KTT Ash Gray vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, users often find themselves weighing the characteristics of tactile and linear options. The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch is renowned for its ability to provide substantial yet unobtrusive feedback, offering a delightful blend of tactile response that ensures each keystroke is gratifying without being overwhelming. Ideal for those who appreciate a mild, yet engaging typing experience, the Ash Gray switch strikes a balance between ease of actuation and satisfying feedback. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is designed for those who prioritize responsiveness and auditory feedback; characterized by its light actuation force and bright sound profile, it produces a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences—tactile feedback versus smooth linear motion—choosing between them ultimately depends on your typing style and what resonates with you. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The KTT Ash Gray and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches share both similarities and differences in their housing materials, which profoundly impact their sound profiles and overall performance. Both switches feature polycarbonate in the top housing, which is known for enhancing the sound profile with a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper quality. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant audio experience, while its translucency is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting. This shared use of polycarbonate means that users can expect comparable sound characteristics from the top of both switches, leading to a bright and articulated audio output when they are engaged.
Contrastingly, the bottom housing material presents a divergence in their design philosophies. Both the KTT Ash Gray and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g utilize nylon for their bottom housings. This choice taps into nylon's inherent properties of producing a warmer, rounder sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs more sound waves compared to harder plastics. Consequently, while the top housing of both switches delivers a crisp sound profile, the bottom housing's nylon construction enables a fuller and deeper acoustic experience during keystrokes. This means that users will feel the impact of a more rounded sound when bottoming out, influenced by the nylon material.
Ultimately, the combination of these housing materials creates an interesting balance in the sound signature of both switches. With polycarbonate tops providing clarity and nylon bottoms yielding warmth, the Ash Gray and Chiikawa - 45g switches deliver a cohesive auditory profile. The unique blend of materials results in an engaging typing experience where the qualities of the top housing produce a bright sound upon release, while the bottom housing rounds out the sound with a deeper tonal quality when bottomed out. Thus, despite the different applications of materials in construction, the end result can provide a pleasing user experience, marrying brightness with warmth through effective use of their respective housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, we see some notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ash Gray has an actuation force of 38 grams, which is lighter than the Chiikawa's 45 grams. This makes the Ash Gray more suitable for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended typing sessions with less strain. In terms of bottom out force, the Ash Gray reaches 53 grams, while the Chiikawa bottoms out slightly lighter at 51 grams. This means that while the Ash Gray requires a bit more force to press all the way down, it is still considered medium-light overall. Therefore, those who favor a heavier switch might lean towards the Chiikawa for its firmer feel when actuating, despite its lower bottom out force. In summary, if you prefer a lighter actuation with a heavier bottom out, the Ash Gray would be the better choice; however, for users who value a consistent heavier force overall in a switch, the Chiikawa is preferable.
Travel distance
The KTT Ash Gray tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Ash Gray switch, making it potentially more suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced feedback when pressing down on a key. In contrast, the Ash Gray’s shorter travel distance might appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker actuation for faster response times. Although both switches fall within the range of travel distances that can be considered modern, the Ash Gray provides a more responsive experience due to its slightly shorter distance, whereas the Chiikawa might offer a fuller, more substantial feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Ash Gray has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ash Gray for $2.55.
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.
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
When it comes to sound, the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral profile, making it versatile and suitable for a variety of environments. Its moderate actuation force requirement means that it produces a sound that is neither overly loud nor too muted, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced typists alike. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, on the other hand, is characterized by its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This distinction provides a more distinct auditory feedback that can be exhilarating for those who appreciate the resonance of each key press, though the overall volume may be affected by your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the KTT Ash Gray delivers an experience that balances ease and tactile feedback without being overwhelming. Its easy-to-press nature means that it requires minimal force to activate, leading to a comfortable and responsive typing experience that mitigates finger fatigue during extended sessions. The mild characteristics provide an approachable typing experience that resonates well with a broad audience. Meanwhile, the feel of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch remains undefined in the provided information, leaving an unknown factor in its tactile response. However, given that it is described as having a light actuation force, one can assume it likely also aims for a smooth and effortless typing experience.
In conclusion, while the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch offers a neutral sound and a substantial yet unobtrusive tactile feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch brings a bright auditory profile that may appeal to those who enjoy a more vivid sound when typing. The Ash Gray provides an effectively balanced typing experience, while the Chiikawa's unknown feel still hints at responsiveness due to its light actuation force. Ultimately, both could satisfy different preferences: if you're looking for a quiet yet responsive tactile experience, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice, whereas if you prefer a brighter sound and ease of pressing, the Chiikawa - 45g may be more suited to your tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the KTT Ash Gray tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, your decision largely depends on your typing preferences and the typing experience you desire. If you appreciate tactile feedback without an overwhelming sensation, the Ash Gray is an excellent choice for its delightful blend of easy actuation and mild yet substantial tactile response. It's particularly suited for those who value a balanced typing experience—perfect for both beginners and seasoned typists looking for a versatile switch that works well in various settings, from home to the office. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a lighter feel with a crisp and bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g would be your switch of choice. With its low actuation force and highly responsive nature, it caters to users who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming experiences where quick keypresses are essential. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how much feedback you want from each keystroke and what typing style feels most comfortable for you.
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