Sarokeys BCP vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g stand out as intriguing options within the linear category. The Sarokeys BCP, known for its iconic Black Cherry Pie design, delivers a unique typing experience characterized by a creamy feel and a delightfully bouncy sensation. This switch offers a signature poppy and clacky sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g emphasizes responsiveness, featuring a very light actuation force that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quick and agile typing experience. While both switches cater to linear enthusiasts, their distinct auditory and tactile characteristics cater to different preferences and typing styles. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
51g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
57g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Single-staged 20mm lengthened spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, one of the most apparent distinctions lies in the choice of materials used for the top housing. The BCP features a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is primarily due to nylon's softer nature, which enables it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 45g employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffer composition that yields a sharper and crisper sound profile. This notable contrast suggests that while both switches may excel in their own right, the BCP's nylon top would create a more muted and rounded sound, whereas the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top would allow for a more pronounced acoustic clarity.
Despite the differences in the top housing materials, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housing. As noted, nylon is a classic choice for switch constructions, contributing to a deeper, fuller sound profile. This shared material means that when examined together, both switches offer a similar bottoming-out feel and sound, reflecting the acoustic qualities that nylon imparts. Therefore, if one were to interact with these switches, the overall experience of typing would highlight the properties of the nylon bottom housing similarly, ensuring that the user does experience a familiar depth, regardless of which switch is used.
Ultimately, the variance in sound profiles between the two switches largely depends on their top housings. For the BCP, the depth and fullness are underscored by its nylon top, while the Chiikawa - 45g's polycarbonate top allows for a higher-pitched, resonant experience. Thus, when switching between the two, users would notice that the bottom housing's influence remains constant due to their shared material, but the contrasting properties of the top housings will define how both switches can deliver unique auditory experiences. Typists seeking a richer sound may prefer the BCP, while those desiring a clearer, more vibrant sound may gravitate towards the Chiikawa - 45g.
Weight
When comparing the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The BCP switch has an actuation force of 51 grams and a bottom out force of 57 grams, making it feel slightly heavier and providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which contributes to a more effortless typing experience ideal for extended use. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is lighter, appealing to users who prefer less force when typing, while the heavier BCP switch may suit those who favor a stronger tactile feedback. Each switch caters to different preferences, allowing users to choose based on their typing style and comfort needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Sarokeys BCP linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, there is a notable difference. The BCP has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g measures at 3.6 mm. For those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, the BCP's shorter travel distance may be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation—a key feature favored by gamers. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a deeper, more tactile feel during key presses. Ultimately, if you're looking for a switch that enables faster response times, the Sarokeys BCP would be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance. Conversely, if you prefer a more traditional, deeper actuation, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g would cater to that preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Sarokeys BCP has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the BCP for $4.85.
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 Sarokeys BCP linear switch offers a distinctive clacky sound profile that is crisp and bright, providing an engaging auditory experience while typing. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate a percussive feedback during use. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile as well, which contributes to a high-pitched and crisp auditory response. While both switches are designed to deliver satisfying sound, the BCP leans more towards a pronounced clack, whereas the Chiikawa may provide a slightly different quality depending on factors such as the keyboard and keycap choices.
In terms of feel, the BCP is noted for its creamy sensation combined with a bouncy response. The creamy aspect allows for a smooth glide of fingers across the keys, enhancing the typing experience, while the bouncy characteristic contributes a lively rebound, making each keystroke feel engaging and dynamic. The Chiikawa - 45g, however, does not have a specified feel described in the provided information, leaving its tactile qualities somewhat unknown in comparison. This lack of detail means that if you seek a specific typing experience from the Chiikawa switch, you'll need to rely on personal exploration or community feedback to gauge how it feels.
In conclusion, both the Sarokeys BCP and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches cater to distinct preferences but have overlapping qualities in sound and actuation. The BCP’s clacky, poppy auditory appeal and creamy, bouncy typing feel provide a tactile paradise for enthusiasts who appreciate feedback in their keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa's bright sound adds a unique twist to the linear experience, despite its tactile characteristics remaining less defined. Ultimately, both options promise enjoyable typing experiences, but the BCP may appeal more to those who prioritize auditory feedback and bouncy feel, while the Chiikawa could suit individuals looking for a light and responsive touch.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Sarokeys BCP linear switches and the Chiikawa - 45g linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preference and what you're looking to achieve from your keyboard experience. If you desire a more tactile and auditory feedback while typing, the BCP switches stand out as a fantastic option. Their unique combination of a poppy clack and a bouncy, creamy feel not only makes typing enjoyable but eschews the need for disassembly due to Sarokeys' streamlined design. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force for rapid typing and appreciate a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g switches might be the way to go. Their 51g bottom-out force is slightly lighter than the BCPs, which can enhance your typing speed with less fatigue during extended use. In essence, opt for the BCP switches for a richer auditory and tactile experience, while the Chiikawa switches will suit those looking for a lively and responsive typing sensation. Thus, your choice will reflect not just your tactile desires but also your ambient sound preferences—both switches cater to distinct typing styles, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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