Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the type of switch can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options to consider are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch that boasts a light 45g actuation force, providing a responsive feel perfect for fast typists and gamers who appreciate the absence of tactile feedback. Its bright sound profile adds an engaging auditory element, making each keystroke feel lively and crisp. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish stands out as a tactile switch with a medium weight, designed to deliver an intuitive experience for typists who prefer a noticeable bump at the actuation point. Its neutral sound signature and approachable price point make it a solid choice for those looking to balance performance with comfort. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa offers a swift and airy typing experience, the EverFree caters to those who enjoy tactile feedback, taking their typing precision to new heights. 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
59g
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
3.40 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
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish exhibit notable similarities, particularly in their top housing compositions. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material creates a clear and resonant sound, enhanced further by the translucency of polycarbonate, making both switches an excellent choice for setups featuring RGB lighting. Consequently, users can expect similar auditory results when comparing the two switches, especially in terms of sound clarity and responsiveness during typing.
Conversely, the bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish diversify the sound profiles produced by these switches. Both utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which is known for its softer characteristics. This softness leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile as the nylon material effectively absorbs sound, yielding a rounder auditory experience when keys are pressed. As a result, while both switches share the same top housing material, the contrasting materials in the bottom housings contribute to a unique typing experience that emphasizes the impact of the bottom-out sound, thus differentiating the overall acoustic signature of each switch.
When considering the combined effects of the housing materials, it becomes clear that users will experience a blend of qualities from both the top and bottom housings in each switch. The polycarbonate top housing of both switches will ensure a crisp and lively sound when releasing the key, while the nylon bottom housing fosters a deeper sound upon bottoming out. Thus, even with the shared elements, the distinct auditory characteristics shaped by the housing materials provide a rich and varied typing experience across both models. This interchangeability allows users to choose based on their preference for sound and feel while enjoying compatible benefits of similar materials in their keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a relatively light actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to trigger each keystroke. In contrast, the EverFree Grayish switch has a heavier actuation force of 59 grams, indicating a more substantial push feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. However, the bottom out force of the EverFree switch is unknown, leaving an incomplete comparison in that regard. Overall, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter option, catering to those who favor a lighter switch, while the EverFree is heavier, appealing to users who seek a more pronounced resistance when typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch, we find that they differ slightly. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the EverFree switch measures at 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option, offering a deeper feel when pressed, which can be more satisfying for those who enjoy a heartier key press. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the EverFree switch caters more to gamers and users who prioritize rapid response times. Those who prefer a quick and snappy action may find the EverFree's 3.4 mm travel distance more suitable, while users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback may lean towards the Chiikawa switch for its longer travel.
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) Grayish 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) Grayish for $2.69.
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 switches are celebrated for their bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched tone that adds a lively character to each keystroke. This characteristic makes them particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches offer a more neutral sound signature. Their moderate sound level makes them versatile, fitting well in both home and work environments without being disruptive. While the Chiikawa is likely to attract those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience, the EverFree appeals to those who prefer a quieter typing experience with subtle sound.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switches are designed to be very light and responsive, allowing for quick actuation and a smooth typing experience. They excel in situations that require rapid key presses and provide a satisfying sensation with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish switches are categorized as stepped and snappy. This means that users can expect a mild tactile bump with two distinct stages throughout the keystroke, offering a nuanced typing experience that allows for both pre-travel and post-travel sensations. The snappiness of the EverFree enhances the overall responsiveness, making it suitable for a variety of tasks, including both typing and gaming.
In summary, while both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, they each excel in their respective niches. The Chiikawa - 45g provides a bright and responsive typing experience, making it a go-to for those seeking a quick, lively feedback. Meanwhile, the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish strikes a balance with its neutral sound and pleasant tactile feedback, appealing to a wider audience from beginners to more experienced typists. Both switches will deliver enjoyable typing experiences, though the Chiikawa may be better suited for users who prioritize audio feedback, while the EverFree excels in versatility and tactile engagement.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron EverFree (EF) Grayish tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and the context in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a crisp, highly responsive typing experience with a lighter actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its bright sound profile and medium-light bottom-out force provide an energizing experience, making it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced, tactile feedback with a neutral sound signature, the EverFree (EF) Grayish is likely your best bet. Its gently stepped tactile feel allows for a satisfying typing experience without being overly pronounced, which is suitable for both work environments and casual use. Ultimately, consider your personal typing style, noise sensitivity, and whether you appreciate the nuance of tactility or the smoothness of linear switches when making your decision.
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