Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Glory Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Glory Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Glory Red present two attractive options for enthusiasts seeking a linear typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its notably light actuation force of 45g and its bright sound profile, providing a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback with each keystroke, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and sound clarity. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red distinguishes itself in the Glory lineup as the lighter switch, offering a smooth keystroke with a satisfying travel distance, perfect for users who value a fluid typing experience without the auditory distractions. Both switches cater to different preferences—the Chiikawa's lightweight and vibrant sound appealing to those who enjoy an engaging auditory experience, while the Glory Red’s smoothness is ideal for users looking for a comfortable and uninterrupted typing flow. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Glory Red switches, a key distinction lies in the choice of materials for their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This characteristic is largely a result of polycarbonate's stiffer composition that allows for clearer and more resonant audio feedback. The translucency of polycarbonate also enhances aesthetic aspects, particularly when RGB lighting is involved, thereby making the switch visually appealing. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Red employs nylon as its top housing material, which results in a sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The softer nature of nylon allows it to absorb sound more effectively, producing a duller and rounder audio experience. This fundamental difference in material translates into distinct auditory sensations when typing on each switch.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals an intriguing similarity. Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Glory Red use nylon for their bottom housings, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile as well. The softer quality of nylon allows for sound absorption, resulting in a more subdued bottom-out sound during keystrokes. This shared material in the bottom housing means that the impact of the softer nylon will be felt similarly in both switches, offering users an experience characterized by sound dampening and a rounder acoustic output. Thus, while the Chiikawa - 45g's top housing promotes a crisper sound and the Glory Red's top housing lends to a fuller sound profile, the bottom housing ensures that both switches maintain a degree of auditory consistency.
Overall, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings of these switches ultimately shapes the typing experience. The contrasting characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon in the top housings lead to unique sound profiles that appeal to different preferences. Simultaneously, the shared nylon bottoms serve to unify the auditory experiences of both switches, providing an expected depth and richness to the typing sound that resonates with users. Therefore, while the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Glory Red may offer divergent auditory sensations due to their top housings, the overall feel can be somewhat similar due to the nylon bottom's sound absorption characteristics, allowing users to enjoy an engaging typing experience that marries both sharpness and fullness.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two. The Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating a medium-light feel that may be favored by users looking for a balance between comfort and feedback during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Glory Red switch is unknown, leaving its pushing resistance at full depression unclear. Consequently, while both switches provide the same actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g is the heavier option due to its defined bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer feel. If the Gateron Glory Red were to have a bottom out force, one could potentially find itself preferring the tactile experience similar to the Chiikawa, but the lack of data leaves open the possibility of an even lighter or differently weighted action.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect a comparable tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of devices equipped with either switch. As a result, if you switch between keyboards using these two types, you are likely to notice similar typing feel and performance due to their equal travel distance.
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 Glory Red has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Glory Red for $4.19.
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 a bright sound profile, generating a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience with its notable responsiveness. This lively audio feedback can make typing feel more engaging and satisfying. Conversely, the Gateron Glory Red switch is noted for its smooth keystroke and pleasing travel distance, which usually translates to a quieter and more subdued auditory feedback. While both switches provide a unique sound profile conducive to different preferences, the Chiikawa may appeal more to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response, whereas the Glory Red focuses on a softer, smoother sound.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and easy to press, thus suitable for fast typists and those who prefer a light touch. This can lead to an effortless typing experience, allowing users to type quickly without significant fatigue. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Red switch is praised for its smooth keystroke that provides a comfortable typing experience with an enjoyable travel distance, which can be particularly pleasing for longer typing sessions. While both switches aim to deliver a pleasurable feel, the Chiikawa leans towards a lighter touch, whereas the Glory Red offers a balance of smoothness and tactile satisfaction.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Glory Red linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright, responsive sound and very light actuation, making it ideal for users who favor a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Glory Red provides a more subdued sound with a smooth feel that could enhance comfort during extended typing sessions. Ultimately, selecting between the two will depend on whether you prioritize the engaging auditory feedback of the Chiikawa or the smooth and pleasing keystroke of the Glory Red.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Red linear switch, your personal typing preferences and intended use should guide your choice. If you prefer a switch with a bright sound profile and value a light actuation force that enhances responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option, especially for typing tasks that require precision and speed. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams strikes a good balance, making it suitable for prolonged typing sessions without excessive finger fatigue. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth keystroke with a comfortable travel distance that enhances the overall typing experience, the Gateron Glory Red is a strong contender. Although its bottom-out force is unspecified, its reputation for a pleasant feel and effortless keystrokes makes it a great choice for those who prioritize a cushy typing experience, whether for gaming or casual use. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you lean towards a tactile, responsive feel with a bright sound or a smooth, immersive typing experience.
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