Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Daybreak
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Daybreak switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Daybreak presents two intriguing options, each catering to distinct typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force of just 45 grams, enabling a responsive and engaging typing experience. Additionally, its bright sound profile produces a crisp, high-pitched feedback, which can be invigorating for users who enjoy an audibly satisfying keystroke. By contrast, the Durock Daybreak offers a heftier actuation force of 67 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial touch while typing. This switch excels in creating a muted, polished, low-pitched sound, making it an ideal choice for quieter environments or office settings. Ultimately, the decision between these two linear switches hinges on individual preferences for feedback and sound. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Daybreak exhibit a remarkable similarity, particularly in their top housing, both of which are made from polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes significantly to the overall sound profile of the switches, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. The polycarbonate's rigidity enhances the resonance, resulting in a clear sound when keys are pressed and released. Moreover, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, which can create an aesthetically pleasing aspect for users who prioritize visual appeal in their keyboard setups.
In contrast to the similar top housings, both switches also feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon is renowned for providing a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing, stemming from its relatively softer composition compared to harder plastics. As a result, the bottom housing absorbs more sound, contributing to a rounder and more muted auditory experience when keys bottom out. This characteristic of nylon helps balance the sharper sounds produced by the polycarbonate, creating a more nuanced auditory feedback when typing. The synergy of these materials allows users to enjoy a comprehensive typing experience, as the distinct qualities of each housing contribute to different aspects of the sound when engaged.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Daybreak do showcase contrasting bottom housing materials in their designs, they achieve a harmonious auditory balance due to their similar top housing of polycarbonate. Users can expect an engaging typing experience with a crisp and clear sound profile when keys are released, complemented by a deeper, fuller sound upon bottoming out. The use of both polycarbonate and nylon in each switch allows for a unique sound signature that highlights the characteristics of each material, ultimately delivering an enjoyable performance regardless of the switch brand.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch present a notable contrast in both actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a moderate actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option ideal for users who favor a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Daybreak switch does not have an official actuation force listed but has a significantly heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as a medium-heavy switch. This suggests that while the Chiikawa's actuation will feel lighter and more responsive during use, the Daybreak switch likely provides a more substantial experience with its increased resistance. Ultimately, the Chiikawa is the lighter switch, perfect for those seeking a quicker typing feel, while the Daybreak, being the heavier option, suits users who prefer the tactile engagement of a stronger push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Daybreak linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Daybreak offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, potentially providing a more responsive feel that can benefit gaming enthusiasts seeking quicker actuation. In contrast, the Daybreak's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and deliberate typing experience, providing that sense of depth in each keystroke. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal preference for travel distance, with both switches catering to different tactile experiences.
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 Durock Daybreak has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Daybreak for $5.41.
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, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise when typing. This playful tone is underscored by its very light actuation force, which enhances responsiveness, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Durock Daybreak linear switch offers a muted sound output that embodies a softer and quieter typing experience. With its low-pitched tones, the Daybreak creates a more bass-heavy and mellow atmosphere, ideal for environments where noise control is paramount. Together, these switches present two contrasting auditory profiles: the Chiikawa brings excitement and clarity, while the Daybreak promotes discretion and warmth.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is described as responsive due to its lighter actuation force, allowing for a notably energetic typing experience that can feel playful and effortless. Contrastingly, the Durock Daybreak switch boasts a polished finish, providing a smooth and refined keystroke feel. This polish results in reduced friction and a seamless key travel experience, which could be particularly appealing to those who appreciate a balanced and refined touch. While both switches may deliver enjoyable typing experiences, the Chiikawa leans towards sensitivity and quickness, while the Daybreak emphasizes smoothness and heft.
Overall, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Daybreak switches ultimately comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Chiikawa offers a bright and lively auditory experience with a light touch, while the Daybreak caters to those seeking a quieter and more bass-driven sound accompanied by a smooth, polished feel. Depending on what qualities you prioritize in your typing experience, either switch could become a favorite; the distinct contrasts exemplify the diverse offerings in the mechanical keyboard switch market.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Daybreak linear switches ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the environments in which you will be using them. If you favor a lighter actuation and are looking for a switch that provides an energetic feedback, the Chiikawa - 45g will likely serve you well. Its medium-light actuation force, crisp sound profile, and responsive nature make it a fantastic option for casual typing, gaming, or any scenario where the tactile experience and auditory feedback enhance your engagement. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a heavier bottom-out force, the Daybreak is the switch for you. Its medium-heavy actuation provides a more robust typing experience that can help with typing accuracy, especially for those who are used to heavier keys. Additionally, the muted, low-pitched sound makes it a great option for professional or shared workspaces where noise control is a priority. Ultimately, consider the context in which you'll use these switches and your personal typing style to make the best decision for yourself.
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