Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX EMO
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EMO switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing options that cater to both performance and tactile feedback. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches stand out for their light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched auditory experience that many typists savor. Their responsiveness is ideal for users who prioritize speed and clarity in their typing endeavors. In contrast, the HMX EMO switches are recognized for their lively, clacky feel and slightly heavier 46g bottom-out force. Exceptionally factory-lubed, they provide a smooth and bouncy typing experience that feels satisfying with each keystroke. While both switches share linear characteristics and appeal to users looking for quieter alternatives to clicky or tactile switches, they offer distinct sensations that can significantly influence your typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
46g
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EMO switches, it becomes evident that both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This shared material choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that users often enjoy. The inherent rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant output, which enhances the overall auditory experience when typing. Furthermore, because both switches incorporate translucent polycarbonate in their design, they offer excellent compatibility with RGB lighting, allowing the illumination to shine through and create visually engaging aesthetics, which is especially appealing for gamers and enthusiasts alike.
On the other hand, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EMO feature nylon as their bottom housing material. The use of nylon, known for its softer, more absorbent qualities, creates a deeper and fuller sound profile. The characteristics of nylon contribute to a more subdued bottom-out sound, making the switches feel more rounded and less harsh compared to harder materials. As the bottom housings are the same in both switches, the tactile experience remains consistent when pressing down on either switch, reinforcing a comfortable typing environment that many users prefer.
In essence, since both switches share the same materials for their top and bottom housings, users can expect to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel when using the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EMO. The polycarbonate top ensures a crisp sound on release, while the nylon bottom mellows out the impact upon actuation. Hence, whether a user opts for the Chiikawa or the EMO, they will enjoy a comparable auditory experience characterized by clarity, resonance, and a satisfying typing feedback, making either choice equally appealing based on personal preference for aesthetics or brand loyalty.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch differ in both actuation force and bottom out force, catering to different preferences among users. The Chiikawa has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the EMO's actuation force is lighter at 40 grams, with a bottom out force of 46 grams. This difference means that the Chiikawa requires slightly more force to activate and to bottom out compared to the EMO. Consequently, users who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing sessions or gaming may lean towards the HMX EMO for its lighter overall actuation and bottom out forces, while those preferring a more substantial feel will likely appreciate the Chiikawa's slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, the Chiikawa provides a more pronounced feedback experience, whereas the EMO emphasizes ease of activation.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX EMO linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the EMO has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a marginally longer travel distance, which can translate to a more pronounced tactile experience for users who prefer that extra depth in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the EMO's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and users seeking a quicker response time, as it allows for slightly faster actuation. Ultimately, while both switches provide relatively short travel distances compared to traditional options, the Chiikawa is the longer option, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bit more heft in their typing experience.
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 EMO has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EMO 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that is particularly appealing for users who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback while typing. Its lightweight actuation contributes to this sharpness, making each keystroke resonate with clarity. In contrast, the HMX EMO switch also has a high-pitched sound but is noted for its lively and clacky nature. Suitable for those who dislike more muted or bass-heavy sound profiles, the EMO's factory lubrication enhances the sound experience, ensuring that each keystroke is both bright and sharp. Overall, while both switches share a high-pitched quality, the EMO leans towards a more pronounced clackiness that may cater to certain preferences.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch offers a very light actuation force that supports a responsive typing experience. However, the precise characterization of its tactile feedback is not specified. The HMX EMO switch is defined by a bouncy and polished feel, thanks to its factory lubrication that provides a smooth and refined key press. Users will find the EMO's gentle resistance combined with its lively elastic feedback to be particularly satisfying, as it allows for quick and effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue. While the Chiikawa's tactile feedback isn’t fully detailed, the comparison suggests that the EMO offers a more defined and enjoyable typing sensation.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EMO linear switches provide enjoyable sound and feel characteristics, though they cater to slightly different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright and crisp sound with a very light actuation force, making it responsive for typing. Meanwhile, the EMO provides a clackier auditory profile, with a bouncy and polished feel that enhances the overall typing experience. While they both promise light actuation, the HMX EMO goes further by delivering a more dynamic tactile feeling. Users can choose either switch based on their preferred sound and typing experience, although the EMO may suit those looking for a more pronounced feedback when typing.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EMO linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you value a medium-light key feel with a slightly firmer bottom-out force of 51 grams, the Chiikawa - 45g may be ideal for you, particularly if you appreciate a bright sound profile that enhances the auditory feedback of your typing. This switch excels in scenarios where responsiveness is key, making it a suitable option for typing-intensive tasks or gaming where quick reactions are beneficial. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a feather-light 46g bottom-out force and enjoy the sensation of a bouncy, polished key feel, the HMX EMO switch would likely serve you better. Its factory lubrication ensures a remarkably smooth typing experience, which can be particularly advantageous for long sessions of typing or gaming, allowing for less finger fatigue. If you are drawn to a lively, clacky sound and an effortless typing experience, the EMO would be a great fit. In summary, your decision should reflect not just the technical specifications of each switch, but also how those characteristics align with your individual typing style and sound preferences.
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