Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often boils down to personal preference regarding tactile feedback and sound profile. The Gateron Beer tactile switch stands out with its unique, stepped tactility and refreshing design that evokes the appeal of a Tsingtao beer bottle. This switch offers a clacky sound signature and is known for its ease of actuation, making it a great option for those who enjoy a tactile bump with each keystroke while still wanting a lightweight feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch provides a stark contrast with its smooth, continuous keypress and very light actuation force. This switch is ideal for typists seeking a quiet, responsive experience that allows for rapid keystrokes without the feedback of a tactile bump. Each switch offers distinct benefits—Gateron Beer for those who appreciate tactile feedback and a pronounced sound, and Chiikawa for users who prefer a clean and swift typing experience. 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
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches, a notable similarity exists in their top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigid nature of polycarbonate results in a clear and resonant sound that is enhanced further by its translucent properties. This allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, making it an ideal choice for those who desire illuminated keyboards. Given this shared material, users can expect a similar acoustic experience regarding the top feel and release of the keys for both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Gateron Beer and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches present a marked difference in material choice. The Gateron Beer features polycarbonate in its bottom housing as well, preserving the brighter sound profile established by its top housing. This continuation of polycarbonate reinforces the overall tonal clarity when keys are pressed down. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 45g employs nylon for its bottom housing, which contrasts with that clarity by offering a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer texture absorbs sound more readily, resulting in a duller and rounder acoustics that cater to users who prefer a more muted keypress experience.
The divergence in sound characteristics brought by the bottom housings creates a unique sonic profile for each switch despite their similarities in the top housing. The Gateron Beer maintains a consistent high-pitched sound throughout its action, as both the top and bottom are made of the same material. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa - 45g's nylon bottom adds to a different feel and sound when bottoming out, allowing for a balance between the clearer tone of the top and the fuller tone of the bottom. Therefore, while the Gateron Beer offers a cohesive sharpness, the Bsun Chiikawa provides a rich layering, demonstrating how different materials can affect the overall switch dynamics.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, notable differences in actuation force emerge. The Gateron Beer switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams, while the Bsun Chiikawa requires a slightly heavier 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This difference suggests that the Beer switch may be more suitable for extended typing sessions, as the lighter actuation force can reduce finger fatigue. In terms of bottom out force, the Beer switch also has a lower force at 50 grams compared to the Chiikawa's 51 grams. Consequently, while both switches provide a reasonably similar bottom out experience, the Gateron Beer switch will feel lighter overall. For those who prefer a more tactile feedback and substantial typing experience, the Chiikawa may be the better choice due to its heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the lighter Gateron Beer may cater to users looking for a comfortable, long-term typing option, whereas the Bsun Chiikawa offers a more robust feel for those who enjoy a firmer press.
Travel distance
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, it is noteworthy that the two switches differ in their travel distances. The Beer switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Beer switch provides a shorter journey when pressed down compared to the Chiikawa switch. For users who favor a more responsive feel for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Gateron Beer may be the preferable option due to its shorter travel distance, resulting in quicker actuation. Conversely, those who appreciate a more substantial depth when typing might find the Bsun Chiikawa’s 3.6 mm travel distance more satisfying, as it allows for a more deliberate keypress. Thus, while both switches are suitable for different preferences in tactile feedback, they cater to distinct user experiences based on their respective travel distances.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, the Beer notably produces a characteristic clacky sound, which can be described as sharp, snappy, and percussive. This bright and lively sound signature evokes a lively typing experience that can be enjoyable for typists and gamers alike. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for a bright sound profile as well, offering a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback when typing. While both switches have distinct sound characteristics that would be influenced by specific keyboard configurations and keycaps, the clackiness of the Beer switch adds a unique signature that many users might find appealing.
In terms of feel, the Beer tactile switch stands out as being incredibly easy to press, which means that the force required for actuation is minimal, enhancing comfort during extended typing sessions. The stepped tactility offers a gentle bump that signals to the typist when a key has been actuated, making each keystroke feel deliberate without overwhelming pressure. This makes the Beer ideal for those who appreciate a distinct tactile feedback without being overly aggressive. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is not detailed here regarding its feel characteristics, so a direct comparison on this front cannot be made. However, given its light actuation force, one could infer that it may offer a smoother experience, typical of linear switches, which could resemble the effortless typing experience of the Beer.
In conclusion, both the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch provide unique auditory and tactile experiences tailored to different preferences. The Beer’s clacky sound and stepped tactile feedback cater particularly well to users who appreciate distinct tactile sensations and lively sound profiles. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa’s bright sound and light actuation suggest a more fluid typing style, though more specifics on its tactile feel are unknown. Ultimately, your choice would depend on whether you prefer a tactile, clacky experience or a smoother, more linear typing feel, but both switches can deliver satisfying results within their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between Gateron Beer tactile switches and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you enjoy a tactile experience that offers a subtle yet satisfying feedback with each keystroke, and you appreciate a clacky sound profile that can make typing feel more dynamic and engaging, the Gateron Beer switches would be an excellent choice for you. Their lightweight design and stepped tactility provide a comfortable writing experience, especially useful during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, linear response with a medium-light bottom out force, the Chiikawa - 45g switches would serve you well. Their bright sound profile and crisp actuation make them responsive and enjoyable for fast typing or gaming, perhaps more suited to those who prefer minimalist, uninterrupted keystrokes. In essence, consider your typing style: if you favour responsiveness and sound, lean towards the Chiikawa; if you seek tactile feedback and character in your switches, the Beer will enhance your experience.
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