Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the distinct characteristics and unique experiences offered by different options can greatly influence your typing pleasure. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is renowned for its exceptionally light 45g actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering an incredibly responsive typing experience that appeals to those who favor effortless keystrokes and a crisp auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is a tactile switch celebrated for its lively, poppy sound and smooth operation, making it an ideal choice for users who desire a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. This switch’s unique combination of bouncy, snappy, and polished characteristics caters to those who appreciate a tactile sensation and clear auditory cues while typing. Both switches offer distinct advantages, whether you prefer the lightweight and quick responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the satisfying feedback of the V3 Cream Blue Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
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
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro exhibit remarkable similarities in their choice of top housing, as both utilize polycarbonate. This commonality results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity, which enhances the overall typing experience. Polycarbonate's rigidity contributes to a more resonant sound, allowing typists to appreciate a crisper auditory feedback. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate enables effective RGB lighting; when activated, light can shine through the clear top housing, creating visually appealing effects that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the switches.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these two switches are both made from nylon, a material known for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper, fuller auditory experience. This softer plastic contrasts with the hardness of polycarbonate in the upper housing by adding a rounded quality to the sound produced when typing. While the top polycarbonate housing enhances the high-pitched tones when a key is released, the nylon bottom housing enriches the overall sound profile during the actuation. This complementary relationship between the two materials ensures that both switches deliver a nuanced auditory experience that combines the advantages of sharpness and warmth.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom results in a cohesive sound signature for both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro. Typists can expect a similar auditory experience, where the clarity of the polycarbonate is balanced by the fullness of the nylon. This harmonized design allows users to enjoy a typing experience that feels consistent across both switches, even though each switch's design may cater to different preferences or aesthetics. Ultimately, the synergy between these materials contributes to a versatile and satisfying tactile feedback, whether one is seeking a crisp audio profile or a deeper, thudding sound.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive in terms of initiating a keystroke. This similarity allows users to achieve comparable typing experiences when activating the switches. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Chiikawa features a force of 51 grams, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches are medium-light during actuation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is the lighter option overall, favoring those who seek a less strenuous typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro might appeal to users who prefer a firmer push feel with a more defined bottom out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch, we see that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference suggests that the Chiikawa switch may provide a more pronounced travel feel, which some users prefer for a deeper, more tactile experience. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the V3 Cream Blue Pro might appeal to gamers who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation. Thus, if you are in search of a switch that offers a more substantial depth, the Chiikawa would be the preferable choice; however, if you favor speed and quicker response times, then the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro may suit your needs better. Overall, this comparison highlights the distinct advantages of each switch based on their travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a bright and crisp auditory profile characterized by a high-pitched note that emerges when striking the keys. This light and responsive switch offers a typing experience that feels effortless; however, it's less about acoustic feedback than its counterpart. In contrast, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch features a distinctly poppy and clacky sound, which resonates with users who appreciate a lively and engaging auditory feedback. These switches produce a more robust sound, appealing to those who enjoy the audible satisfaction that comes from each keystroke, thus providing a different experience in terms of sound dynamics.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and suitable for rapid typing without any hindrance. The linear nature of this switch gives it a smooth and uninterrupted key press, allowing for a fluid typing experience without any tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by its medium tactile feedback, which provides a balanced amount of tactility that's neither excessively pronounced nor too subtle. The switch is known for its bounciness, delivering a lively response with spring-like feedback that adds to the overall typing experience. Additionally, users can expect a polished sensation due to well-refined materials and possibly factory lubrication, enhancing the smoothness of each key press, making it a well-rounded tactile option.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro switches provide unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa is perfect for those who desire a lightweight, bright sound with a smooth typing experience, while the V3 Cream Blue Pro caters to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback combined with a lively sound. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can choose either switch to suit your typing style, knowing that each offers its own set of appealing qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter, more responsive switch with a bright sound profile that accentuates a high-pitched typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams ensures that each keystroke requires minimal effort, making it ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where speed and precision are paramount. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback coupled with a lively sound that enhances your typing experience, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is the better option. With a slightly higher bottom-out force of 55 grams, this switch provides a notable "pop" and "clack" sound along with its medium tactile feel, which is perfect for those who enjoy a more engaging auditory and kinesthetic sensation when typing. In essence, your choice should align with whether you prioritize a crisp, responsive action or a more pronounced tactile experience with auditory feedback.
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