Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Jwick Ginger Milk
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jwick Ginger Milk both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched typing experience. Conversely, the Jwick Ginger Milk stands out with its soft and pastel aesthetic, providing a silky smooth feel alongside a muted and snappy sound. While the Chiikawa is ideal for typists seeking a lively auditory feedback, the Ginger Milk appeals to those who favor a more subdued yet buttery typing experience. Both switches cater to distinct preferences, ensuring that every user can find their ideal match. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jwick Ginger Milk switches share similar housing materials, with both incorporating polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This parallels results in a distinctive audio profile for both switches, where the polycarbonate top contributes a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This effect is enhanced by the stiffness of polycarbonate, which promotes clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent quality of the polycarbonate is beneficial for those looking to utilize RGB lighting in their setups, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively, creating an attractive visual aesthetic.
In contrast, the influence of the nylon bottom housing in both switches introduces a different tonal quality. Nylon is noted for its softer characteristics, which tend to absorb sound more than the stiffer polycarbonate. Consequently, while the top housing contributes to an elevated sound profile, the nylon bottom provides a deeper and fuller sound. This divergence means that the acoustic experience is a blend of sharpness from the top housing and warmth from the bottom housing. As such, when typing on either switch, users will notice this harmonious balance, where the bottom-out sound tends to be rounder and more muffled, contrasting nicely with the crisp return sound elicited by the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, both the Chiikawa - 45g and Ginger Milk switches present users with a cohesive sound experience through their shared polycarbonate and nylon materials. Users can expect a combination of clear, resonant highs from the polycarbonate and a warm, subdued depth from the nylon. This duality creates an engaging typing sensation where each press yields a distinctive auditory feedback, aligning closely across both switches due to their identical material compositions. Therefore, keyboard enthusiasts can feel confident in the compatibility and sound profile consistency when considering either of these high-quality switches.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch exhibits a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This indicates that the Ginger Milk switch requires more force to activate and bottom out, resulting in a firmer typing experience, which may appeal to users who prefer a sturdier feel when typing. Thus, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for prolonged use, while the Ginger Milk's heavier force may favor those looking for a more resistant response when pressing keys. Overall, if both switches had the same actuation and bottom out forces, typists would experience similar keystroke results; however, given their differences, user preference will significantly influence the choice between them.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Chiikawa switch having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Ginger Milk switch at 3.7 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, while the Ginger Milk offers a slightly longer travel distance. For users who favor quicker response times, the Chiikawa switch may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, users who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing keys might lean towards the Ginger Milk switch, as its longer distance provides a heartier depth during use. Overall, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference regarding responsiveness versus a more pronounced key travel 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 Jwick Ginger Milk has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ginger Milk for $4.25.
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 produces a bright and crisp sound profile that is characterized by high-pitched tones. This auditory feedback can create an engaging typing experience, especially for those who appreciate a more vibrant sound while typing. On the other hand, the Jwick Ginger Milk switch has a more muted sound profile that is soft and pastel, offering a snappy yet neutral sound that can be less intrusive in quiet environments. The combination of the Chiikawa's bright sound and the Ginger Milk's more subdued qualities means that users can expect quite different auditory experiences, with the former catering to those who enjoy a pronounced sound and the latter appealing to those who prefer a quieter typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force. This feature makes it particularly responsive, allowing for quick typing with minimal effort. In contrast, the Ginger Milk switch is described as buttery, providing a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. This sensation offers a sense of seamlessness during typing, which can be comforting for extended writing sessions. The light touch of the Chiikawa switch promotes speed and agility, while the buttery feel of the Ginger Milk enhances overall comfort and ease. Users selecting between these switches will find that feel can mark a significant difference in their typing performance, with the Chiikawa favoring rapid responses and the Ginger Milk emphasizing a more relaxed typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch each bring unique qualities to the table. The Chiikawa's bright, high-pitched sound and light actuation create a responding and lively typing environment, perfect for users who enjoy auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Ginger Milk's muted sound and buttery feel cater to those who prefer smoothness and subtlety in their typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, each switch offers distinct advantages, and users can choose according to their desired typing ambiance and tactile experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jwick Ginger Milk linear switch largely hinges on your personal preferences regarding typing feel, sound, and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you value a light actuation force with a bright, crisp sound profile that resonates well during typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. This switch caters to those who prefer a more responsive feel and are likely to enjoy the energetic feedback while gaming or typing. Conversely, if you lean towards a heavier, more muted sound experience paired with a buttery smooth keystroke, the Ginger Milk would be more suitable. These switches deliver a soft and pastel-like feel that can be particularly enjoyable for long typing sessions, making them ideal for a quieter office or home setting where subtlety is appreciated. Ultimately, consider the type of tasks you'll be performing, the environment you'll be in, and your personal comfort with actuation force to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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