Decide whether you are buying for sound or for looks first, because a capiz shell chime is fundamentally a visual centerpiece, all shimmer and movement, while tuned aluminum tubes exist to produce a specific, intentional note. Neither is wrong, but they answer different questions, so know which one you actually want before shopping by photo alone.
Size drives the tone more than almost anything else: larger chimes with longer tubes swing slower and deliver deeper, richer resonance, while shorter tubes ring brighter and more delicate. Look for hand-tuned tubes and a stated musical key, like the key of A, if a soothing, intentional sound matters more than novelty.
Consider materials and weather resistance next, since outdoor chimes take real abuse from sun and rain, and UV-treated cord plus durable, handcrafted construction is what keeps the sound consistent for years instead of fraying within a season. Finally, match the scale to your actual space. A 50-inch chime makes a genuine statement on a large patio, but that same size and volume can overwhelm a small balcony or a close neighbor.