Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Flame Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flame Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, understanding the nuances of different options can significantly enhance your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out with its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a responsive and crisp typing experience that many users find delightfully engaging. Its lightweight nature makes it particularly appealing for those who favor fast-paced typing or gaming. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switches not only offer a visually stunning design with their dazzling light diffuser, ideal for backlit and RGB setups, but they also provide a weighty smoothness accompanied by a clacky sound profile that some users prefer for its satisfying auditory feedback. While the Chiikawa - 45g excels in lightness and brightness, the Flame Red switches appeal through their aesthetics and tactile enjoyment. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
54g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24.5mm long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flame Red differ significantly in their choice of top housing materials, which ultimately shapes their sound profiles during use. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound. This higher-pitched resonance arises from polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for clearer and more pronounced sound characteristics. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is integrated, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize aesthetics alongside performance. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red opts for a nylon top housing, which contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. The inherently softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience that many users may find warmer and richer, albeit less bright than its polycarbonate counterpart.
Interestingly, both the Chiikawa and the Flame Red share nylon for their bottom housing, which serves to create a deeper sound profile regardless of the differences observed in their top housings. The nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, providing a consistent base that enhances tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Consequently, while the top housings define the immediate auditory experience when releasing keys, the nylon bottom allows both switches to produce a fuller sound signature upon bottoming out. This shared material can create a remarkable level of uniformity in the tactile aspect of both switches, providing a similar sense of stability and depth when pressed.
Overall, the contrasting top housing materials of the Chiikawa - 45g and TTC Flame Red add unique flavors to their overall sound profiles during operation, while the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a measure of compatibility in experience. Users who prioritize sound clarity and brightness may gravitate towards the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top, while those fond of deeper and warmer tones may prefer the nylon top of the Flame Red. Nevertheless, both switches can deliver a satisfying auditory experience, as their nylon bottoms help retain a semblance of richness and depth in sound that characterizes both products similarly when pressed down. Thus, while the top housings define the key release sound, the nylon bottom ensures that users will appreciate a comfortable typing experience across both switch types.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, both exhibit identical actuation forces, each requiring 45 grams to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable responsiveness when pressing the keys. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Chiikawa switch bottoming out at 51 grams and the Flame Red reaching 54 grams. This makes the Chiikawa the lighter option overall, providing a slightly softer experience at the bottom of the keystroke, whereas the Flame Red gives a firmer feel. Users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing sessions may favor the Chiikawa, while those seeking a more substantial typing experience would potentially lean towards the Flame Red due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch, it's evident that they differ in performance characteristics. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Flame Red switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that users who favor the Chiikawa switch may experience quicker response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking a more responsive keypress. On the other hand, the Flame Red's longer travel distance could provide a more pronounced tactile feel, which some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. Thus, if you opt for the Chiikawa switch, you'll benefit from shorter travel, whereas the TTC Flame Red will deliver a more ample depth during key presses.
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 TTC Flame Red has an MSRP of $7.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flame Red for $4.38.
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 switch stands out with its bright and crisp audio profile, which contributes to a high-pitched sound when typing. This characteristic offers an engaging and peppy auditory experience, making each keystroke feel lively. In contrast, the TTC Flame Red switch features a more neutral sound profile that strikes a balance between moderate actuation and sound output. While not specifically clacky, the Flame Red's sound is described as approachable for most users, making it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Both switches exhibit distinct sound qualities, and the overall acoustic experience can vary significantly based on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, leading to a notably responsive typing experience. This allows for quick and effortless keystrokes, enhancing the overall efficiency while typing. On the other hand, the Flame Red linear switch provides a mild feel, ensuring a more gentle typing experience. Combined with its polished finish, the Flame Red offers smooth key travel and reduced friction, creating a refined sensation as users type. While both switches cater to different preferences, the Chiikawa’s lightness contrasts with the Flame Red's smooth and mild characteristics, resulting in distinct tactile experiences.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch excels in delivering a bright audio profile and a very light, responsive feel, the TTC Flame Red linear switch provides a neutral sound with a mild and polished typing experience. Each switch has its unique traits that cater to different user preferences, whether you prioritize a lively sound or a smooth typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prefer the crisp, bright tones of the Chiikawa or the more balanced approach of the Flame Red, as both switches can offer enjoyable typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flame Red linear switch ultimately comes down to your preferences regarding sound, feel, and visual appeal. If you value a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is likely the better option for you. Its medium-light force of 51 grams makes it exceptionally responsive, making each keystroke feel light and fluid, perfect for fast typing or gaming where speed is essential. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a more polished and mild typing experience that balances performance with a neutral sound profile, the TTC Flame Red is an excellent choice. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 54 grams, it provides a satisfying weight during key presses, making it suitable for both casual use and professional environments. Additionally, if aesthetics matter to you, the visually striking design of the Flame Red switches will complement any RGB setup beautifully. Overall, your decision should align with your specific needs and preferences in typing feel and sound, ensuring a delightful mechanical keyboard experience.
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