Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Yellow Silver are two compelling options within the linear switch category, each offering a unique typing experience. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a top choice for those who crave an ultra-responsive feel and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched audio feedback while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver boasts a similarly light actuation force but is distinguished by its neutral sound profile, appealing to gamers and typists who prioritize speediness and a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches provide a swift response, the Chiikawa's distinctive sound may enhance the typing experience for some, whereas the Yellow Silver's quieter operation could better suit a focused gaming environment. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the Outemu Yellow Silver share numerous similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate, which is renowned for its stiff structure that contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This consistency in top housing material suggests that users can expect a similar auditory experience between the two switches, especially in scenarios where RGB lighting is utilized, as the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual effects while maintaining clear sound characteristics. In terms of aesthetics, both switches showcase a transparent quality likely derived from their polycarbonate composition, providing users with a visually appealing option while ensuring high compatibility with various lighting setups.
When examining the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Yellow Silver employ nylon, which is celebrated as a classic switching material. This choice leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile, contrasting with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, yielding a more rounded and mellow auditory experience. Therefore, as users interface with these switches, they will notice the softer, richer sound qualities that arise from this nylon bottom material, reinforcing the unique characteristics that both switches deliver despite their identical bottom housing components.
Overall, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Yellow Silver are constructed from comparable housing materials, the interplay between polycarbonate and nylon allows each switch to provide a cohesive yet distinct sound experience. Since both switches feature the same top and bottom materials, users can anticipate consistent performance, with the polycarbonate imparting sharpness during key release while the nylon contributes to a robust sound during actuation. This harmonious blend ensures that users enjoy a well-rounded typing and auditory experience, demonstrating how similar materials can yield comparable results in both sound and feel, regardless of the switch brand.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 28g features a lighter actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer typing experience, allowing for longer periods of use with less fatigue. In contrast, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a significantly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. This substantial force gives it a more pronounced tactile feedback, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push feel when typing or gaming. Overall, if you prefer a lighter touch, the Chiikawa switch will deliver a more effortless keystroke experience, while the Yellow Silver's heavier forces will resonate with users seeking a more robust feedback during their interactions.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find a notable difference. The Chiikawa - 28g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver measures at 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Outemu. For gamers and users seeking quick response times, the shorter distance of the Chiikawa might be preferred, allowing for faster actuation. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience may lean towards the Yellow Silver's longer travel distance, which offers a deeper feel when pressing down on the key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 and high-pitched sound that can be quite satisfying. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy the auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch has a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate volume and tonal balance that makes it versatile for different settings, whether at work or home. While the Chiikawa provides more of a pronounced auditory experience, the Yellow Silver’s neutral sound may be more suitable for environments where noise levels need to be kept in check.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 28g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, allowing for quick responses and a sense of ease while typing. This may appeal to users who prefer a less forceful touch and want a smooth, effortless typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Yellow Silver is also designed with a light actuation force but leans more towards a neutral tactile experience, which makes it ideal for high-speed gaming and typing alike. Both switches aim to facilitate quick and responsive keystrokes, providing a smooth feel, albeit the Chiikawa may cater more to those who prioritize a very light touch.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and Outemu Yellow Silver linear switches have their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels with its bright auditory feedback and very light tactile response, appealing to typists who enjoy a pronounced sound and effortless touch. Meanwhile, the Yellow Silver offers a balanced, neutral sound and responsive feel that suits a wide audience from gamers to typists. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prefer the crisp auditory profile of the Chiikawa or the versatility of the Yellow Silver. Both switches can provide responsive and speedy typing experiences, making them excellent options for newcomers exploring mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch ultimately hinges on your specific typing preferences and intended usage. If you find joy in a very light actuation force and a bright, crisp sound profile that is synonymous with quick, spirited typing, the Chiikawa - 28g would be your go-to choice. Its 34g bottom-out force combined with the light activation makes it highly responsive, catering perfectly to those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you prefer a balanced feel that offers a medium-light actuation force—like the 55g bottom-out characteristic of the Yellow Silver—you might appreciate its neutral sound profile even more. This switch is versatile enough to suit both gaming and typing without being overly loud or requiring too much force, making it an ideal companion for both work and leisure activities. Thus, whether you lean towards the delightful quirkiness of the Chiikawa or the reliable consistency of the Yellow Silver, both switches undoubtedly bring their unique strengths to the table for various typing experiences.
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