Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Cloud - 50g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Cloud - 50g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves navigating a plethora of options, each offering unique characteristics suitable for different typing preferences. Taking a closer look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Cloud - 50g, both linear switches present distinct advantages. The Chiikawa switch, renowned for its bright sound profile and light 45g actuation force, enables a remarkably responsive typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize quick keystrokes and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud - 50g, with its slightly heavier 50g actuation force and clacky sound profile, appeals to those who favor a more substantial feel while still delivering a smooth and engaging typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Chiikawa excels in responsiveness, while the Cloud offers a richer sound profile and a touch more weight. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Cloud - 50g, the differences in their top housings significantly influence their respective sound profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffer composition. In contrast, the Cloud utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to produce a deeper and fuller sound, as nylon absorbs sound more than the harder polycarbonate. This contrast highlights how the choice of top housing material can provide vastly different auditory experiences, with polycarbonate enhancing brightness while nylon lends a warmth to the sound profile.
Despite these differences in top housings, both switches share a common material for their bottom housings: nylon. This shared characteristic results in a uniformly rich and full sound when the switches are bottomed out. Both the Chiikawa and the Cloud showcase the unique properties of nylon, resulting in a sound absorption that produces a mellowed tone, effectively dampening harshness and enhancing the overall typing experience. Therefore, while their top housings produce different auditory effects, the identical nylon bottom housings ensure both switches provide a somewhat cohesive feel and acoustic experience.
Ultimately, the split between top and bottom housing materials leads to a nuanced interaction in sound production when the switches are used. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top enhances the high-frequency clarity at the release of a key while the nylon bottom provides a deeper tone when the key is pressed down. Conversely, the HMX Cloud's nylon top slightly softens the transition between keystrokes but retains the same deep resonance at bottom-out. Therefore, while each switch provides a unique blend of sound and feel, both can produce a satisfying typing experience, utilizing the advantages of their housing materials to meet diverse user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch offer different experiences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which can be classified as medium-light. In contrast, the Cloud switch has a lighter actuation force of only 42 grams but also has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it overall lighter in feel. While both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the smaller actuation force of the HMX Cloud may appeal to users looking for ease of pressing, ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Thus, while the Cloud is the lighter option in terms of both actuation and bottom out forces, the Chiikawa provides a firmer typing experience for users seeking more tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cloud switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that if you favor quicker response times, the Chiikawa could be more suitable due to its shorter distance. On the other hand, the HMX Cloud, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel during key presses, which some users might prefer for a richer typing experience. Thus, for those who appreciate responsiveness, the Chiikawa is the better option, while the Cloud is ideal for those who enjoy a deeper travel feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The HMX Cloud - 50g has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cloud - 50g for $2.99.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, providing a crisp, high-pitched tone that contributes to an engaging auditory experience. This switch’s lighter actuation force makes it notably responsive, allowing for quick keystrokes that maintain a lively sound. In contrast, the HMX Cloud - 50g features a clacky sound profile that adds a different dimension to the typing experience. While it still offers a bright typing feel, the Cloud switch’s slightly more substantial weight may create a richer resonance, pleasing to those who enjoy a dynamic and lively soundscape while typing.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force which translates into a soft and effortless typing experience, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a nimble touch. This switch encourages quick, feather-light keystrokes that can feel fluid during extended typing sessions. The HMX Cloud - 50g, on the other hand, provides a silky smooth feel that pairs well with its heavier actuation force. The added weight contributes to a sense of control and stability, which some typists may prefer for accuracy and precision, especially during heavier usage.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Cloud - 50g offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to slightly different preferences. The Chiikawa boasts a bright sound with a lightweight feel aimed at responsiveness, whereas the HMX Cloud leans towards a clacky sound and a silky smooth typing sensation with its heavier actuation force. Typists who appreciate a more lively and quick response may gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those looking for depth in sound and a stable touch might prefer the Cloud. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Cloud - 50g linear switch, consider your typing preferences and the sensations you seek. Opt for the Chiikawa - 45g if you prefer a medium-light actuation force that offers quick responsiveness, complemented by its bright sound profile. This switch is ideal for typists who enjoy a more energetic and high-pitched auditory feedback while typing, making it a fantastic choice for work or gaming sessions that require rapid key presses. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a slightly higher actuation force with a smooth feel, the HMX Cloud - 50g might be the better option for you. Its light bottom-out force provides a balanced tactile experience, and the clacky sound profile offers a richer auditory enjoyment. This switch will suit you if you appreciate a more refined typing experience, blending comfort with a pleasing sound. Ultimately, your selection will hinge on whether you favor a lighter, more responsive touch or a smooth, slightly firmer keystroke. Consider these characteristics, and you'll find the switch that enhances your typing experience perfectly.
Mentioned in this article
