Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown showcases two distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, creating a highly responsive and crisp typing experience that many users appreciate, especially for fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a tactile experience with a subtle bump, striking a balance between feedback and flow, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a mild tactile sensation while still benefiting from satisfying auditory feedback. Additionally, the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a frosted light diffuser that enhances RGB lighting, adding an appealing visual aspect to your setup. While both switches have their unique advantages—whether you prefer the expressive sound and lightweight feel of the Chiikawa or the gentle tactile feedback of the G Pro 3.0—each can significantly enhance your typing or gaming experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
Standard
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
20.5mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown utilize polycarbonate as their top housing material, which leads to notably similar sound profiles in terms of clarity and pitch. This shared choice of polycarbonate yields a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound characteristic across both switches. Notably, the translucency of polycarbonate not only highlights the aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is employed, but also reinforces the resonant sound qualities associated with this material. As a result, users can expect comparable auditory experiences from both switches when typing, showcasing the effectiveness of polycarbonate in enhancing sound projection and clarity.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches employs nylon, a classic switch material known for its distinctive acoustic properties. Nylon is relatively softer and absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, thereby contributing to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This characteristic is consistent across both the Chiikawa - 45g and the G Pro 3.0 Brown, meaning that typing on either switch will evoke a rounder, more muted sound upon key bottoming out. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches provides a harmonious blend of sound qualities—while the top housing crisps up the release sound, the nylon bottom ensures a punchy and soft bottom-out experience.
Ultimately, the dual housing configurations of the Chiikawa - 45g and G Pro 3.0 Brown provide a comprehensive auditory and tactile experience that reflects the unique properties of each material. Both switches leverage the sharpness of polycarbonate in the top housing and the fullness of nylon in the bottom housing, resulting in a well-rounded keypress sound profile. Users can anticipate that the happenings of the keystrokes will feel similarly distinct despite the different model names, thanks to these shared material characteristics. Consequently, both switches cater effectively to users who prioritize a nuanced auditory experience while typing.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch exhibit distinct characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, positioning it as a medium-light option, ideal for users seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the G Pro 3.0 Brown demands a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing feel. Thus, while the Chiikawa switch provides a softer and easier key press experience, the G Pro 3.0 Brown offers a firmer resistance that may be beneficial for users who appreciate tactile feedback and a heavier typing sensation. Overall, those who opt for the lighter Chiikawa will experience less fatigue over time, whereas users who lean towards the heavier G Pro may enjoy a more deliberate and satisfying key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch, the differences are quite distinct. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the G Pro 3.0 Brown features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster response times and may be favored by gamers seeking quick keystrokes. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Brown, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Therefore, if you appreciate faster responsiveness, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, whereas those who value a deeper and more pronounced keystroke may opt for the G Pro 3.0 Brown.
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 Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Brown for $2.77.
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 is noted for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone that is particularly striking during typing. This auditory signature can add a lively element to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown switch emits a medium-high pitch that offers a satisfying auditory feedback without overwhelming your typing flow. Its subtle sound allows for a pleasant balance that complements its tactile nature, ensuring that each keystroke is accompanied by gentle but noticeable an auditory response. While both switches provide distinct auditory experiences, the Chiikawa's bright, high-pitched tone contrasts with the G Pro Brown's more subdued but satisfying sound.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press. This can lead to a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended sessions. Conversely, the G Pro 3.0 Brown defines itself with an easy-to-press nature that requires minimal force, alongside a mild tactile bump that provides a gentle feedback without being harsh. This makes it suitable for users seeking a laid-back typing experience with a hint of tactile presence. The stepped nature of the Brown switch allows for a subtle differentiation during key presses, making it approachable for users who may not want an overly strong tactile sensation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright and high-pitched sound, combined with an ultra-light actuation for a very responsive typing experience. Conversely, the G Pro Brown offers a medium-high pitch sound with a satisfying tactile bump, providing a more moderate and gentle tactile feel. Both types prioritize a comfortable typing experience, but the specifics of their sound and tactile feedback create unique niches for each. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether you prefer the responsive linear feel of the Chiikawa or the balanced tactility and sound of the G Pro Brown.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Brown tactile switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a light and responsive feel with minimal resistance, the Chiikawa switch could be a perfect fit, particularly for fast-paced typing or gaming where quick key presses are essential. Its bright sound profile and crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback can enhance the overall typing experience, making it lively and engaging. On the other hand, if you prefer a more balanced tactile sensation with a satisfying, gentle bump that guides your fingers without being distracting, the G Pro 3.0 Brown would be more suitable. This switch offers a reliable medium actuation force and serves those who enjoy a comfortable typing experience over extended periods while still benefiting from a pleasing auditory feedback. In summary, consider your typing habits, sound preferences, and whether you lean toward a lighter touch or a more tactile response when selecting between these two excellent switches.
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