HMX Cheese vs. Bsun Chiikawa - 45g
An in-depth look at the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the HMX Cheese and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, both linear switches but distinguished by unique traits that cater to different typing preferences. The HMX Cheese is celebrated for its unrivaled smoothness and a typing experience that is marked by a satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature. As one of the lightest switches available, it offers an effortless keystroke ideal for users seeking a mellow yet tactile typing sensation. In contrast, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g stands out for its bright sound profile and an extremely light actuation force, delivering a notably responsive feel alongside a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many typists find exhilarating. While both switches appeal to users who favor linear feedback, the emphasis on sound and tactile engagement varies significantly, making each unique in its own right. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
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
22mm single-staged spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The HMX Cheese and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which leads to different auditory experiences when typing. The Cheese employs a nylon top housing, known for its capacity to produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. This characteristic stems from nylon being a softer plastic, which helps absorb sound more effectively than harder materials. Conversely, the Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper, crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced, making typing on these switches feel distinctly different. Thus, while both switches are designed with acoustic experiences in mind, the choice of top housing material results in contrasting sound profiles, with the Cheese leaning towards warmth and fullness and the Chiikawa emphasizing clarity and brightness.
Examining the bottom housings of the two switches reveals a notable similarity: both the Cheese and the Chiikawa - 45g utilize nylon for their bottom housing. This consistent choice of material results in a similar sound profile based on the bottom housing's influence on the overall feel and sound when a key is bottomed out. The use of nylon in this context provides a deeper and more rounded sound, enhancing the feel of the switch as it is pressed down. Since both switches share this characteristic, players accustomed to the bottom housing's tactile feedback will enjoy a familiar experience with either option, particularly in the way that they feel when bottoming out and overall acoustic emission.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials combined with the identical bottom housings create a unique interplay in the auditory and tactile experiences offered by each switch. With the Cheese's nylon top contributing to its deeper sound profile and the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top adding a sharper sound, players can expect different auditory experiences during both keypresses and releases. Nevertheless, the uniform use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will provide a fulfilling bottoming-out feel, resulting in a cohesive overall experience despite their contrasting top materials. This nuanced combination allows users to select a switch that suits their typing preferences while still maintaining certain shared characteristics in terms of feel.
Weight
The HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch present differing actuation and bottom out forces that cater to varying user preferences. The Cheese switch features an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 46 grams, making it a lighter option suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch that offers a slightly stronger push feel. This means that while both switches provide a relatively comfortable typing experience, the Cheese is the lighter choice, which may be preferable for users seeking ease of use over extended periods. However, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Chiikawa's slightly heavier forces more satisfying. Overall, both switches serve different needs, highlighting the importance of personal preference in selecting a keyboard.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch, the HMX Cheese features a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Chiikawa - 45g has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. This difference, though minimal, indicates that the Chiikawa switch may provide a more pronounced keypress feel due to its additional millimeter of travel distance. Gamers who prefer quicker response times might lean towards the shorter HMX Cheese switch, as its 3.5 mm travel can lead to faster actuation. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial, hearty keystroke may prefer the feel of the 3.6 mm Chiikawa switch. Both switches cater to different preferences, making the choice ultimately depend on individual user experience desires.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The HMX Cheese has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cheese for $3.79.
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
The HMX Cheese linear switch is renowned for its satisfying clacky, poppy, and crispy sound signature, which contributes to a lively auditory experience while typing. This switch delivers an unparalleled smoothness that enhances its acoustic properties, making each keystroke feel pronounced and distinct. In comparison, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g also provides a bright sound profile, characterized by its crisp, high-pitched notes. The combination of very light actuation force and responsive characteristics of the Chiikawa further amplifies this crispness, giving users a similarly engaging sound experience. It’s important to note that the final sound of either switch will be influenced by factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps, but both switches aim to deliver a delightful auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the HMX Cheese switch is celebrated for its smooth actuation, ensuring a seamless typing experience that many users find appealing. This smoothness contributes to its overall ergonomic appeal, as it allows for effortless key presses and minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Chiikawa - 45g provides a very light actuation force that makes the switch incredibly responsive. This low resistance caters well to fast typists, allowing for rapid key presses with a satisfying lightness. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, yet they share a common theme of lightness and responsiveness that makes them enjoyable for users who prefer quick and efficient keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch excel in distinct yet complementary ways. The Cheese offers a lively sound profile and a notable smoothness, while the Chiikawa focuses on an ultra-light actuation and bright acoustics. If you're looking for a switch that prioritizes auditory feedback and tactile fluidity, either option will provide a rewarding typing experience. The choice ultimately boils down to personal preference, but both switches promise to deliver a thoroughly satisfying experience for newcomers to the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
In summary, the choice between the HMX Cheese linear switch and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you value a lighter switch and are looking for an exceptionally smooth and satisfying typing experience with a clacky, poppy sound, the HMX Cheese is the way to go. Its ultra-light bottom-out force of 46 grams makes it ideal for fast typing and gaming, allowing for quick key presses with minimal effort. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly firmer feel with a medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offers a bright sound profile and a highly responsive action that can enhance both your typing accuracy and speed. This switch is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a crisp and high-pitched sound while typing. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prioritize ultra-light smoothness and sound character or a more responsive touch with a good auditory feedback. By identifying your typing style and sound preferences, you can make a more informed decision that will enhance your overall keyboard experience.
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