TTC Brother vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the TTC Brother and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between tactile and linear can significantly affect the typing experience, and two noteworthy options are the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch. The TTC Brother is celebrated for its lightweight actuation at just 37g, making each keystroke feel effortless while providing a satisfyingly crunchy auditory feedback that appeals to clicky switch enthusiasts. Its tactile bump is precisely crafted to offer enough feedback for enjoyment without being too overwhelming, striking a pleasing balance for those who appreciate a more interactive typing feel. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch caters to users seeking a smoother, uninterrupted typing experience; its very light actuation force and bright sound profile create quick responsiveness without the clicky noise, making it ideal for silent environments or prolonged typing sessions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on your personal preferences—whether you crave the satisfying feedback of a clicky switch or the seamless flow of a linear option. 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
37g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
17.5mm spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the TTC Brother and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which contributes to their similar acoustic characteristics. The polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared use of polycarbonate is vital, especially for users who integrate RGB lighting into their setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal light diffusion. Both switches provide a clear and resonant sound that enhances the overall gaming or typing experience, making them appealing options for users seeking brightness in both sound and aesthetics.
In contrast to their top housings, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs more sound and produces a duller, rounder tone compared to the stiffer polycarbonate. This characteristic results in a more satisfying bottom-out sound when typing and adds a plush feel to each keystroke. Since both switches share this nylon bottom housing, they exhibit comparable sound and feel during typing, ensuring users experience the same depth and fullness regardless of the specific switch.
When considering the combined effects of the top and bottom housings, it becomes clear that users of either the TTC Brother or the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g will experience a harmonious balance of sound profiles. The polycarbonate top enhances the sharpness of the sound released during key release, while the nylon bottom cushions the impact of bottoming out, enriching the typing experience overall. This synergy means that, regardless of whether one opts for the Brother or the Chiikawa, the results will be similar in auditory feedback and tactile satisfaction, providing a cohesive performance that appeals to a wide range of users.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Brother switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions; however, its bottom out force is unspecified. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch requires a heavier actuation force of 45 grams and has a defined bottom out force of 51 grams. This means that while the Chiikawa switch may offer a more substantial feel when typing due to its higher resistance, the TTC Brother switch could be more comfortable over long periods due to its lighter actuation force. Overall, if you favor a lighter switch for lengthy use, the TTC Brother is the better option, while those who appreciate a firmer typing experience may lean towards the heavier Bsun Chiikawa switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, we see a slight difference: the Brother has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This makes the TTC Brother the shorter option, appealing to those who favor quicker, more responsive keystrokes for gaming or fast typing. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa, with its longer travel distance, may offer a more substantial feel that some users prefer, providing a deeper key press that can be more satisfying. Overall, if you seek similar results and prefer a balance between responsiveness and depth, the TTC Brother would be ideal for a swift experience, whereas the Chiikawa might suit those who appreciate a bit more travel in their keystrokes.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Brother has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Brother for $3.30.
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 it comes to sound, the TTC Brother clicky switch delivers a pronounced, crunchy sound that many enthusiasts find delightful, reminiscent of stepping on crisp autumn leaves. This distinctive auditory feedback adds an engaging element to the typing experience, making each key press feel rewarding. On the other hand, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch produces a bright sound profile that is high-pitched and crisp. While both switches create clear auditory feedback, the Brother’s clicky characteristic offers a more robust and defined sound compared to the Chiikawa’s lighter tone, catering to different preferences in acoustics.
In terms of feel, the TTC Brother switch is designed to provide an easy-to-press experience thanks to its lightweight actuation force of 37g, which enhances comfort during extended typing sessions. The tactile bump is distinctly articulated, providing feedback that is noticeable without being overly intense. This mild but present tactile response allows typists to feel the actuation without any frustration or heaviness. In contrast, the feel of the Chiikawa - 45g switch remains unknown, so we can't directly compare the two. However, the overall typing experience will likely differ significantly given the Brother's unique tactile feedback and weighted actuation.
In conclusion, the TTC Brother clicky switch is an excellent choice for those seeking a satisfying sound profile and engaging tactile feedback, making it a standout among clicky switches. Conversely, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g's sound quality, while bright and crisp, lacks detailed information on its tactile feel that leaves some of its appeal unexamined. Together, these switches offer diverse experiences in sound and feel, ensuring that enthusiasts can find options that cater to their individual preferences in mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the TTC Brother clicky switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and use cases. If you savor the auditory thrill of typing and appreciate a tactile experience, the Brother’s crunchy feedback and low actuation force make it an excellent option, especially for those who engage in extended typing sessions where a responsive and pleasant sound adds to the enjoyment. Its easy-to-press nature allows for prolonged use without finger fatigue, making it ideal for enthusiasts and daily typists alike who appreciate a harmonious blend of feel and sound. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and uninterrupted typing experience without the audible clicks, the Chiikawa - 45g serves as an excellent alternative. This switch offers a balance of medium-light actuation force, providing just enough resistance for a satisfying feel without the distractions of noise. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you yearn for the crispy and engaged clickiness of the Brother or the subtler, streamlined response of the Chiikawa - both of which cater to distinct typing styles. By aligning your choice with your personal preferences in sound and tactile feedback, you can enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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