Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your needs, two strong contenders are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver, both of which are linear switches but offer distinct experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is distinguished by its exceptionally light actuation force, resulting in an easily responsive typing experience, complemented by its bright, high-pitched sound profile that adds an engaging auditory element to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches are designed with gamers in mind, boasting a shorter travel distance of 3.4mm that enables rapid key presses—a feature that can enhance reaction times and game performance. Additionally, these switches offer a medium-high pitch sound, contributing a punchy auditory feedback while also being visually enhanced by RGB lighting. While the Chiikawa - 45g stands out for those seeking a light, crisp typing feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is tailored for gamers looking for speed and value. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm lengthened stainless steel spring
Housing materials
The housing materials used in the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches share a significant similarity in their top housing composition, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice results in a sound profile characterized by sharpness and a higher pitch, thanks to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances clarity and resonance. The translucency of this material not only contributes to the acoustic properties but also makes it particularly appealing for setups utilizing RGB lighting, since it allows the glow of the LEDs to shine through vividly. Consequently, users of either switch can anticipate a crisp auditory experience, bolstering the appeal for those seeking a vivid and interactive keyboard setup.
Conversely, the bottom housing of both switches features nylon, which diverges from the sonic characteristics provided by the polycarbonate top. Nylon is renowned for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience when typing. Its softer nature contributes to a more rounded feel, creating a contrast to the sharper sound profile established above by the polycarbonate. This combination of materials means that users will experience a distinct separation of sound profile elements: while the top housing offers clarity, the bottom housing enriches that experience with depth. Therefore, despite the difference in material, the overall auditory presentation of the switches harmonizes well due to this balanced interplay.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches utilize different materials for their bottom housings, the shared polycarbonate top housing ensures a consistently crisp high-end sound across both models. The nylon bottom housing in each switch contributes to a richer audio texture, allowing typists to enjoy both clarity and depth while typing. This synergy between the two different materials allows users to experience a well-rounded acoustic performance, making each switch an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate the nuances of sound in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for similar typing experiences in terms of how much force is needed to register a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Chiikawa at 51 grams and the G Pro 3.0 Silver at 50 grams. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch is marginally heavier at bottoming out, providing a tad more resistance when pressing keys down completely. Consequently, the Gateron switch, with its lighter overall feel, might be preferable for users seeking a more effortless typing experience, especially during long sessions. In contrast, those who enjoy the tactile feedback of a heavier bottom-out may lean towards the Chiikawa switch. Overall, while both switches offer the same actuation experience, their slight differences in bottom out force could cater to different user preferences regarding weight and feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option, providing a more substantial feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing or gaming experience. On the other hand, the G Pro 3.0 Silver, with its shorter travel distance, is likely to offer faster response times, making it an appealing choice for gamers who prioritize quick actuation. While both switches are suitable for various preferences, if you're seeking a more responsive feel, the G Pro 3.0 Silver may be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a deeper, more pronounced keystroke might gravitate towards the Chiikawa switch.
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 Silver has an MSRP of $3.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Silver for $3.27.
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 produces a bright and high-pitched audio profile, characterized by its crisp tone during typing. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy an engaging auditory experience while working or gaming. On the other hand, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switch offers a much different sound signature. These switches create a lower frequency output described as bassy or low-pitched, delivering a richer and more satisfying auditory feedback often referred to as "thocky." This distinct thock sound adds depth to keystrokes and is often preferred by users who appreciate a more resonant sound without the higher-pitched tones.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g’s characteristics remain unspecified, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison. However, the G Pro 3.0 Silver switch is noted for its buttery smoothness and creamy sensation, which provides a seamless and effortless keystroke experience. This makes for a uniform typing sensation that feels very enjoyable, especially during long gaming sessions or intensive typing tasks. The smooth operation of these switches is often enhanced by certain materials used in their construction, which aids in achieving this silky feel.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver switches cater to different auditory preferences—with the former emphasizing a bright sound and the latter a deeper, more thocky tone—they bring different experiences to the table. The feel of the Chiikawa is less defined, but the G Pro 3.0 Silver’s buttery and creamy typing sensation stands out. Ultimately, whether you prefer the high-pitched clarity of the Chiikawa or the satisfying depth of the G Pro, you can expect a nuanced experience from both switches depending on their sound and feel qualities.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming needs. If you are looking for a switch that offers a medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams and a bright, high-pitched sound profile that feels very responsive, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its unique characteristics are well-suited for those who prioritize a light actuation force and an engaging audio feedback during typing. On the other hand, if you are predominantly focused on gaming and crave the competitive edge provided by lightning-fast responsiveness, the G Pro 3.0 Silver is your ideal match. With its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams, shorter travel distance of 3.4mm, and a buttery feel combined with a low-pitched, thocky sound, this switch delivers an exhilarating experience that enhances both performance and enjoyment during intense gaming sessions. Ultimately, consider your preferences for typing or gaming, sound, and feel when making your decision, as each switch caters to different aspects of the keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
