Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Glory Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Glory Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Glory Yellow offer distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it exceptionally responsive and enjoyable for those who prefer a quicker, more tactile feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow, being the heavier switch of the Glory lineup, provides a smooth, consistent typing experience with a longer travel distance, which can be particularly appealing for users who appreciate a solid, deliberate feel while typing. Both switches have their merits: the Chiikawa for its agility and sharp acoustics, and the Glory Yellow for its satisfying weight and fluid motion. 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
N/A
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
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Glory Yellow switches exhibit contrasting characteristics in terms of their top housing materials, which significantly influence their sound profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow employs a nylon top housing, characterized by a softness that imparts a deeper, fuller sound profile. This difference in material results in the Chiikawa providing a more articulate auditory response, while the Glory Yellow offers a sound that is warmer and more subdued.
When we shift our attention to the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Glory Yellow utilize nylon, which brings a similar tone to the typing experience. This shared material choice means that, regardless of the differences in their top housings, both switches will deliver a noticeably deeper and fuller sound due to the dampening qualities of nylon. The bottom housing's ability to absorb sound effectively means that the overall auditory experience for both switches will exhibit a somewhat harmonious depth, allowing for a satisfying typing experience with both options.
Overall, the differences in the top housings delineate how each switch will perform in terms of sound and feel, while their similar nylon bottom housing characteristics create a bridge between the two. Users can anticipate a unique auditory experience when bottoming out each switch due to the nylon material's impact on sound absorption while appreciating the contrasting tonal qualities during key release. Thus, while the Chiikawa offers a more crisp and brighter acoustic signature from its polycarbonate top, the Glory Yellow follows suit with a gradation in sound that embodies a plush richness, showcasing how variations in housing materials contribute to distinct yet enjoyable typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option that allows for relatively easy typing and longer usage without fatigue. Its bottom out force is 51 grams, indicating a noticeable resistance upon fully pressing the key. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow has a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams, suggesting it may feel a bit more substantial during typing. However, the bottom out force for the Glory Yellow is unknown, leaving some uncertainty regarding how it feels when bottomed out. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer key press for extended typing sessions, while the Gateron Glory Yellow may cater to users seeking a slightly firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Glory Yellow. For gamers or those who prefer quicker response times, the Chiikawa switch may be more appealing due to its shorter travel distance, which can enhance rapid key presses. On the other hand, the Glory Yellow's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced feel with a depth that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference, with the Chiikawa being ideal for speed and the Glory Yellow catering to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke 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 Gateron Glory Yellow 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 Yellow 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 linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that resonates when typing. This results in a very responsive auditory feedback, making it ideal for those who appreciate a noticeable sound while they type. On the other hand, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch produces a more subdued sound. While the exact characteristics of the Glory Yellow's sound profile are not specified, it is generally known for its smooth keystroke, suggesting that its sound may be less distracting and more muted compared to the Chiikawa. It's important to note that the overall sound experience will still depend heavily on the keyboard’s construction, choice of keycaps, and even the typing style of the user.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is notable for its very light actuation force, which contributes to a quick and responsive typing experience. This means that users can expect to feel each keystroke register with minimal effort, making it suitable for fast typists or those who prefer a lighter touch. In contrast, the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch has a heavier actuation force than the Chiikawa, which offers a different tactile experience. This increased resistance can be beneficial for those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke depth and feedback, making it appealing for both typing and gaming purposes.
Considering both sound and feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Glory Yellow switches cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light actuation force are excellent for users who prioritize speed and crisp audio feedback, while the Glory Yellow's heavier feel and smoother keystroke provide a different, more substantial experience that some might find more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences regarding sound profile and actuation force, and either switch will deliver a quality typing experience tailored to those specific desires.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Glory Yellow linear switch, consider your typing style, sound preference, and overall experience. If you favor a lighter actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound that delivers a snappy and responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is likely your best choice. It's particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers who require quick keystrokes without too much force, making it ideal for extended typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust feel with smoother keystrokes and a pleasing travel distance, the Gateron Glory Yellow could be your go-to. This switch would benefit users who appreciate a bit more resistance while typing, particularly for general use or for tasks that require a more deliberate keystroke. Understanding these nuances will help you tailor your keyboard experience to your specific needs, ensuring that you enjoy the benefits each switch has to offer.
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