Keygeek Briny vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch you select can significantly affect your typing experience. For instance, the Keygeek Briny, a linear switch, is notable for its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing, which create a balanced sound profile suitable for both work and gaming environments. Its smooth keystrokes provide an enjoyable typing experience while minimizing noise, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a quieter workstation. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, also a linear switch, stands out with its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile. This responsiveness, combined with a crisp, high-pitched sound during typing, caters to those who appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy the auditory aspect of their keystrokes. Each switch offers unique advantages, with the Briny focusing on a muted yet pleasant typing experience and the Chiikawa emphasizing lightness and sound clarity. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
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
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
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
20mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Keygeek Briny and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, distinct characteristics emerge, particularly in their top housing materials. The Keygeek Briny is equipped with a nylon top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This outcome is largely due to nylon's softer nature, which allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. Consequently, when typing on the Briny, users experience a smooth, rounded auditory feedback, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more muted typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g employs a polycarbonate top housing, which yields a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is a result of the stiffer properties of polycarbonate that enhance the clarity and resonance of the keystrokes. Therefore, while the Briny offers a warmer auditory experience, the Chiikawa leans towards a brighter sound.
The bottom housing materials for both switches present an interesting comparison, as they align closely in their composition. Both the Briny and the Chiikawa - 45g utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a similar deep and full sound profile. The uniformity in this aspect means that regardless of the contrasting top housing materials, users can expect a consistent experience in terms of how the switches feel and sound during the actuated phase, known as the bottom-out sound. The nylon bottom housing not only diminishes the higher frequencies but also enhances the overall typing experience with its sound-absorbing properties, bringing a harmonious balance to both switches during usage.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Briny and the Chiikawa - 45g demonstrate how different plastics can alter the user's auditory experience, while their shared nylon bottom housing ensures a consistent foundation. This blend of differing and similar materials means that enthusiasts can enjoy a range of experiences based on their preferences for sound profiles. Those who prefer a softer and fuller sound may gravitate towards the Briny, while users seeking a brighter, more resonant typing experience may find the Chiikawa more appealing. Regardless of the choice, both switches can deliver complementary auditory feedback, showcasing how strategic material selection can result in varied yet satisfying keyboard experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Briny features an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In contrast, the Chiikawa has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. This difference in actuation force suggests that users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions might find the Chiikawa more comfortable, while those desiring a more substantial keystroke experience may lean towards the Briny. Moreover, the bottom out forces reveal that the Briny also requires a greater force to bottom out, contributing to a firmer typing feel overall, whereas the Chiikawa provides a softer landing. Overall, if you're looking for lighter and more responsive feedback, the Chiikawa is the way to go, while the Briny offers a more robust typist experience.
Travel distance
The Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this aspect. This means that users can expect a similar keypress experience when using either switch, as the distance the switch travels from top to bottom is exactly the same. Consequently, if you enjoy the feel and responsiveness of one switch, you’ll likely have similar results with the other due to their equal travel distance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Keygeek Briny has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Briny for $3.29.
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 Keygeek Briny linear switch produces a balanced sound profile thanks to its UPE stem and pure PA66 bottom housing. This subtle yet harmonious audio output allows for a comfortable typing experience without being overly distracting. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, accentuated by its very light actuation force. This responsiveness results in a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing, which can create an energetic auditory sensation. While both switches offer distinct sound characteristics, the overall auditory experience may be influenced by factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Briny switch provides a smooth and consistent typing experience, thanks to its linear design that lacks any tactile bump. This seamless action allows for fluid key presses that many users find satisfying. In contrast, the Chiikawa - 45g switch, with its very light actuation force, offers an exceptionally quick response and is noted for its ease of key pressing. This makes it ideal for users who prefer minimal resistance during typing. Both switches excel in their own right, but cater to different preferences in terms of the amount of effort required to actuate a key.
In conclusion, while the Keygeek Briny linear switch offers a balanced sound profile and a smooth typing feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound and light actuation force. Both switches have unique qualities that can fulfill specific preferences, and your choice will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both. Ultimately, whichever switch you opt for, you'll find that there's an appealing option waiting to enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Keygeek Briny linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a slightly heavier actuation and a more balanced sound profile, the Briny may be the better option for you. Its medium bottom-out force of 60 grams provides a reassuring feedback that can be satisfying for typists who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke. The balanced sound can enhance your typing experience without being too overwhelming, making it a great choice for both work and leisure.
On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a more pronounced sound, the Chiikawa - 45g might be the perfect fit for your needs. Its medium-light actuation force of 51 grams allows for quick, responsive typing, ideal for fast typists or gamers who need to make rapid inputs without much effort. The bright sound profile adds an extra layer of satisfaction, giving each keystroke a crisp and lively feel.
Ultimately, consider what aspects are most important to you—whether it’s the weight of the keystrokes, the auditory feedback, or how they feel under your fingers—as you make your decision. Both switches have their unique strengths and cater to different styles, so choose the one that resonates best with your typing preferences and enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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