Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Gold Red Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red Pro stand out as two compelling options, both classified as linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing an exceptionally responsive experience with a crisp, high-pitched tone that can enhance the tactile feedback you receive while typing. In contrast, the TTC Gold Red Pro is lauded for its versatility, merging ease of press with a neutral sound signature that suits a variety of environments—from gaming to office use—offering a harmonious experience that can cater to diverse user preferences. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who enjoy a lively auditory experience, the Gold Red Pro provides a more balanced acoustic environment ideal for focused productivity. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities, so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your personal typing and gaming comfort.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
18.5mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red Pro both boast polycarbonate top housings, a material that is key to their sound profile. Polycarbonate is well-known for yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound, which can greatly enhance the auditory experience when typing. The rigidity of polycarbonate contributes to its resonance, allowing for an airy sound that many users find appealing. Both switches will demonstrate similar sound characteristics due to this shared material in their top housings, making either choice an excellent option for those who appreciate clarity and brightness in their keypresses. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine brightly, further enhancing the visual aesthetics of both switches.
Contrastingly, while both the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red Pro utilize nylon for their bottom housings, they leverage this material in slightly different manners. Nylon is praised for its ability to absorb sound—a feature that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. The softer nature of nylon dampens vibrations, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory experience compared to its polycarbonate counterpart. Since both switches employ nylon equally in their bottom housings, typists can expect a similarly rich and undistorted sound when bottoming out keys, which can contribute to a more comfortable and less jarring typing experience.
When considering the full design of both switches, it's clear that they complement each other well through their distinctive material combinations. The interaction between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red Pro will yield a nuanced sound experience. Users can expect a blend of a bright and clear release sound paired with a deeper, fuller bottom-out sound, regardless of the specific model they choose. Thanks to the compatibility of materials, either switch is likely to provide an effective balance of auditory qualities that can satisfy a variety of typing preferences, making it possible for users to achieve similar results in terms of sound and feel.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, notable distinctions emerge. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which classifies it as medium-light, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro features a lighter actuation force of 43 grams, though its bottom out force remains unknown. Without the bottom out force available for the Gold Red Pro, we cannot directly compare this aspect. Nonetheless, because of its 43-gram actuation, the Gold Red Pro could provide less resistance, appealing to those who prefer lighter switches for gaming and typing. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is slightly heavier with a defined bottom out force, while the Gold Red Pro is lighter but lacks complete force specifications.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gold Red Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers who prioritize quick actuation speeds. Conversely, the Gold Red Pro’s longer travel distance can provide a more substantial depth, which some users may find preferable for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference; if you favor quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa is the better fit, whereas those who enjoy a more pronounced keypress may lean towards the Gold Red Pro.
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 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 Red 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 quality of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise that stands out while typing. This makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an audible response from their switches. In contrast, the Gold Red Pro offers a more neutral sound signature, described as thocky and low-pitched, giving it a deep, satisfying sound that is less jarring. This neutrality makes it suitable for various environments, allowing for a more versatile auditory experience whether you're in an office setting or gaming at home.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g's profile remains largely unspecified, but the Gold Red Pro is noted for its polished and silky smooth typing experience. The refinement of the Gold Red Pro translates to minimal friction, allowing for easy key presses and a comfortable typing experience. It is further described as mild and subtle, indicating that it is forgiving for beginners while still providing an enjoyable experience for seasoned typists. In contrast, without a specific description of the Chiikawa - 45g’s feel, it’s challenging to make a direct comparison; however, one might expect a similarly engaging typing experience given its light actuation force.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a bright sound that appeals to those seeking auditory feedback, the TTC Gold Red Pro provides a more balanced auditory experience with its neutral tones, making it adaptable across various settings. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa - 45g's feel remains unspecified, contrasting the well-defined polished and silky texture of the Gold Red Pro. The choice between these two switches will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, whether you favor a brighter auditory experience or a more versatile, smooth typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and specific use cases. If you favor a light, responsive typing experience that is complemented by a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its medium-light pressure requirement and crisp auditory feedback make it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively typing atmosphere, whether you're gaming or just typing away at your desk. On the other hand, if you're looking for versatility and a more polished typing experience that fits seamlessly into various environments, the TTC Gold Red Pro should be your go-to choice. With its neutral sound profile, smooth and refined feel, and mild resistance, it excels in diverse settings, making it suitable for everything from office work to casual gaming. In essence, if you lean towards a more dynamic and audible switch, the Chiikawa is for you, while the Gold Red Pro offers a refined, adaptable solution that feels great across the board.
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