Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Gold Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When evaluating mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red linear switches present two compelling yet distinct options. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force, making it highly responsive and ideal for those who favor quick, effortless keystrokes. Its bright sound profile contributes to a crisp typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red switches offer a buttery smooth typing journey, striking a balance with their light-medium resistance. This switch provides a snappy sound profile that adds a touch of personality to your keyboard while maintaining a more understated presence. Both switches cater to different preferences—those who prioritize responsiveness and a high-pitched sound versus users looking for smoothness and a subtle soundscape. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the optimal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red switches, one finds a remarkable similarity in their top housing composition. Both switches utilize polycarbonate as their material for the top housing, which contributes to a sound profile characterized by higher pitches and sharper tones. The stiffness of polycarbonate allows for a more resonant and clear auditory experience, making it an ideal choice for enhancing the auditory feedback of each keystroke. Moreover, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the visual aspect of RGB lighting, thereby providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance coupled with a vibrant glow that is integral for those who value illuminated keyboards.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made of nylon, further emphasizing a complementary interaction between the two materials. Nylon's softer nature leads to a sound profile that is deeper and fuller, effectively absorbing sound in a way that softens the audible impact when typing. The combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom creates a unique acoustic signature; the top provides clarity while the bottom introduces warmth. This duality ensures that when typing or gaming, users experience a balanced auditory feedback - sharper notes from the top housing and mellow tones from the bottom housing.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Chiikawa - 45g and TTC Gold Red switches illustrates how different materials can work together to produce a harmonious typing experience. With both switches adopting the same housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—the sound dynamics during use will yield similar results in terms of audio feedback. Users can expect the sharper, crisper sounds during key releases complemented by the deep, rounded tones during key presses, irrespective of the specific branding. This not only reinforces the acoustic benefits inherent in such materials but also allows for interchangeable experiences, should users choose to switch between these two models.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, placing it in the medium-light category. In contrast, the Gold Red switch features a slightly lighter actuation force at 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as light. As such, users who prioritize a lighter switch for extended typing or gaming sessions may prefer the TTC Gold Red due to its marginally lower actuation force. Additionally, while both switches have relatively close bottom out forces, the Chiikawa's higher bottom out force could provide a sturdier feel for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is heavier overall compared to the Gold Red, making it essential for users to consider their personal preferences in typing feel and force when choosing between the two.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Gold Red, which boasts a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you favor a more responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa switch may be the better option, as shorter travel distances generally facilitate quicker key presses. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red, with its traditional length of 4 mm, offers a more pronounced depth, which might appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. Thus, for those seeking speed in gaming or rapid typing, the 3.6 mm Chiikawa is preferable, while the 4 mm Gold Red is suited for users who appreciate a deeper and more deliberate actuation.
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 Red 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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, which delivers a crisp and high-pitched auditory experience when typing. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more lively sound while they work or game. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red linear switch offers a snappy sound profile that brings a subtle personality to your keyboard without being overpowering. This switch produces a thocky, low-pitched sound that presents a deep, rich tone, providing a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke while remaining neutral enough for most environments. Both switches offer distinct sound qualities that appeal to different preferences, but the Chiikawa’s brightness contrasts with the more bass-heavy nature of the Gold Red.
When examining the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive and effortless typing experience. While the exact qualities for the feel of the Chiikawa are lacking, it likely emphasizes a lighter touch suitable for rapid typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Red is characterized by a mild and silky typing experience, providing a smooth and polished feel with minimal resistance. The Gold Red switch's subtle resistance allows for an approachable and generally satisfying typing experience, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The contrast between the Chiikawa's light touch and the Gold Red's smooth consistency creates different atmospheres for typing, catering to varied user preferences.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and TTC Gold Red linear switches bring unique attributes to the table. The Chiikawa switch excels with its bright sound and light actuation, appealing to those who prefer a more energetic typing experience. Conversely, the Gold Red provides a smooth and polished feel along with a modestly snappy sound profile, suitable for a broader range of environments. Whether you choose the Chiikawa for its crisp auditory feedback or the Gold Red for its silky typing experience, both switches promise to deliver satisfying results tailored to distinct typing preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red linear switch, your decision should hinge on your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a bright, responsive typing experience with a lightweight actuation force and a high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g may be your best choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers looking for a snappy response, though be mindful that its sound could be less suited for quieter office environments. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth, gentle typing feel that is subtle yet satisfying, the TTC Gold Red linear switch will likely serve you well. With its light actuation force and thocky, low-pitched sound, it provides a calming auditory experience that fits comfortably in both shared and personal spaces. In essence, select the Chiikawa - 45g for a lively, crisp typing feel, and opt for the Gold Red if you seek a polished, silky typing experience that balances performance with acoustics.
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