Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Gold Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Silver presents an intriguing contrast for enthusiasts seeking the perfect typing experience. The Chiikawa switch stands out with its remarkably light actuation force and vibrant sound profile, making it an appealing option for those who prioritize responsiveness and a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the TTC Gold Silver excels in delivering rapid responsiveness and a superbly smooth keystroke, characterized by its shortened travel distance that culminates in an emphatic bottom-out. The Gold Silver switch’s resonant sound and fluid feel afford a sensation of decisive closure with each keystroke, appealing to users who lean towards precision and tactile satisfaction. Ultimately, whether you favor the Chiikawa's lively auditory feedback or the Gold Silver's refreshing smoothness, both switches offer unique benefits for different typing preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right 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
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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 Silver utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, a choice that significantly contributes to the clarity and resonance of the sound profile during use. The stiffer composition of polycarbonate allows for a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience, which is particularly essential when employing this material for RGB lighting applications. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the switches under RGB illumination but also ensures that the sound produced remains vibrant and articulate. Therefore, users can expect to achieve a similar level of sound clarity and visual attractiveness from both switches.
The bottom housing for both the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Silver is made from nylon, which offers a contrasting yet complementary auditory experience. Nylon is recognized as a classic switch housing material, primarily due to its softer characteristics that create a deeper and fuller sound profile. The ability of nylon to absorb sound better than harder plastics results in a duller and rounder sound, which balances the sharper tones coming from the polycarbonate top. When it comes to bottoming out during use, the nylon bottom housing will enhance the overall sound profile, making both switches feel similar in terms of sound and feedback when pressed.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both switches means that users can expect a consistent auditory experience across both models. The synergistic effect of the different materials will manifest in the overall tactile feel and sound signature. The nuanced results are indicative of the individual housing contributions—polycarbonate shapes the sound during key release, while nylon influences the sound during key presses. As a result, regardless of the specific model chosen, users will enjoy a similar quality of sound performance and key feel.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them similar in terms of the force required to register a keystroke. This shared actuation weight allows users to expect comparable typing experiences when it comes to triggering keys, which benefits those who favor a lighter touch for prolonged use during typing or gaming sessions. However, a notable difference arises with the bottom out force; the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the bottom out force for the Gold Silver switch is unavailable, leaving users in the dark regarding its feel at full depression. As a result, the Chiikawa - 45g can be classified as the heavier option overall due to its defined bottom out force, while the Gold Silver switch, despite having the same actuation force, might provide a more forgiving experience when bottoming out—but this is uncertain due to the lack of specific data.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the Gold Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option by a mere 0.1 mm, which could offer a slightly deeper feel for users who prefer more substantial feedback from their switches. While both switches are relatively close in distance and would therefore yield somewhat similar results in terms of feel and responsiveness, gamers may still favor the Gold Silver for its marginally shorter travel distance, which can support quicker key presses. Ultimately, those who appreciate a more pronounced tactile depth might gravitate toward the Chiikawa, whereas users seeking swifter action might prefer the Gold Silver.
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 Silver 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 Silver 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a bright, high-pitched audio profile that enhances the typing experience with a crisp, responsive tone. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively keystroke sound. In contrast, the TTC Gold Silver linear switch features a more resonant sound signature often described as thocky and low-pitched, providing a deep, rich auditory feedback that delivers a satisfying thud upon activation. This contrast means that while the Chiikawa may cater to users seeking a sharper sound, the Gold Silver offers a more bass-heavy experience, suitable for those who prefer a mellow yet pronounced typing sound.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive typing experience, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The tactile feedback is noticeable but not overwhelming, making it a good choice for those who favor a less demanding interaction with the switches. Conversely, the TTC Gold Silver offers a distinctly polished and silky feel, resulting in an incredibly smooth typing experience with reduced friction. This switch type is designed for a seamless action from initial press to bottoming out, providing mild yet engaging resistance that encourages a fluid typing motion. While both switches promise an enjoyable typing experience, the Chiikawa leans toward lightness and responsiveness, whereas the Gold Silver emphasizes smoothness and closure with each stroke.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Gold Silver linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suited to different preferences. If you gravitate toward a brighter sound and lighter actuation, the Chiikawa stands out as a great option. Alternatively, if you prefer a deeper sound and an exceptionally smooth feel with a sense of closure, the Gold Silver would be more aligned with your typing style. Regardless of which switch you choose, both provide experiences that deliver on the promise of quality, responsiveness, and satisfaction, making them worthy contenders for any mechanical keyboard enthusiast.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Gold Silver linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and the environment in which you plan to use your keyboard. If you favor a typing experience that is responsive and energetic, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force and bright sound profile make it ideal for those who enjoy a swift, lively typing experience, especially in a personal setup or a semi-private space. The distinct high-pitched sound can bring a sense of excitement to your workflow, while the medium-light bottom-out force ensures that you have a nuanced feel without excessive resistance. On the other hand, if you gravitate toward a switch that prioritizes speed and precision, the TTC Gold Silver should be your go-to. Its polished, silky feel and solid bottoming-out provide a satisfying typing experience that is particularly favorable for fast-paced typing tasks or gaming. The thocky, low-pitched sound will also appeal to anyone seeking a deeper auditory feedback that can enhance the overall enjoyment of typing, especially in shared environments where a more muted sound is desirable. Ultimately, your choice hinges on whether you value a lighter, brighter switch or a smoother, more solid one, allowing you to select the switch that best aligns with your individual typing style.
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