Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Flaming Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flaming Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flaming Pink, both linear switches offer distinct advantages tailored to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for users who prefer a nimble and responsive typing experience. Its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched feedback contribute to a lively feel that many typists and gamers may find appealing. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink provides a smooth and silky actuation, offering a premium feel that strikes a balance between responsiveness and a satisfying bottom-out sound. Its clacky yet not overly loud audio signature enhances the gaming experience while remaining suitable for everyday typing. While both switches cater to linear preferences, their unique auditory and tactile characteristics may sway your decision based on your personal taste and usage needs. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you best.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
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
24mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flaming Pink exhibit a strong resemblance in their sound profiles due to the shared materials used for their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for the upper housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate allows for a clear and resonant sound that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a lively typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also effectively showcases RGB lighting, making both switches a popular choice for gamers and typists who appreciate vibrant illumination in their setups.
While the top housings of both switches are identical in material and performance characteristics, the bottom housings contrast significantly, yet contribute to a well-rounded auditory experience. Each switch features a nylon bottom housing, which is characterized by its softer composition. This material absorbs sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. Consequently, while pressing down on either switch will elicit the deeper tones associated with the nylon housing, the unique qualities of the polycarbonate top will shine through during the release of the key, leading to a mixed sound profile that balances both clarity and warmth.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms in both the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flaming Pink demonstrates how the interplay of materials can yield a nuanced auditory experience. Since both switches share the same materials in their respective housings, users can expect a consistent level of performance in terms of sound clarity on key presses. However, the contrasting materials create an engaging sound dynamic, where the polycarbonate offers a crisp top-end while the nylon provides a rich, full-bodied bottom-end, together resulting in a cohesive and satisfying typing experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Flaming Pink switch exhibits a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, positioning it as a light option. This means that those who prefer lighter switches for longer typing or gaming sessions might gravitate toward the Flaming Pink, as it is easier to actuate. Conversely, users who enjoy a stronger push feel may find the Chiikawa switch more satisfying with its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. While both switches function similarly in terms of actuation and bottom out methods, the Flaming Pink offers a slightly lighter experience overall, making it the preferred choice for users prioritizing reduced finger fatigue.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning they offer the same distance when pressed down. This similarity allows for a consistent typing experience, as users will feel the same key response with both switches. Since both switches have identical travel distances, enthusiasts looking for uniformity in their keyboard setup will enjoy similar results when using these switches, regardless of which one they choose.
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 Flaming Pink has an MSRP of $4.29 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Pink for $4.00.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise when typing. This makes it quite distinct, as the sound can be described as lively and engaging, contributing to a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch delivers a slightly different auditory experience with a bright yet not overly loud sound profile. It produces a satisfying bottom-out sound that is more subtle compared to the Chiikawa, allowing for a pleasant typing environment without being disruptive. The Flaming Pink is described as having a clacky quality, offering a sharp and snappy sound that can be crisp and percussive, making it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing.
When focusing on feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is noted for its very light actuation force, which enhances the responsiveness of each keystroke. This lightweight nature contributes to a sense of agility, allowing for quick and effortless typing, ideal for those who prefer a more nimble response from their switches. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch is described as having a silky feel, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience. This quality minimizes resistance during key presses and releases, creating a fluid motion that many typists find satisfying. While both switches provide enjoyable tactile experiences, the Chiikawa emphasizes a lighter, more responsive action, while the Flaming Pink focuses on smoothness.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and TTC Flaming Pink linear switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa shines with its bright sound and very light feel, ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience, while the Flaming Pink combines a smooth tactile sensation with a balanced auditory feedback that appeals to a wider range of users, especially in both gaming and everyday typing situations. Ultimately, each switch provides unique characteristics, but users can expect satisfying results depending on their personal preferences concerning sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Pink linear switch, you should consider your personal typing preferences and the specific use cases. If you favor a lighter touch with an extremely responsive feel and an engaging bright sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the perfect choice for you. Its lighter actuation force and crisp sound make it an excellent option for typists who enjoy a more tactile, fast-paced feel in their keystrokes, especially for tasks demanding rapid inputs. Conversely, if you're looking for a smooth and silky typing experience complemented by a refined balance of sound and feel, you might prefer the TTC Flaming Pink. With its slightly higher bottom-out force and luxurious, satisfying feedback, it caters well to both day-to-day typing and gaming needs, providing a comfortable feel that facilitates extended use. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual typing style and preferences, whether you seek the invigorating lightness of the Chiikawa or the premium smoothness of the Flaming Pink.