Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch, renowned for its light 45g actuation force and bright sound profile, allowing for swift keystrokes with a crisp, high-pitched audio reward. This makes it an ideal choice for users who favor rapid typing and want a smooth, uninterrupted feel without tactile feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro is a tactile switch that delivers a substantial, invigorating bump upon actuation, accompanied by a deeper, more bass-heavy sound. This switch is perfect for typists who enjoy a pronounced tactile sensation, which can enhance typing accuracy and overall enjoyment. Both switches cater to different preferences—whether you seek speed and responsiveness with the Chiikawa or a tactile and auditory experience with the Creamy Purple Pro. 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
45g
Actuation force
30g
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
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Nylon
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, one notable similarity is their use of polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches leverage polycarbonate's characteristics, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances acoustics and clarity when typing. Additionally, the translucency of the material makes it ideal for RGB lighting setups, as users can expect vibrant illumination through the switch, thus providing a visually appealing aesthetic while maintaining sound performance.
On the other hand, the bottom housings diverge in their material choices in the two switches. The Chiikawa - 45g features a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to absorb sound and create a deeper and fuller audio experience. The softness of nylon mitigates the harshness of impacts, delivering a rounder sound profile upon key presses. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro also utilizes a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience. The inherent qualities of nylon in both switches ensure that users will enjoy a consistent deep sound when bottoming out, regardless of the switch's brand.
Ultimately, while both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro share the same polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing, the overall sound character and tactile feedback will result from the interplay between these materials. Users can expect a crisp sound when releasing keys due to the polycarbonate top and a full-bodied thump during presses from the nylon bottom. This synergy of materials allows for a well-rounded typing experience while maximizing the benefits of both housing types—delivering both clarity and depth in sound, appealing to different preferences in typing feel and sound profile.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct experiences due to their differing actuation forces. The Chiikawa requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light; this switch provides a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users might prefer for a more tactile typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro has a lighter actuation force of just 30 grams and a similar bottom out force of 50 grams. This lighter feel can be beneficial for long typing sessions or gaming marathons since it reduces finger fatigue. Ultimately, the Chiikawa switch is heavier than the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer push, while the Akko's lighter feel suits users looking for a less strenuous option. Given these differences, typists can choose based on their preference for either a more substantial feedback or lighter touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch offer distinct travel distances, with the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm and the V3 Creamy Purple Pro at 3 mm. This difference highlights the Chiikawa switch as the more substantial option, providing a more pronounced keypress experience compared to the shallower 3 mm travel of the V3 Creamy Purple Pro. For gamers seeking quicker response times, the Akko switch's shorter travel distance may be preferable, offering a snappier feel. However, those who enjoy a deeper keypress may appreciate the Chiikawa switch more for its increased travel. Thus, while both switches cater to different preferences, the longer travel distance of the Chiikawa switch caters to users who value depth in their typing experience.
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 Creamy Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Creamy Purple Pro for $2.10.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a bright and crisp sound profile, characterized by its high-pitched tone that responds swiftly with each keystroke. This makes it particularly noticeable in quiet environments or during fast typing sessions. In contrast, the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch emits a loud, bassier sound signature due to its pronounced tactile bump. This creates a distinct auditory feedback that can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. The difference in sound profiles emphasizes the personal preferences of typists; while the Chiikawa offers a lighter and airier sound, the Creamy Purple Pro leans toward a robust and resonant quality.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is notably light with a very low actuation force of 45 grams, which contributes to a very smooth and responsive typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro features a significant tactile bump that provides physical feedback at the actuation point. The tactile nature of this switch gives the user a solid "click" sensation, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a more tactile engagement. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is favored for a lighter, swifter action, while the Creamy Purple Pro appeals to those who appreciate a strong tactile response.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa’s bright, high-pitched tones and light actuation force make it perfect for quick typings, while the Creamy Purple Pro’s bassy sounds and substantial tactile feedback provide a more pronounced typing experience. Choosing between these switches ultimately hinges on whether one values responsiveness and lightness over tactile feedback and a more striking auditory presence. Each switch brings its unique qualities to the table, ensuring that typists can find the right fit for their typing style and auditory tastes.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Creamy Purple Pro tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you favor a lighter feel with a focus on speed and a bright, crisp auditory feedback, the Chiikawa switch may be the ideal option for you. Its medium-light actuation and responsive design make it particularly suitable for gaming or rapid typing tasks where you desire quick key presses and an engaging sound profile. On the other hand, if you're someone who enjoys the tactile feedback of a pronounced bump and a deeper, bassier sound, the V3 Creamy Purple Pro switch would likely serve you better. Its light actuation force and robust tactile sensation make it perfect for typists who appreciate a more pronounced feel and auditory experience while typing. Ultimately, consider what aspects of your typing experience are most important to you—be it responsiveness, sound profile, or the tactile feedback—as you make your selection.
Mentioned in this article
