Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Gold Brown Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the contrast between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro highlights different typing experiences tailored to unique preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch renowned for its light 45g actuation force, offers rapid responsiveness and a bright, crisp sound profile, making it an excellent choice for gamers and fast typists who enjoy the auditory feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is a tactile switch designed for those who appreciate a more subtle typing experience; its gentle tactile bump provides nuanced feedback without the loud, distracting sounds, allowing for a focused, immersive typing session. Ideal for professionals and writers, the Gold Brown Pro emphasizes a smooth, muted interaction. While both switches cater to distinct typists—those seeking speed versus those valuing quiet tactility—understanding their respective characteristics can help you make an informed decision. 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
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
NPI
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
18mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro utilize polycarbonate materials for their top housing, resulting in similar auditory characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This shared top housing material allows for an enhanced resonance that showcases the lighter tones when a key is released. Moreover, the transparency of polycarbonate lends itself well to RGB lighting, ensuring that users can enjoy vivid lighting effects irrespective of the switch’s design. As a result, users looking to create a visually striking keyboard with a bright sound profile would find both switches capable of delivering this dual aesthetic.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro are made from nylon, which creates a foundational sound profile that is deeper and fuller. The properties of nylon allow it to absorb sound more effectively than firmer plastics, leading to a sound that is rounded and slightly muted compared to the top housing. This feature plays a crucial role since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed. Therefore, while the top housing contributes to the sound created when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing helps produce a richer and more nuanced typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in both switches enables users to achieve a well-rounded auditory experience. With their identical top housing materials, the Chiikawa - 45g and Gold Brown Pro provide a crisp sound upon release, while the nylon bottoms contribute to the depth of sound and tactile feel during keystrokes. Such harmonious collaboration between materials ensures that users will enjoy a cohesive sound profile regardless of which switch they choose. In essence, opting for either switch will provide a balance of clarity and depth, making them suitable for various typing styles and preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams. This means that users will experience a similar effort required to trigger a keystroke with either switch, making them both suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ; the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating that it requires a bit more force when fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Gold Brown Pro is not available, leaving a gap in our comparative assessment for that aspect. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is slightly heavier due to its bottom out force, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the equal actuation forces suggest minimal difference in typing feel during regular use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, a clear difference emerges. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Brown Pro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter journey when pressed, catering to those who prefer a quicker response for gaming or fast typing. In contrast, the Gold Brown Pro's longer travel distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feel when engaging with their keys. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness and speed, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, whereas the Gold Brown Pro might be favored by those seeking a more traditional and deliberate typing 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 TTC Gold Brown Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown Pro for $2.90.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch, they present distinct auditory experiences suited to different typing environments. The Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its bright and crisp sound, creating a high-pitched tone that is both responsive and attention-grabbing. This elevated audio presence can make typing feel lively and dynamic, engaging the user. In contrast, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed for those who prefer a more subdued auditory experience. With a low-pitched and thocky sound profile, it provides a soft yet satisfying keystroke that minimizes distraction and allows users to focus deeply on their tasks. This gentle soundscape ensures that each keypress remains relatively quiet, making it desirable for shared workspaces.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g exhibits a light and smooth typing experience, known for its quick actuation. This lightweight nature typically results in a responsive feel, allowing typists to strike keys effortlessly and without much resistance, making it ideal for fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is designed with a subtle tactile bump that provides mild feedback without feeling intrusive. This polished and silky experience enhances the overall smoothness of the keystroke while still allowing for a gentle tactile response, keeping the typing experience comfortable and approachable. The tactile nature of the Gold Brown Pro is described as stepped, allowing slight feedback at different phases of the keypress, unlike the more uniform feel of the Chiikawa.
Considering all aspects of both switches, the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Brown Pro serve distinct preferences suited to different users. If you prioritize a bright sound and a very light, responsive feel, the Chiikawa is an excellent choice. Conversely, if you prefer a more subtle auditory experience complemented by gentle tactile feedback, the Gold Brown Pro would be more suitable. Each switch embodies unique qualities that cater to specific typing preferences, allowing users to select based on what resonates with their style and environment. Whether you desire an engaging and crisp typing experience or a refined and muted one, both options can enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Brown Pro tactile switch should hinge on your typing preferences and environment. If you relish an exceptionally light actuation force that allows for a quick and responsive typing experience, particularly suited for gaming or fast-paced typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option for you. Its bright sound profile caters to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more subtle and immersive typing experience with a gentle tactile feedback that won’t distract you, the TTC Gold Brown Pro is the way to go. The low-pitched, thocky sound paired with a polished and silky texture makes it perfect for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is key. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to a balance between your desire for tactile feedback versus a more fluid and quiet typing experience.
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