Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Gold Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the distinct characteristics of their options. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offers a unique typing experience defined by its linear design, which features a light actuation force and a bright sound profile. This makes the Chiikawa particularly appealing for gamers and typists who thrive on rapid keystrokes and enjoy a responsive touch, complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds personality to each press. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown presents a more balanced tactile experience, characterized by a moderate weight and a satisfying tactile bump that provides feedback without being overwhelming. Its rounded sound profile strikes a soft yet distinct note, ensuring a pleasant typing ambiance while remaining versatile for both typing and gaming alike. While the Chiikawa might be favored for speed and clarity, the Gold Brown caters to those who appreciate a buttery feel with just the right amount of feedback. 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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown utilize the same housing materials for both their top and bottom components, resulting in very similar sound profiles and overall typing experiences. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity and resonance of sounds produced during keypresses. Additionally, this material's translucency makes it particularly well-suited for RGB lighting applications, allowing vibrant backlighting to shine through and enhance the aesthetic appeal. Thus, when used in conjunction with RGB lighting, both switches promise comparable visual effects and auditory characteristics.
Turning to the bottom housing of these two switches, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown employ nylon. This material choice marks a contrast with the polycarbonate in the top housing, introducing its own unique sound characteristics. Nylon is known for its ability to absorb sound effectively due to its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. Therefore, while the polycarbonate upper sections provide clarity and brightness, the nylon bottoms contribute a sense of warmth and richness to the sound produced when typing. This harmonious pairing ensures a balanced performance across both switches.
In summary, while the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and TTC Gold Brown switches are composed of the same materials, they generate a distinctive balance of sound qualities. The polycarbonate top housing enhances the overall clarity and appeal of the switches when used, especially under RGB lighting, while the nylon bottom housing adds depth to the auditory experience. As a result, when pressing these switches, users will benefit from a nuanced sound profile that combines the sharper tones provided by the polycarbonate and the fuller sounds created by the nylon, ensuring a satisfying and versatile typing experience in both cases.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Gold Brown's heavier 55 grams, making the Chiikawa more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, the bottom out force differs as well, with the Chiikawa at 51 grams and the Gold Brown at 63 grams; again, the Gold Brown is the heavier option. This translates to a more pronounced tactile feedback with the Gold Brown, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer push. In summary, while both switches offer distinct experiences, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, making it ideal for prolonged use, while the Gold Brown provides a more substantial typing experience due to its greater resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown features a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a more responsive feel due to its shorter distance, making it potentially more appealing for gamers who favor quicker response times. Conversely, the Gold Brown's longer travel distance offers a more traditional typing experience, which some users may prefer for the added depth and tactile feedback. In summary, if you're seeking a very responsive option, the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel distance would be the way to go, while the Gold Brown's 4.0 mm would suit those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke.
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 TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is marked by its bright and crisp nature, delivering a high-pitched auditory feedback that enhances the typing experience with a lively character. This switch's light actuation force contributes to its responsiveness, which can make each keystroke feel sharp and immediate. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown features a rounded, softer sound profile that is more neutral and understated. While it does not command attention like the Chiikawa, the Gold Brown's balance allows for a pleasant auditory experience suitable for various environments, making it an excellent choice for both work and leisure.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g presents a very light actuation force, which naturally aids quick typing but may lack the tactile feedback that some users prefer. The TTC Gold Brown, on the other hand, provides a mild tactile bump that offers a more pronounced typing experience without being overwhelming. This switch is noted for a buttery smoothness, making it effortless to type on and producing a polished sensation thanks to its refined finish. The tactile feedback comes across as medium in strength, providing just enough accentuation to maintain engagement without sacrificing comfort.
Overall, both switches cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. The Chiikawa - 45g excels in delivering a bright sound and light, very responsive feel, appealing to users who prioritize speed and auditory stimulation in their typing experience. Conversely, the TTC Gold Brown provides a balanced auditory output and a more confident tactile response, making it an excellent option for those who value a subtle bump and a smoother keystroke. Each switch has its unique strengths, ensuring that whether one opts for the lively Chiikawa or the mild Gold Brown, they are likely to enjoy an engaging typing experience that aligns with their personal preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you favor a light and responsive feel that allows for quick and precise key presses, the Chiikawa - 45g might be the better option for you. Its crisp, high-pitched sound and lighter actuation force make it particularly suitable for fast typists and those who enjoy a more nimble typing experience. Conversely, if you prefer a more balanced and grounded typing sensation with a gentle tactile feedback, the Gold Brown switch could be your ideal choice. With its moderate actuation force and mild yet pleasurable bump, this switch offers a soft sound profile that can be pleasing in various environments, making it versatile for both work and casual typing. Ultimately, consider how you typically type, your noise tolerance, and whether you seek a light or a more tactile response to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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