TTC Bluish White vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the TTC Bluish White and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options are the TTC Bluish White and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g. The TTC Bluish White switches are tactile, providing a satisfying, snappy feedback with a distinct poppy sound that many typists find enjoyable. Their characteristics, which include a buttery, polished feel, make them ideal for users who appreciate the pleasure of tactile feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches are linear and recognized for their notably light actuation force and bright, high-pitched sound profile. This makes them perfect for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness, allowing for quick, fluid keystrokes without the bump associated with tactile switches. Both switches offer unique benefits—whether it's the enjoyable tactile sensation of the Bluish White or the ultra-responsive linear feel of the Chiikawa - 45g. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The TTC Bluish White and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches share a significant similarity in their top housing material; both are made from polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, as polycarbonate is known for its stiffness and acoustic properties. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes it ideal for aesthetic purposes, particularly for users who want to feature RGB lighting in their keyboards. Therefore, regardless of any differing factors, both switches will create an engaging and visually appealing light display that enhances the overall user experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is constructed from nylon, which aligns with the classic approach to switch design. Nylon's characteristics contribute to a deeper, fuller sound profile, as it is a softer material that effectively absorbs sound and dampens noise. This provides a rounder and more muted sound compared to the brighter, crisper output of the polycarbonate top. Consequently, while both switches share the same materials for their respective sections, the combination creates a diverse auditory experience, where the impact of the bottom housing will be more pronounced during key presses and the top housing will dominate in sound upon releasing the keys.
Ultimately, both the TTC Bluish White and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g will yield similar results due to their shared materials in the top and bottom housing. The polycarbonate top contributes to the high-pitched and clear sound during key release, while the nylon bottom shapes the fuller sound profile when the key is pressed down. Users can expect a cohesive audio experience from both switches, where the distinctive sound characteristics of each material become harmoniously blended. By leveraging both materials effectively, users enjoy a combination of tactile and auditory richness, making for a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice between the two models.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, we observe some differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Bluish White switch has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, which categorizes it as light. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch features a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, placing it in the medium-light range. This means that, in terms of typing experience, the Bluish White switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who type for extended periods or prefer less effort in keystrokes. On the other hand, the Chiikawa switch's heavier actuation force offers a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience. Overall, if users prefer a lighter switch, the TTC Bluish White is the better choice, while those looking for a more robust feedback mechanism might opt for the Bsun Chiikawa switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, it is evident that they differ slightly, with the Bluish White having a travel distance of 3.5 mm and the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm. This makes the TTC Bluish White the shorter option, while the Bsun Chiikawa offers a longer travel distance. For gamers or users seeking quicker response times, the slightly shorter travel distance of the Bluish White may be more appealing, as it supports faster actuation. On the other hand, the Chiikawa's longer travel distance may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial feel with their keystrokes, adding to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, while both switches provide a nuanced feel, the choice between a tactile and linear switch should also consider personal preferences on depth and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Bluish White has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bluish White for $4.63.
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
In terms of sound, the TTC Bluish White tactile switch produces a snappy sound profile that is often characterized as poppy. This makes for an engaging auditory experience while typing, providing a distinct feedback that can enhance the overall enjoyment of the switching experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound. Both switches promise a lively auditory interaction, although the Bluish White tends to lean towards a more pronounced click, while the Chiikawa offers a lighter, more airy sound. It's worth noting that the final sound impression will depend on various additional factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which means both switches can yield satisfying auditory feedback but in slightly different tonal ranges.
Regarding feel, the TTC Bluish White excels in delivering a smooth and fluid keystroke experience marked by its buttery quality, offering a seamless touch that makes typing remarkably enjoyable. These switches also feature mild and subtle characteristics, ensuring that they are not too overwhelming for the typist. The stepped tactile feedback allows for a more gentle and approachable typing experience, with a noticeable yet gentle transition throughout the keystroke. This is complemented by a polished finish that enhances the smoothness of the key travel. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its light actuation force, resulting in an effortlessly responsive feel that diminishes fatigue during long typing sessions. This switch likely provides a different tactile sensation, favoring a linear and fluid transition without the tactile bumps inherent in the Bluish White.
In conclusion, both the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offer unique strengths in their sound and feel characteristics. The Bluish White is ideal for those who enjoy a pronounced auditory feedback and a tactile experience that is smooth yet engaging, while the Chiikawa caters to those who prefer a lighter touch and a crisp sound. Ultimately, your ultimate satisfaction with either switch will depend on your personal typing preferences, as both can produce delightful experiences under the right conditions.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Bluish White tactile switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you appreciate a more tactile experience with a snappy feel and a satisfying sound profile, the Bluish White would be your ideal option. It's particularly well-suited for typists who enjoy the sensation of a gentle bump when pressing the keys, alongside a more robust auditory feedback that can enhance the overall typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more linear travel with a lighter actuation, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light force and bright sound profile make it particularly responsive and enjoyable for both typing and gaming, providing a crisp feedback that many users find pleasing. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a lighter and faster keystroke; each switch caters to different styles of typing, so consider what feels best for you in your daily usage.
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