Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Dolphin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Dolphin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the unique characteristics of various options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and perfect for typists who prefer a swift and airy touch. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin, also a linear switch, is designed for a more muted experience; it features a silent operation that makes it ideal for office environments while offering a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g. This added resistance provides a satisfying feel that many users appreciate for its precision. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who enjoy a crisp and lively sound with minimal force, the Dolphin caters to individuals seeking a quieter, more substantial typing experience. 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
62g
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 Dolphin exhibit a striking similarity in their top housing composition, both being constructed from polycarbonate. This choice of material significantly influences their auditory characteristics, leading to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which enhances the overall clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Moreover, the translucence of polycarbonate not only supports RGB lighting effectively but also aesthetically aligns both switches with modern design preferences. As such, users can expect that both switches will deliver a comparable audio experience when it comes to the sound profile achieved from their top housing configurations.
Contrasting with the similar top housing materials, the bottom housing of both switches employs nylon, which is a traditional choice that favors a different auditory experience. Nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic properties that absorb sound in a manner that softens and rounds out the audio when compared to the stiffer materials. This means that while the Chiikawa - 45g and Durock Dolphin might share crisp top sounds, the bottom sounds will have a more pronounced depth and fullness due to the impact of the nylon material. As pressing down on a key heavily engages the bottom housing, this deeper resonance will likely be felt and experienced differently between the two switches, even though they share the same material.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Chiikawa - 45g and Durock Dolphin indicates that users can expect a uniquely harmonized sound experience. The interaction of these two materials means that while the tops will dictate a clearer sound when keys are released, the bottoms will imbue a rounded richness during key presses. As such, even though the specific qualities of each switch might vary depending on personal typing style and preferences, the fundamental acoustic interaction created by the shared materials will lead to overall similar sound experiences when typing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a specific actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light. This makes it a suitable option for users who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for extended periods of typing or gaming without fatigue. Conversely, the Dolphin switch has a bottom out force of 62 grams, but its actuation force is unspecified. This suggests that the Dolphin might require a heavier push to reach the actuation point, contributing to a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa is the lighter option overall, the Dolphin is on the heavier side, appealing to those who favor a firmer keystroke. If the actuation force of the Dolphin were known, it would provide further insight into how these switches compare in typing feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dolphin has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, catering to users who favor quicker response times, such as gamers, who often prefer switches that require less travel for rapid key presses. Conversely, the Dolphin switch may appeal to those who prefer a more robust typing experience, as its longer travel distance can provide a feeling of greater depth and feedback. Ultimately, individuals can choose based on their preference for either the snappier, more responsive nature of the Chiikawa or the more traditional, deeper feel of the Dolphin.
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 Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright, crisp sound profile, characterized by a high-pitched tone that is particularly responsive when typing. This can create an engaging auditory experience, especially for those who enjoy the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. In contrast, the Durock Dolphin switch offers a starkly different auditory experience, being categorized as a muted switch. Its low-pitched and softly produced sound makes it perfect for settings where noise is a concern, such as offices or shared workspaces. Essentially, while those who prefer the Chiikawa switch can enjoy a lively typing sound, the Dolphin caters to those seeking a quieter environment without sacrificing the mechanical experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press, ideal for those who aim for rapid typing or gaming. This lightness can lead to a more playful and nimble typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Dolphin switch has a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, offering a firmer and more substantial feel. This resistance provides a sense of precision and control that many users find satisfying, particularly for extended typing sessions. The Dolphin switch is noted for its polished finish, contributing to a smooth typing experience by reducing friction, whereas the Chiikawa switch seems to prioritize a lighter, less resistant action.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is tailored for those who prioritize a bright sound and lightweight feel, allowing rapid and responsive typing, while the Durock Dolphin switch is ideal for users seeking a silent operation with a bit more tactile presence. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, and depending on your specific needs—whether it's for an engaging auditory experience or a quieter yet tactile typing journey—you can achieve a satisfying setup with either choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Dolphin linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you value a light and responsive feel with an engaging, bright sound profile, the Chiikawa is your best bet; its medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams makes it particularly suited for fast typing and gaming sessions, allowing you to execute your keystrokes with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you seek a quiet yet tactile experience that accommodates office settings or shared spaces, the Durock Dolphin, with its medium bottom out force of 62 grams, offers a satisfying resistance without the distraction of noise, featuring a polished finish that enhances smooth key travel. In essence, if you prefer an engaging and spirited typing experience, go for the Chiikawa. However, if you value a more subdued, refined touch that maintains a level of professionalism in your workspace, choose the Dolphin. Your choice will ultimately reflect your typing style and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard.
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