Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Deep Navy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Deep Navy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Deep Navy both offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing users with a notably responsive and crisp typing experience. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy quick keystrokes and an energetic auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy switch is distinguished by its rich, sharp sound profile and silky smooth keystrokes, thanks to its full nylon construction and Ly stem. This switch may appeal to users who prioritize a smooth typing feel and a more immersive sound experience. Both switches have their unique attractions; the Chiikawa is ideal for speed and responsiveness, while the Deep Navy excels in smoothness and sound quality. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Deep Navy, a notable difference is observed in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate aids in producing a clearer resonance, making it especially beneficial for setups that incorporate RGB lighting, as its translucency allows light to pass through effectively. In contrast, the HMX Deep Navy employs a nylon top housing, a classic material known for yielding a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon results in greater sound absorption, leading to a duller, rounder acoustic experience. Thus, the switch designs imply that the two housing types achieve different auditory outcomes, with the Chiikawa favoring clarity and brightness while the Deep Navy enhances warmth and depth.
Interestingly, both switches utilize nylon material for their bottom housings, which presents a point of similarity in their overall sound characteristics. This shared element means that regardless of the differing top housing materials, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Deep Navy offer a fuller sound profile that is characteristic of nylon. The bottom housing's effect on the bottom-out sound and feel is consistent between the two switches, as the softer nylon absorbs sound effectively. Therefore, while the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top delivers a distinct sonic sharpness, players can expect the robust depth provided by the nylon bottom housing to have a unifying effect across both switches.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Deep Navy differ significantly in their top housing materials—polycarbonate versus nylon—their shared nylon bottom housing creates a connection between the two. This convergence allows both switches to produce a comforting depth and fullness during keystrokes. The contrasting effects of the top housings result in two distinct experiences; however, players benefit from the consistency provided by the nylon bottoms. Consequently, one can achieve appealing results either way, with the Chiikawa leaning towards crispness and clarity, offering a bright typing experience, while the Deep Navy leans into a enveloping sound that emphasizes warmth and richness.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, a marked difference in force characteristics emerges. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Deep Navy switch offers a lighter solution with an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Deep Navy switch requires less effort to actuate, which can be advantageous for those who engage in long typing sessions or gaming marathons. Additionally, the lower bottom out force of the Deep Navy at 45 grams results in a softer landing when the key is fully pressed down, potentially increasing comfort during extended use. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the heavier option due to its higher forces, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a stronger push feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience the same keypress depth when pressing down on either switch. This similarity in travel distance suggests that the tactile feedback and actuation feel will be comparable, providing a uniform experience for typists and gamers alike. Since both switches have the same travel distance, those who prefer one over the other may want to consider other factors such as weight, sound, or manufacturing quality to determine their preferred choice.
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 HMX Deep Navy has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Deep Navy for $2.79.
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 is characterized by a bright and crisp high-pitched sound profile that is quite responsive due to its light actuation force. This makes it ideal for those who appreciate an articulate audio feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX Deep Navy linear switch offers a rich and sharp sound profile, attributed to its full nylon construction, which adds depth to the auditory experience. While both switches deliver a pleasant typing sound, the Chiikawa's high-pitched brightness contrasts with the richer tone of the Deep Navy, suggesting that the choice between them will largely depend on personal auditory preference.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, allowing for an effortlessly smooth typing experience that can be incredibly appealing for rapid typists or gamers who require quick response times. In contrast, the Deep Navy linear switch is recognized for its silky smoothness upon each keystroke, enhanced by its specialized Ly stem. While both switches strive for a smooth typing experience, the Chiikawa’s lighter actuation provides a different tactile sensation compared to the Deep Navy's luxurious feel, which might be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly more substantial keystroke.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Deep Navy linear switches have unique sound and feel properties that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa’s bright sound and lightweight actuation force offer a distinctly responsive typing experience, while the Deep Navy’s rich sound and silky smoothness aim to provide a more refined tactile feedback. Ultimately, selecting between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize the lightness and high-pitched clarity of the Chiikawa or the depth and smoothness of the Deep Navy.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Deep Navy linear switch, your personal typing style and preferences will significantly guide your decision. If you prefer a switch that offers a medium-light feel with a crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its 51-gram bottom-out force means you’ll experience responsive and nimble keystrokes, making it particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers who crave quick reaction times and a lively auditory response while typing. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a lighter switch that provides a smoother typing experience, the HMX Deep Navy will likely fit your needs better. Its 45-gram bottom-out force, coupled with its full nylon construction, delivers not only a sharp sound profile but also a silky smoothness with every keystroke. This switch is perfect for those who prioritize a tranquil typing experience without sacrificing responsiveness. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the tactile feedback and sound characteristics that resonate with your individual preferences.
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