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Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Flaming Purple

An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flaming Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flaming Purple presents distinct advantages rooted in their unique sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force and bright, crisp sound, which makes it exceptionally responsive for those who favor a quick and lively typing experience. This switch caters well to users who prefer a high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple offers a more resonant sound characterized by a subtle bassy undertone, providing a different auditory charm with its poppy undertones. With a slightly heavier bottom-out force of 47g, the Flaming Purple delivers a smooth and silky feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a lush typing sensation. Both switches cater to the needs of typists but do so in notably different ways, making each a worthy contender depending on personal preference. 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

42g

Bottom-out force

51g

Bottom-out force

47g

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

POK

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Top housing material

Polycarbonate

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Bottom housing material

Nylon

Mount type

PCB (5-pin)

Mount type

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

22mm single-stage spring

Spring

23mm single-stage spring

Housing materials

Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Flaming Purple utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which ensures both switches deliver a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity stems from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that resonates sound more effectively than other materials. The transparency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches, making them particularly compatible with RGB lighting setups. As a result, users can expect a visually striking display along with the auditory clarity provided by the polycarbonate top housing in both switches.

In terms of the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Flaming Purple feature nylon, a classic material known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is softer than polycarbonate, it absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This shared characteristic means that both switches will deliver a satisfying typing experience, emphasizing the softer, deeper tones during keypresses. Thus, while the top housing contributes to the clarity and brightness of the sound, the nylon bottom housing ensures a warm and rich auditory foundation in both switches.

When evaluating the overall sound and feel of the two switches, it’s apparent that their combinations of housing materials yield very similar results. The polycarbonate top housing provides brightness and clarity on release, while the nylon bottom housing contributes depth and fullness during activation. Consequently, users can expect that regardless of whether they choose the Chiikawa - 45g or the TTC Flaming Purple, they will experience a harmonious blend of sound qualities that balances sharper tones with deeper ones, leading to a consistently enjoyable typing experience across both models.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Flaming Purple switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 47 grams, making it a light switch overall. Users who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing sessions may gravitate towards the Flaming Purple switch, as its lower actuation force can reduce finger fatigue. Conversely, those seeking a more substantial typing experience may find the Chiikawa switch’s heavier forces more satisfying. While the bottom out forces of both switches are different, the increase from their respective actuation forces reflects a consistent experience of resistance before fully pressing down. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the heavier option, while the Flaming Purple is lighter, catering to different user preferences in typing feel and fatigue management.

Travel distance

The travel distance for both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch is identical, measuring 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance, resulting in similar tactile feedback and performance during use. Since both switches share this travel distance, users can expect a comparable key feel, making either option suitable for those who prefer a consistent typing 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 TTC Flaming Purple has an MSRP of $8.30 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Flaming Purple for $4.30.

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 switch is characterized by its bright and crisp auditory profile. When typing, it produces a high-pitched sound that enhances responsiveness, giving a lively feel to each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Flaming Purple switch cultivates a more resonant and bass-tinged sound signature, leaning towards a deeper, low-pitched tone while still maintaining clarity. Its unique aural quality includes a poppy undertone, offering an engaging auditory experience that differentiates it from more neutral switch sounds. This variance in sound profiles makes each switch appealing for different auditory preferences, whether one favors the bright and lively sound of the Chiikawa or the richer and more engaging sound of the Flaming Purple.

Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its very light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive key presses. However, specific characteristics of the Chiikawa’s tactile feedback are not explicitly defined. On the other hand, the TTC Flaming Purple switch is celebrated for its feathery and easy-to-press nature, ensuring that minimal effort is required to actuate any key—this leads to a remarkably smooth typist experience. Additionally, the Flaming Purple features a silky feel that minimizes resistance, enhancing overall comfort during extended use. Both switches are designed to reduce finger fatigue, though the distinct qualities of the Flaming Purple are more pronounced in terms of tactile smoothness.

In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch present unique yet attractive choices for keyboard enthusiasts. The Chiikawa offers a bright auditory experience with its light actuation, while the Flaming Purple boasts a resonant sound alongside an incredibly smooth and effortless typing feel. Ultimately, while both switch types are engineered for responsiveness and comfort, the choice between these two would largely come down to personal preference regarding sound and tactile experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Flaming Purple linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended use. If you prefer a switch that offers a brighter, more responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option for you, especially if you enjoy a tactile feedback that allows for quick actuation and is suitable for both gaming and typing tasks. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that provides effortless keystrokes with a softer sound profile and a more resonant character, the TTC Flaming Purple is the way to go. Its light 47g bottom-out force combined with a deeper, bassy audio signature makes it an attractive choice for long typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue and enhancing comfort. In essence, both switches have their unique strengths, so consider your typing style and sound preferences to choose the one that feels right for you.

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