Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT F2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT F2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When navigating the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out for its notably light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many typists cherish for its responsiveness. In contrast, the KTT F2 switch carves out a unique niche with its distinct hollow sound signature, providing a more subtle auditory experience that is complemented by its medium-light activation force and lightly textured keystrokes. While the Chiikawa - 45g appeals to those who favor a bright and vibrant typing sound, the F2 caters to users seeking a balanced and nuanced feel with each press. Ultimately, both switches offer beneficial features for different preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT F2 both share a commonality in their top housing material, which is polycarbonate. Both switches benefit from the unique properties of polycarbonate, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate allows it to produce clear and resonant sounds, perfectly suited for users who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it effectively diffuses light and enhances the visual aesthetics of the keyboard. Since both switches employ the same material for their top housings, users can expect similar sound characteristics when typing, promoting a consistent experience across the two switches.
However, the bottom housing materials of the Chiikawa - 45g and KTT F2 diverge significantly, with the Chiikawa utilizing nylon and the F2 opting for polycarbonate. Nylon's distinctive softness allows it to create a deeper, fuller sound profile that absorbs more acoustical energy, contrasting greatly with the sharper, crisper resonance offered by polycarbonate. This fundamental difference means that the Chiikawa's bottom-out sound will be characterized by a rounder, more muted quality, while the KTT F2's sound will be more akin to the pronounced nature of its top housing. The choice of materials thus impacts the overall acoustic experience, contributing to unique auditory profiles for each switch despite other similarities.
Ultimately, the combination of these materials leads to different tactile and auditory sensations when pressing the switches. While the top housings produce similar high pitches due to their identical polycarbonate construction, the bottom housing materials introduce an extensive range of sound qualities and feels that reflect their distinct properties. The Chiikawa - 45g's nylon bottom softens the overall experience, leading to a more pleasant-sounding bottom-out, whereas the F2's polycarbonate maintains a more consistent sound profile throughout the keystroke. In essence, users might enjoy both switches for their high-pitched clarity, but will experience a dynamic contrast in depth and sound feedback that is shaped by the differing bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch, we see some similarities and differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams, while the F2's is at 43 grams, making the KTT F2 the lighter switch in terms of actuation force. However, both switches exhibit relatively close bottom out forces, with the Chiikawa at 51 grams and the F2 at 53 grams. This means that although the KTT F2 is easier to press initially, both switches yield a similar experience in terms of bottoming out. Both switches fall into the medium-light category, making them suitable for users looking for longer typing sessions without excessive fatigue. Ultimately, the choice may come down to the preference for slightly lighter initial actuation with the F2 versus the more pronounced feel of the Chiikawa due to its slightly stronger actuation force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT F2 linear switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference in travel distance may affect the overall typing experience, with the Chiikawa providing a more pronounced depth that some users might find satisfying. In contrast, the F2's shorter travel distance can cater to those who favor quicker responses, such as gamers seeking rapid key presses. Overall, the Chiikawa's travel distance is slightly longer, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feedback with each keystroke, while the KTT F2 may be better suited for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming 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 KTT F2 comes in at $3.90 per 10 switches.
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 Chiikawa - 45g switch delivers a bright and crisp auditory experience, characterized by a high-pitched sound profile that enhances the sensation of each keystroke. This light actuation force contributes to its responsiveness, resulting in an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the KTT F2 switch presents a distinctive hollow sound signature, offering a more subdued auditory output while still being well-suited for various environments whether at home or work. This nuanced sound makes the F2 less intrusive and allows for a more approachable interaction, making it a versatile option for users who may prefer a more muted auditory response.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is notably lightweight, imparting a very light touch that is perfect for those seeking swift, effortless keystrokes. Although detailed descriptions of its tactile feedback are not specified, the overall impression is that it’s designed to promote minimal finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The KTT F2, on the other hand, offers a feather-light, mild, and subtle typing experience. With its gentle resistance, this switch balances between comfort and tactile feedback, allowing users to enjoy a mildly textured feeling without any significant effort. The F2’s light actuation force also helps minimize strain, making it suitable for long hours of use, whether for gaming, studying, or work.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT F2 linear switches provide unique and comfortable typing experiences, but they cater to different auditory preferences and tactile sensations. The Chiikawa focuses on a bright, crisp sound with an exceptionally light feel, while the KTT F2 incorporates a subtler, hollow sound combined with a feathery, mild touch. Ultimately, if you are in search of a responsive and engaging typing experience, either switch will yield satisfying results, but your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback or a subdued sound with gentle tactile nuances.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT F2 linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel, as well as the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a switch that offers a lighter actuation force along with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is ideal for you, especially if you enjoy a bright, responsive typing experience. This makes it a great choice for high-speed typing or gaming sessions where quick responses are essential. On the other hand, if you're in search of a more subdued audio profile with a lightly textured feel, the KTT F2 will be your best bet. Its neutral and dampened sound signature, combined with a mildly feathery actuation force, provides a comfortable typing experience that is less likely to disrupt those around you, making it suitable for shared offices or quieter environments. Therefore, consider how you intend to use your keyboard and what tactile and auditory sensations matter most to you when making your selection.
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