Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Darling
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Darling switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two notable linear options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Darling. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for those who favor speed and dexterity in their typing. Its crisp, high-pitched sound when typing adds a lively auditory experience, appealing to users who appreciate a peppy keystroke. In contrast, the KTT Darling offers a more substantial and chewy typing sensation, reminiscent of sinking your fingers into a satisfying texture. With its pronounced bounciness and resonant, clacky sound upon bottoming out, the Darling excels in delivering both tactile and auditory enjoyment, making it a great option for those who enjoy a richer interplay between finger feedback and sound. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Darling share a commonality in their housing materials, featuring polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as the top housing material, which significantly contributes to producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to the inherent stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for clearer resonance compared to more flexible materials. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a keyboard when illuminated, a quality both the Chiikawa and Darling switches capitalize on.
On the bottom side, both the Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Darling are built with nylon, a classic choice in switch manufacturing known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, producing a duller and rounder auditory output. This inherent characteristic contributes to a more cushioned typing experience, as the nylon dampens vibrations when the key is bottomed out, ultimately affecting the overall sound and feel during use. Thus, despite these switches employing different materials for their respective top and bottom housings, they achieve a complementary sound profile that combines the clarity of polycarbonate with the warmth and depth of nylon.
In comparing the two models, it becomes clear that while the materials differ in texture and properties, the resulting sound profiles are crafted to harmonize with each other. When typing on either switch, the clarity of the polycarbonate top will blend seamlessly with the richness of the nylon bottom, delivering a cohesive auditory experience. This synergy allows users to enjoy the benefits of both sound profiles, regardless of the individual switch you choose. With both the Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Darling adhering to this dual-material construction, they provide a reliable and enjoyable typing experience, characterized by the balance of crispness and depth.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch exhibit some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suited for users who prefer a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Chiikawa registering at 51 grams and the Darling at 53 grams. This means that while both switches require the same effort to trigger a keystroke, the KTT Darling necessitates a marginally heavier push to bottom out. As a result, the Chiikawa is the lighter option when considering the total force required to reach the bottom of the switch, making it a more comfortable choice for those seeking a softer feel during typing. In contrast, users who appreciate a stronger push feel may lean toward the KTT Darling due to its slightly higher bottom out force. Overall, if both actuation forces were key factors, users could expect a similar typing experience from both switches, while the differing bottom out forces could influence their preferences based on desired feedback and fatigue during extended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Darling features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa offers a bit more depth when pressed down, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Darling, with its shorter travel distance, might be favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation times and a more responsive experience. Overall, both switches are relatively close in distance; however, the Chiikawa provides a longer travel of 3.6 mm compared to the Darling's 3.5 mm. If you prioritize a more tactile response, the Darling might suit you better, but for a deeper feel, the Chiikawa is the way to go.
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 KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp quality that contributes to its high-pitched acoustic feedback. This lively sound makes typing feel responsive, as each keystroke creates a clear auditory signal that enhances the overall typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a more pronounced sound characteristic, described as both clacky and resonant. Its sound is sharp and snappy, blending a crisp, bright auditory quality with a deeper resonance when bottoming out. The Darling’s sound profile enhances the engagement during typing, offering a satisfying auditory reward that pairs well with its tactile feedback.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press. This allows for an effortless typing experience that is perfect for those who prefer minimal resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Darling linear switch provides a chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a pronounced bounciness in its response. This bounciness adds a delightful elastic feedback, making each keystroke feel lively and offering a satisfying rebound effect. While both switches deliver distinct tactile sensations, the Chiikawa leans toward a lighter, more effortless feel, whereas the Darling offers a more substantial and engaging typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Darling linear switches present unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The bright sound and light actuation of the Chiikawa contrasts with the clacky, resonant tones and bouncy feel of the Darling, making them appealing to different types of users. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lighter touch and brighter sound, or a more substantial sensation with engaging auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Darling linear switch, you'll want to consider your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you prefer a switch that is exceptionally light and responsive, accompanied by a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force makes it easier on the fingers, particularly suitable for rapid typing or if you're prone to fatigue. On the other hand, if you're in search of a more substantial typing experience, the KTT Darling may be the way to go. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force and a unique chewy feel, it offers a deeper sense of engagement and a bouncier response that can be incredibly satisfying. The Darling's pronounced sound adds a layer of enjoyment, making it ideal for those who appreciate auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value the light and crisp nature of the Chiikawa or the substantial, bouncy satisfaction of the Darling, ensuring that whichever you choose, it aligns with your personal typing experience.
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