Kailh Box White V2 vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, it's essential to consider the tactile experience and sound profile that each switch offers. The Kailh Box White V2 switch stands out as a clicky option, renowned for its sharp tactile feedback and distinct audible click, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy a responsive and satisfying typing experience. Its pronounced sound and feel can enhance productivity by providing clear confirmation with each keystroke, which many typists and gamers appreciate. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g presents a linear option characterized by its light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a smooth and seamless typing experience without the audible feedback of a clicky switch. This makes it particularly appealing to those who prefer a quieter workspace or engage in extended typing sessions, as the light actuation can reduce finger fatigue. Both switches cater to different preferences and styles, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard landscape; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box White V2 and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches both feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which is a defining characteristic that contributes to their sound profiles. The use of polycarbonate enhances clarity and resonance, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when keys are pressed. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows the light to shine through, making the switches visually appealing. Additionally, both switches benefit from this material's inherent stiffness, which further contributes to the crispness of the sound profile, providing users with a satisfying auditory experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, a material known for its ability to soften the sound profile during typing. Unlike polycarbonate, nylon is softer and tends to absorb sound, producing a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This combination of materials results in a unique sound signature for each switch. With the harder polycarbonate on top and the softer nylon below, users can expect a balanced blend of sound characteristics; the deeper tones from the bottom housing will influence the bottom-out sound, while the higher frequencies from the top housing will dominate during key release. Thus, both switches work in tandem to deliver a complex auditory feedback, melding the crispness of the polycarbonate with the warmth of the nylon.
Overall, while the top and bottom housings of the Kailh Box White V2 and Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches utilize different materials, their respective sound profiles suggest a thoughtful balance between clarity and depth. The similarity in top housing composition contributes to a comparable initial typing sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing brings a contrasting richness that rounds out the overall auditory experience. This harmonious integration of materials allows users to enjoy a multifaceted typing feel and sound, regardless of the specific switch used, paving the way for a consistent performance in terms of acoustic feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, both switches have similar actuation forces, with the Box White V2 requiring 45 grams to register a keystroke and the Chiikawa also at 45 grams. This similarity means that typists can expect a similar responsiveness when pressing either switch, contributing to a comfortable typing experience suitable for extended use, whether at work or during gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Kailh Box White V2 featuring a bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Chiikawa's 51 grams. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch requires just a bit more force to bottom out, making it feel marginally heavier than the Box White V2. Overall, the Kailh Box White V2 is the lighter option, which might appeal to those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g provides a slightly more substantial feel for users who enjoy a stronger push during typing.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, they share the same distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance suggests that users can expect a comparable feel and responsiveness when typing or gaming on keyboards equipped with either switch. Therefore, if you're looking for a tactile experience, both switches will provide you with similar results in terms of travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Kailh Box White V2 has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Box White V2 for $3.00.
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 Kailh Box White V2 switches produce a crisp, prominent click with a sharp tactile feedback that is unmistakably audible, making them ideal for typists who enjoy an audible indication of each keypress. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch features a bright sound profile, complemented by a light actuation force that results in a high-pitched responsiveness. While both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, the overall sound can be affected by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the type of keycaps used, which makes it essential to assess them within the context of the entire setup.
When it comes to feel, the Box White V2 delivers a pronounced tactile bump accompanied by the click sound, providing an engaging typing experience characterized by a firm resistance that can enhance typing accuracy for users who appreciate feedback. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is lighter and smooth, offering a linear feel that prioritizes effortless key presses. This difference in feel means that while the Box White V2 is more suitable for those who enjoy clear tactile and auditory confirmation, the Chiikawa - 45g caters to users who favor a softer, uninterrupted typing sensation.
Taking into account the sound and feel characteristics of both switches, the Kailh Box White V2 is perfect for users who thrive on perceptible feedback through clicks and tactile bumps, making it suitable for typists and gamers who prefer a more dynamic experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a subtler, linear option that is great for those seeking a light and smooth key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference, with each offering unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. For those looking to achieve similar auditory or tactile feedback, experimenting with different components within their keyboard setup may yield versatile results across the board.
Conclusion
In summary, your choice between the Kailh Box White V2 clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you seek from your keyboard. If you enjoy the tactile sensation of a pronounced click and crisp feedback that effectively communicates each keystroke, the Kailh Box White V2 is likely the better option for you. Its light actuation and distinctive sound profile make it ideal for typists who appreciate a more engaging and auditory typing experience. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother, linear feel and a slightly lighter actuation force, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is an excellent choice. This switch’s responsive nature and bright sound profile can provide a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of a tactile bump or click. Ultimately, the decision should align with how you envision your typing experience: whether you lean towards the satisfying click of the Box White V2 or the fluidity of the Chiikawa - 45g.
Mentioned in this article
