Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar offer distinct experiences, appealing to different preferences in typing feel and sound. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing sessions. This makes it an excellent choice for users who prioritize responsiveness and enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar embodies a smooth, reliable performance that is both cost-effective and satisfying, thanks to its poppy sound profile. This switch is well-suited for those who seek a balanced typing experience without sacrificing quality. Both switches have their unique strengths, making them ideal for different types of users. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar, both switches exhibit a highly similar construction using polycarbonate for the top housing, which contributes to their crisp sound profile. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffer nature, allows both switches to produce a sharper and more resonant sound when keys are actuated. This characteristic is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate enables vibrant light effects to shine through, adding a layer of visual enjoyment to the typing experience. Therefore, if you're considering sound quality and lighting, both switches will perform exceptionally well due to their shared material properties.
In contrast, the bottom housing reveals a divergence in the construction of the two switches, with both utilizing nylon, but maintaining a crucial aspect in how their acoustic profiles are formulated. Nylon is recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities, yielding a deeper and fuller sound when typing. This characteristic serves to balance the higher-pitched notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a well-rounded auditory experience. As a result, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Everfree (EF) Cedar can deliver a rich sound signature, but users will perceive the impact of the nylon bottom housing more during key bottoming out. With both switches employing nylon at the bottom, they will likely provide a similar tactile and auditory experience upon actuation.
Ultimately, while the top housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and Everfree (EF) Cedar align closely in material and sound profile, the nylon bottom housings will influence the overall typing experience distinctively, yet harmoniously. The combination of a crisp sound from the polycarbonate caps and a fuller tone from the nylon bases offers a satisfying balance in sound that resonates through both models. In conclusion, although each switch harbors unique traits derived from their respective constructions, enthusiasts can expect an enriching experience with either model thanks to the compatibility of housing materials in creating an engaging auditory environment.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, notable differences arise in their actuation forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, which classifies it as medium-light, while the Everfree Cedar requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger key feel. In terms of bottom out forces, the Chiikawa switch bottoms out at 51 grams, providing a slightly more substantial feedback, whereas the bottom out force for the Everfree Cedar is unknown. This lack of information means we cannot compare the bottom out experience between the two switches. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option and is likely more suitable for users who engage in prolonged typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Everfree Cedar offers a heavier actuation for those who favor a more pronounced key resistance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making their performance in this regard identical. Since both switches have the same travel distance, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel, allowing for a consistent typing experience across both options. The uniformity in travel distance means that regardless of which switch is chosen, the depth of the keypress will be the same, providing a balanced and familiar tactile response.
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 Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar has an MSRP of $2.99 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Everfree (EF) Cedar for $2.75.
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 sound characteristics of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch are defined by a bright and crisp profile, producing a high-pitched sound upon actuation. This makes them feel very responsive, as the clear auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch features a smooth and poppy sound profile, also contributing positively to the overall auditory experience. While both switches offer distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences, they both emphasize clearness and responsiveness, with the Chiikawa leaning towards the higher pitches and the Everfree providing a more rounded, poppy note.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is recognized for its very light actuation force, making typing effortless and enjoyable, which can lead to quicker, more fluid keystrokes. This lightness is particularly beneficial for users who prefer fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch is designed to offer smooth and reliable performance, ensuring a consistent typing experience without any distracting tactile bumps or resistance throughout the key travel. Both switches aim to provide a pleasant linear feel, but the Chiikawa's lighter actuation may be more appealing for those who prioritize quick response times.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switches each bring their own unique qualities to the table. The Chiikawa impresses with its bright sound and lighter actuation, making it excellent for high-speed typing, while the Everfree provides a satisfying poppy sound and smooth performance that many users find reliable. If you enjoy clear auditory feedback and effortless keystrokes, you will find satisfying results with either option, depending on personal preference for sound and actuation force.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar linear switch, it’s important to evaluate your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter touch with a medium-light bottom out force that results in a responsive feel and a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g may be your ideal choice. Its crisp sound and quick actuation can enhance typing speed and accuracy, making it suitable for fast-paced tasks or gaming. On the other hand, if you prioritize smoothness and a reliable performance, the Gateron Everfree (EF) Cedar is likely the better option for you. Known for its satisfying, poppy sound and even feel, it delivers consistent responsiveness with a design that capitalizes on Gateron’s established reliability. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on the experience you seek—be it the light, bright pop of the Chiikawa or the smooth, dependable flow of the Everfree Cedar.
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