Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko Fairy
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Fairy switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Fairy present two attractive options that cater to different preferences and environments. The Chiikawa switch is known for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a highly responsive experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound that makes typing both lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Akko Fairy offers a refined touch, enhanced by factory-applied lubrication that ensures a smooth keystroke, ideal for office settings where a quieter typing experience is desired. Its medium weight provides a perfect balance, allowing for a satisfying press without excessive fatigue during prolonged use. These features make the Chiikawa great for those who enjoy a dynamic and lively typing experience, while the Fairy is better suited for professionals seeking comfort and subtlety in a work environment. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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
17mm stainless steel spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Fairy, we immediately notice a distinction in the top housing materials. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate, known for its stiffer structure which creates a sharper, crisper sound profile. This characteristic not only contributes to the overall auditory experience but also enhances the RGB lighting effects due to the material’s translucency. In contrast, the Akko Fairy features a nylon top housing, recognized for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer, sound-absorbing nature. The differing materials significantly influence the two switches’ auditory qualities during gameplay or typing, as the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa will lend a brighter, more resonant tone, while the nylon top of the Fairy will deliver a rounder, warmer sound.
When we examine the bottom housing of both switches, however, we find that they share the same material: nylon. The nylon composition in the bottom housing contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile, helping to dampen noise and absorb vibrations. Therefore, when a user types on either switch, they will experience a similar bottom-out feel and sound. Since both switches leverage nylon in their lower housing, the impact on the bottom-out sound will remain consistent, regardless of the variation in the top housing material. Hence, the experience of bottoming out and the resulting auditory feedback will be notably similar between these two models.
In essence, the difference in the top housing materials serves to distinguish the auditory characteristics of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Fairy, but the shared nylon bottom housing means that the fundamental sound and feel upon actuation remain akin between the switches. A user can expect a lively auditory experience from the Chiikawa with the polycarbonate top, while enjoying the comforting fullness of the Fairy due to its nylon top - both of which will result in a satisfying and nuanced typing experience thanks to the consistent attributes of the nylon bottom housing. Ultimately, this comparison highlights how different materials can converge to provide complementary experiences in mechanical switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 45g features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended periods of use. In contrast, the Akko Fairy has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, catering to users who enjoy a more substantial push feel. Regarding bottom out forces, the Chiikawa - 45g has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Fairy's bottom out force is heavier at 60 grams. Consequently, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter option overall, making it ideal for those who favor a softer touch, whereas the Akko Fairy, with its heavier forces, provides a firmer typing experience for users who prefer more resistance in their keys.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Fairy switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Akko Fairy the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers and users who prefer faster response times for more immediate feedback during key presses. Conversely, the Chiikawa’s 3.6 mm travel distance offers a bit more depth, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile experience when typing. Thus, while both switches provide similar functionalities, the choice between them largely depends on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth.
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 Akko Fairy has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Fairy for $3.10.
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 linear switch delivers a bright and crisp auditory experience, characterized by a high-pitched tone that tends to stand out. This makes it particularly engaging for users who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the Akko Fairy switch offers a more muted sound profile, designed to minimize noise, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces. With a softer and more neutral sound, the Fairy is likely less distracting to those around it, aligning well with a quieter work atmosphere.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is recognized for its very light actuation force which makes it feel extremely responsive and effortless to type on. This can be particularly enjoyable for fast typists or gamers looking for rapid keystrokes. Meanwhile, the Akko Fairy switch provides a more balanced typing experience. It offers mild resistance—sufficient for tactile satisfaction without causing fatigue—while the subtle nature of its feel keeps it approachable. Both switches can cater to different preferences, but the Chiikawa tends toward a lighter, more exhilarating touch, while the Fairy leans towards a gentle yet stable typing experience.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound and very light actuation, creating a lively and responsive typing environment. Meanwhile, the Akko Fairy linear switch excels in providing a muted sound and a well-balanced feel that is ideal for longer typing sessions in shared spaces. Users seeking an engaging, auditory typing experience might prefer the Chiikawa, while those who prioritize a quieter, smoother key feel for professional use would likely find the Fairy more to their liking. Both switches serve distinctive purposes and cater to varying preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Fairy linear switch, consider your specific typing environment and preferences. If you prioritize a light, responsive feel with a crisp, high-pitched sound that makes typing particularly enjoyable and engaging, then the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy the tactile feedback of lighter switches. This switch shines in gaming or casual use where speed and sound can enhance your experience. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that provides a more balanced tactile experience for longer typing sessions, the Akko Fairy is a better fit. With its medium bottom-out force and factory-applied lubrication, it offers a smooth and muted sound profile, making it ideal for office settings or shared environments where noise reduction is preferable. Ultimately, the Chiikawa - 45g is perfect for those seeking an expressive typing experience, while the Akko Fairy caters to those who require comfort and subtlety throughout extended periods of use.
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