Akko Botany vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Akko Botany 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 Akko Botany and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offer intriguing options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their typing experience. The Akko Botany switches stand out with their vibrant, clacky sound, lending a dynamic auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. Their linear design allows for smooth keystrokes, offering both speed and efficiency, which is ideal for gamers and typists alike. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g switches are celebrated for their exceptionally light actuation force, making typing feel effortless and significantly reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Their bright sound profile is distinct and engaging, adding an element of fun to the typing experience. While both switches provide smooth operation typical of linear switches, their individual characteristics cater to different preferences—whether you prioritize sound, light actuation, or overall responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
38g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Nylon Pro
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
Stainless steel spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Akko Botany and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g utilize different materials for their top housing, leading to distinct sound profiles during typing. The Botany's nylon top housing produces a deeper and fuller sound that resonates due to the material's softer nature, which absorbs more sound. This results in a duller and rounder auditory experience, making it ideal for users seeking a muted and pleasant typing environment. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g employs a polycarbonate top housing that contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a clearer and more resonant sound, appealing to typists who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. The contrast between these materials shapes the user experience significantly, highlighting how the choice of housing impacts sound characteristics.
On the other hand, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, unifying their acoustic profiles at the base. The nylon material in both models is consistent, providing a deeper and fuller sound quality and cushioning the keystroke in a similar manner. As a softer plastic, nylon naturally absorbs sound, resulting in a rounded bottom-out sound that is common to both switches. Thus, while the top housing materials diverge in their sound production, the shared nylon bottom housing serves as a connection point, maintaining a baseline acoustic experience across both models despite their differing top components.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Akko Botany and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g provides a nuanced typing experience that balances sound profiles and tactile feedback. For users who prioritize sound and resonance, the Botany's nylon top paired with its nylon bottom delivers a more subdued effect overall, whereas the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top paired with its nylon bottom offers a sharper tonal quality. Therefore, both models maintain a similar bottom-out experience due to their nylon bottom housings while providing distinctive auditory profiles influenced by their respective top housings. This differentiation enables users to choose a switch that best aligns with their sound and feel preferences while still benefiting from the shared characteristics of nylon in the lower housing.
Weight
The Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offer distinct experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences among users. The Botany switch features a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a softer touch, allowing for extended typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which provides a more substantial feel during typing, appealing to users who favor a stronger push. This means the Botany switch is the lighter option overall, while the Chiikawa - 45g is heavier. Those looking for a similar typing experience might appreciate both switches, but the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces lead to varied tactile sensations and user comfort.
Travel distance
Both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they offer a similar tactile experience when pressed. With both switches having identical travel distances, users can expect comparable actuation and feedback while typing or gaming. This similarity allows for a consistent performance across keyboards utilizing either switch, providing a smooth keypress feel regardless of preference. As a result, if you're choosing between the two, you won’t experience any significant differences in travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko Botany has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Botany for $3.11.
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 Akko Botany linear switch is known for its crisp, lively clacky sound, delivering a bright auditory experience right out of the box. This quality can enhance the typing experience, making it satisfying and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch offers a similarly bright sound profile, driven by its very light actuation force. The result is a quick and responsive typing experience, marked by a high-pitched sound that typists may find appealing. While both switches provide a crisp auditory feedback, the specific sound each produces may vary depending on the keyboard construction and choice of keycaps.
When evaluating their feel, the Akko Botany switch presents a distinct typing experience that is characterized by smoothness and precision. It allows for an engaging tactile experience without bump, developing a sense of direct connection with the keyboard. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch, with its notably light actuation force, emphasizes responsiveness and ease of typing. The lighter actuation can lead to quicker keystrokes, which may suit speed typists or gamers looking for rapid response times. Both switches offer a rewarding feel, yet they cater to different preferences in typing dynamics and comfort.
Overall, both the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch provide excellent typing experiences with their bright sound profiles and unique feels. The Botany excels in delivering a lively auditory feedback, while the Chiikawa emphasizes a light, responsive actuation. Whether you prefer the more robust sound of the Botany or the quick responsiveness of the Chiikawa, both switches can facilitate enjoyable typing outcomes tailored to your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when making a decision between the Akko Botany linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, consider what you prioritize in your typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch with a more delicate touch, the Botany may be your best choice, especially since it has a bottom-out force of 45 grams that makes it feel quick and responsive. This switch's lively and clacky sound can also add an engaging auditory dimension to your typing, making it ideal for those who enjoy a prominent audio feedback when they type. Conversely, if you are looking for something slightly more robust but still on the lighter side, the Chiikawa - 45g, with its 51-gram bottom-out force, may offer the perfect balance. Its bright and crisp sound profile, paired with a very light actuation force, ensures that you get a satisfying typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Therefore, if you enjoy a crisp sound with moderate feedback and a bit more resistance, the Bsun Chiikawa would serve you well. Always take into account your personal typing style and preferences when making this choice, as both switches excel in different areas that cater to varied typing tastes.
Mentioned in this article
