Huano Acacia vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches represent two appealing options, each with its unique strengths. The Acacia switch is celebrated for its medium-light weight, generous factory lubrication, and minimal stem wobble, all of which combine to create an exceptional typing experience right out of the box. These features make the Acacia an ideal choice for users seeking a smooth and comfortable feel without the need for extensive modification. Conversely, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g stands out with its very light actuation force and distinctive bright sound profile, offering a uniquely responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that can enhance the auditory experience of typing. While the Acacia emphasizes a balanced and stable typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g leans towards providing a lively and engaging feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Y3X
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their use of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches benefit from the properties of polycarbonate, which is well-known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity when a key is pressed. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing for a visually appealing effect when illuminated. As a result of these shared characteristics, users can expect a similar auditory experience and aesthetic quality from both switches when it comes to their top housing.
On the flip side, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a classic material recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Nylon's softer nature contributes to sound absorption, resulting in a rounder and quieter bottom-out sound, which contrasts with the sharper tones produced by polycarbonate. This duality in sound characteristics—where the top housing contributes to clarity and resonance, while the bottom housing enhances depth and warmth—means that both switches, despite sharing mild variations in materials, can provide a balanced auditory experience. The deeper sound produced by nylon in the Acacia and Chiikawa - 45g underscores the importance of bottom housing in influencing the feel and sound when bottoming out.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches creates a cohesive sound profile that balances sharpness and depth. While both models share identical material compositions, the differentiation in sound qualities is nuanced yet significant, with the top housing accentuating clarity and the bottom housing emphasizing a rounder tone. Thus, users can expect that despite any minor differences in design or specifications, the overall auditory and tactile experience will remain consistent across the Huano Acacia and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches due to their shared material characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience similar responses when initiating a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Acacia switch requiring a heavier force of 55 grams to bottom out compared to the Chiikawa's 51 grams. This difference indicates that while both switches are equally light and suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Acacia may provide a slightly firmer feel at the end of a keystroke due to its higher bottom out force. For those who prefer a more substantial typing experience, the Acacia's heavier bottom out may be appealing, while the Chiikawa might be favored by those looking for a lighter tactile experience overall.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Huano Acacia linear switch is 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a marginally deeper keypress compared to the Acacia, which may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a bit of depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Acacia may appeal to gamers and users seeking faster response times, as it allows for quicker actuation. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Chiikawa is the longer option, and the Acacia is shorter, making the selection ultimately dependent on personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g 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 - 45g for $3.29.
The Huano Acacia comes in at $3.39 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 Huano Acacia linear switch is characterized by a more muted acoustic profile, leaning towards a deeper and softer tone, which can promote a less distracting environment for typing, making it well-suited for work or study settings. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g exhibits a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound when pressed. This makes the Chiikawa switches more engaging for those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing, although it may not be as conducive to quiet environments.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Acacia linear switch benefits from a medium-light weight that provides a comfortable typing experience, enhanced further by generous factory lubrication and minimal stem wobble. This results in a smooth and consistent key press that feels satisfying without being overly taxing on the fingers. The Chiikawa - 45g, on the other hand, is notably lighter and highly responsive, making it easier to actuate each key with minimal effort. This light actuation force adds a level of agility to typing, appealing to users who prefer a swift and effortless keystroke.
In summary, while both the Huano Acacia and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches offer unique typing experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Acacia's deeper sound and smooth feel provide a more subdued and comfortable typing environment, while the Chiikawa's bright sound and light actuation cater to those who enjoy quick, lively keystrokes with auditory stimulation. Depending on your typing style and preferences, you can choose a switch that aligns with your needs, knowing each will provide a distinct experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Huano Acacia linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a switch that offers a balanced, smooth typing experience with minimal stem wobble and generous lubrication straight out of the box, the Acacia, with its medium-light bottom-out force of 55 grams, would be a fantastic fit. This switch is suitable for longer typing sessions where comfort and consistency are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more tactile, crisp auditory experience, the Chiikawa - 45g, with its 51 grams bottom-out force, could be more up your alley. Known for its bright sound profile and quick responsiveness, this switch might be ideal for fast-paced typists or gamers who enjoy a more pronounced sound feedback with each keystroke. Therefore, consider your typing habits and what aspects—such as sound, feel, and actuation weight—are most important to you in making your selection.
Mentioned in this article
