Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX EVA
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EVA switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EVA, both linear switches boast unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a responsive and lively typing experience, especially favored by users who enjoy a crisp, high-pitched feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the HMX EVA draws inspiration from the iconic colors of Evangelion Unit-01, offering a resonant sound signature combined with a silky smooth typing feel that appeals to those who prioritize a more plush, refined tactility in their keyboard. While each switch provides a distinct auditory and tactile experience, potential users may favor the Chiikawa for its agility or the EVA for its smoothness. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T2
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX EVA switches utilize contrasting materials for their top housings, resulting in distinct acoustic profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g incorporates a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity. This attribute leads to a sharper, crisper sound with a pronounced high-pitched tone. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances RGB lighting effects, making it a popular choice for aesthetic purposes among keyboard enthusiasts. In contrast, the HMX EVA features a nylon top housing, a material traditionally favored in switch design. With its softer composition, nylon is capable of producing a deeper, fuller sound profile by absorbing sound rather than reflecting it. Thus, while the Chiikawa offers clarity and brightness, the EVA brings warmth and richness to the auditory experience.
Interestingly, both the Chiikawa - 45g and HMX EVA employ nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a unifying element in their sound profiles. As described, nylon contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, and this shared attribute means that both switches can provide a pleasantly rounded auditory response from their bottom housings. While the Chiikawa's top housing introduces a pronounced sharpness, its nylon bottom housing balances this with warmth, creating a hybrid sound. The EVA's sound profile is similarly enriched by its nylon base, suggesting that despite the differences in their top materials, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback stemming from their common bottom housing material.
When considering the overall impact of their housing materials, it is essential to recognize how the distinct characteristics of each contribute to the user experience. The interplay between a rigid polycarbonate top housing and a softer nylon bottom in the Chiikawa - 45g creates a layered auditory signature, enhancing the typing experience by combining both clarity and warmth. On the other hand, the EVA’s uniform use of nylon for both top and bottom housings results in a more consistent sound that emphasizes the rounded depth typical of nylon switches. Ultimately, if you're looking for versatility in sound dynamics, you may achieve similar satisfaction with both switches; choosing one over the other will hinge on personal preference regarding clarity versus fullness in their sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 45g requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the EVA switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that for typists looking for a lighter touch, the EVA would be more appealing, allowing for longer typing sessions with less fatigue. Conversely, the Chiikawa switch, being slightly heavier, may provide a more substantial feel preferred by those who enjoy a stronger push during typing. Thus, while both switches are linear, the Chiikawa is the heavier option with a greater actuation and bottom out force compared to the lighter and more forgiving HMX EVA switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, resulting in an identical experience in terms of keypress depth. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar tactile feedback and actuation points when pressing down on the keys. This equivalence means that whether you're typing or gaming, the key response will feel the same between the two switches, providing a consistent experience across both options.
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 EVA has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the EVA for $2.99.
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 switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched sound when typing. This can create a lively auditory experience, particularly in a quiet environment. On the other hand, the HMX EVA linear switch is noted for its resonant sound signature, which may offer a deeper, richer acoustic presence. Ultimately, the sound produced by both switches can be influenced by the choice of keyboard plate, design, and keycaps, so it's essential to consider these factors when assessing their auditory characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to type on. This quality allows for quick typing with minimal effort. The EVA switch, however, is praised for a silky smooth typing experience, which suggests an absence of any tactile bump or resistance when pressed. Both switches concentrate on delivering a smooth and fluid typing experience, but the lightness of the Chiikawa introduces a unique responsiveness that differs from the luxurious smoothness of the EVA.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX EVA linear switches present unique qualities. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound profile and a very light actuation force, resulting in a responsive typing experience. In contrast, the EVA switch provides a resonant sound and a silky smooth feel that emphasizes comfort. Depending on your preferences for sound, responsiveness, and overall typing experience, either switch could be an excellent addition to your mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX EVA linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a slightly firmer key press but still want a responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g, with its 51g bottom-out force, is an excellent choice. Its bright and crisp sound profile can enhance your typing experience, making it perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, smoother typing experience with a more subdued acoustic signature, the HMX EVA, boasting a 48g bottom-out force, will likely suit you better. Its silky smooth feel combined with a resonant sound profile is ideal for long typing sessions where comfort is paramount and where you seek a touch of aesthetic appeal inspired by its design roots. Ultimately, consider whether your priority lies in sound and responsiveness or in smoothness and comfort to make the right choice for your mechanical keyboard journey.
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