile confidence and stability during typing sessions. While both switches belong to the linear category, their differing weights cater to varying preferences, with the Chiikawa catering to lighter touch typists and the Xinhai appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial keypress.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer unique experiences that cater to different types of users. The Chiikawa excels in providing a bright sound profile with a very light feel for responsive typing, whereas the Xinhai combines a softer acoustic experience with a heavier actuation force for deliberate keystrokes. Depending on your personal preference for sound intensity and actuation weight, either switch can be a great choice, allowing you to curate your ideal typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch will ultimately depend on your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a lightweight switch that allows for quick, effortless key presses, then the Chiikawa - 28g is an excellent option. Its light actuation force of just 28 grams and the responsive, high-pitched sound profile make it perfect for rapid typing or gaming where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a more substantial feel with a higher bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) might be more suited to your needs. Its weightier actuation provides a tactile feedback that some typists appreciate, especially for long typing sessions or professional work where precision is important. Additionally, the Xinhai's softer acoustics and refined sound profile add a layer of sophistication to your typing experience. In the end, your decision should reflect your individual typing style and how you wish to balance responsiveness, sound, and tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard setup.
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