Bsun Chiikawa - 28g vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Yunhai stand out as two compelling linear options, each with its own distinctive characteristics. The Chiikawa - 28g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched audio feedback that adds an element of satisfaction to every keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a responsive typing experience that feels sensitive and lively. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai offers a unique typing experience with a deep, rounded sound profile, also featuring a light actuation force, but providing a softer and more subdued auditory feedback. This switch caters to typists who favor an effortless feel and a more muted sound while typing, which can help create a peaceful environment. Both switches have their merits, making them attractive choices depending on personal preference; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
28g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
34g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Yunhai, it's apparent that both switches utilize different materials for their top housings. The Chiikawa - 28g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency. This choice contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for RGB lighting setups, as the light can pass through the clear material effectively. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai opts for a nylon top housing. Nylon's inherently softer and more absorbent nature provides a distinctively deeper and fuller sound profile, creating a more muted auditory experience. Therefore, while the Chiikawa - 28g is suited for those who prioritize clarity and resonance, the Yunhai focuses on delivering a warm and rounded sound.
Both the Chiikawa - 28g and the Yunhai share a commonality in their bottom housing composition: both utilize nylon. This leads to similar sound characteristics in terms of the bottom-out feel and audio signature. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a more controlled and smoother typing experience for both switches. Users will find that regardless of the differing properties introduced by the top housings, the nylon bottom of both switches imparts a deeper tone when keys are bottomed out. This highlights the significant role that the bottom housing plays in the overall sound profile and tactile feedback during use.
Ultimately, the combination of different top and bottom housing materials in the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Yunhai presents a nuanced approach to switch design. While the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa - 28g enhances brightness and clarity, the nylon top of the Yunhai provides a warmer sound signature. However, due to the shared nylon bottom housing, both switches yield a similar foundational experience that emphasizes fullness and depth during typing. This interplay between housing materials allows users to select a switch that aligns with their personal preferences—whether they favor the crispness of polycarbonate or the warmth of nylon—while still benefiting from the consistency in sound quality delivered by the nylon in both models' bottoms.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch exhibit distinct characteristics in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Chiikawa - 28g has a relatively light actuation force of 28 grams and a bottom out force of 34 grams, making it ideal for those who favor a lighter touch, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Yunhai switch boasts a heavier actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial feel that some users may prefer for a more pronounced typing experience. While both switches exhibit different weights, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, appealing to users who prioritize comfort and endurance, whereas the Yunhai offers the heftier feedback sought by those who enjoy a firmer keypress.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch have identical travel distances of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key, users will experience the same distance with both switches, resulting in a similar tactile response and overall typing feel. Since their travel distances are equal, users can expect consistent performance whether using one switch or the other, providing a uniform experience during their typing or gaming sessions.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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 characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This high-frequency acoustic feedback makes it particularly engaging for those who enjoy a lively auditory experience while being productive. In contrast, the TTC Yunhai linear switch features a deeper, rounded sound profile, providing a more muted and softer auditory experience. This results in a sound that might be better suited for users who prefer a sound that doesn't intrude too much, allowing for a quieter typing experience. However, it's important to note that the overall sound produced by both switches can vary greatly depending on keycap material, thickness, and the keyboard's build quality, leading to potentially similar experiences if paired with the right components.
When considering the feel, the Chiikawa - 28g offers a notably light actuation force that enhances its responsiveness, making it especially suitable for rapid typing. This lightness can result in a very smooth and effortless keystroke, which is perfect for users who enjoy a fast-paced typing style. The Yunhai switch, while also light in actuation, emphasizes a gentle and effortless feel that is pleasing for typists seeking a casual typing experience. The combination of its light actuation force with the deep sound profile might provide a different tactile feedback that some may prefer for a relaxed typing rhythm. Both switches serve a similar purpose in that they prioritize lightness, but the Chiikawa leans more towards a lively and reactive feel, while the Yunhai promotes a smooth and laid-back typing motion.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g and the TTC Yunhai linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. While the Chiikawa is noted for its bright sound and responsive feel, the Yunhai provides a soothing, rounded sound and a gentle touch. Depending on the user's prioritization of sound versus feel, either switch can provide satisfying results. Ultimately, if you value a lively typing experience, Chiikawa might be your go-to, while the Yunhai could be the perfect match if a quieter and relaxed feel is desired. The differences encapsulated in their sound profiles and feedback experiences highlight how personal preference plays a crucial role in the choice of keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 28g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you prioritize a bright, responsive sound profile and enjoy a very light actuation force for a quick and nimble typing experience, the Chiikawa - 28g is the ideal option for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 34 grams allows for rapid key presses and is excellent for gaming or high-speed typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a deeper, more rounded sound and a slightly heftier feel, the Yunhai switch might be better suited for you. With a bottom-out force of 50 grams, it offers a more deliberate actuation that caters well to a comfortable and effortless typing style, making it perfect for long typing sessions or office work. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should stem from whether you lean towards a brighter, snappier typing experience or a more cushioned, rounded auditory feedback.
Mentioned in this article
