Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko V3 Crystal Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of specific options to enhance their typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Akko V3 Crystal Pro both belong to the linear switch category but offer contrasting characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a responsive choice that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. In contrast, the V3 Crystal Pro, crafted from fully polycarbonate materials, provides a bouncy and chirpy sound signature while also ensuring a silky smooth typing experience. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who appreciate a lightweight and lively feel, the Crystal Pro entices users with a polished performance and a unique auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro, it becomes immediately clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This shared material contributes to a similar sound profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances resonance, which means both switches can deliver clear and bright sounds, especially notable when RGB lighting is employed, thanks to the transparency of the material. Thus, users looking for an aesthetically pleasing switch will find these two options favorable, given their capacity to highlight RGB effects.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly, which influences their overall sound profiles in unique ways. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a plastic known for absorbing sound more effectively due to its softness. This absorption results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, providing a more rounded auditory experience when the switch bottoms out. On the other hand, the V3 Crystal Pro employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, similar to its top housing. The consistent use of polycarbonate combines to create a more coherent sound characteristic across both the top and bottom of the switch – one that remains crisper and brighter.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials dictates the feel and sound of each switch. While the Chiikawa - 45g's nylon bottom housing contributes to a more subdued sound profile, the V3 Crystal Pro's use of polycarbonate throughout offers a consistent, bright auditory response. Users will notice these distinctions where the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the release sound. Therefore, although both switches share a polycarbonate top housing that yields similar results in brightness and clarity, the differing bottom materials create distinct sound experiences, with the Chiikawa offering a deeper tone and the V3 Crystal Pro providing a more uniform sound signature.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, we can observe some key differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the V3 Crystal Pro requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it medium in comparison. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, which may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro offers a more substantial feel thanks to its heavier force requirements, making it suitable for those who enjoy a firmer push sensation when typing. In summary, for a lighter and potentially more comfortable typing experience, the Chiikawa is a better choice, whereas the Akko V3 Crystal Pro caters to those who favor a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Chiikawa offers a shorter press, which can provide a quicker response time that is often preferred by gamers seeking speed and efficiency. Conversely, the V3 Crystal Pro's longer travel distance might appeal to those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing or gaming, allowing for greater tactile feedback and a more deliberate actuation. If you gravitate toward quicker responses, the Chiikawa should be your choice, whereas if you value deeper key presses, the V3 Crystal Pro would suit you better. Overall, the differences in travel distance can significantly affect your typing or gaming experience, depending on your personal preference.
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 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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 sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its bright and crisp high-pitched tones, making it quite expressive when typing. This attention to auditory clarity ensures that each keystroke feels engaging, contributing to a lively typing environment. In comparison, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches present a chirpy sound signature, which offers a unique acoustic characteristic with a subtle squeak interwoven in their bright sound. Both switches deliver a vibrant auditory experience, but the Chiikawa's emphasis on clarity contrasts with the distinct chirp of the V3 Crystal Pro, though both will project well depending on the keyboard configuration and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is notably responsive due to its very light actuation force, which lends itself to quick and effortless typings; this can be ideal for users looking for a swift, low-resistance action. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switches are described as bouncy and polished, enhancing the typing experience with spring-like feedback that provides a lively sensation. The polished nature of the V3 Crystal Pro contributes to a smooth and refined typing experience, making each keystroke feel deliberate and satisfying. While the Chiikawa's focus lies in its lightweight responsiveness, the V3 Crystal Pro emphasizes a combination of lively bounce and silky smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switches offer distinct yet captivating typing experiences. The Chiikawa excels in providing a bright, clear sound and a lightweight, responsive feel, while the V3 Crystal Pro impresses with its chirpy sound and bouncy, polished feedback. Ultimately, both switches provide unique characteristics that can satisfy different user preferences, allowing newcomers to explore their typing journey with excitement and adaptability.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a bright sound that offers a high-pitched, responsive typing experience, then the Chiikawa - 45g is likely your best option. This switch is ideal for rapid typing and can be particularly enjoyable for those who like a more tactile and reactive feel without much force required on each keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium bottom-out force with a unique chirpy sound and a luxurious, polished feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro would be the better choice. The construction of the V3 Crystal Pro provides a bouncy, elastic feedback sensation, making it suitable for those who appreciate a balanced typing experience with a smooth feel. Both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing styles, so consider what aspects matter most to you before making your final decision.
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