Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Grapefruit
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Grapefruit switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Grapefruit both present unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force, which results in a highly responsive feel and a bright, high-pitched sound profile that can energize your typing rhythm. This switch is ideal for users who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes, making it a great option for fast-paced gaming or brisk typing tasks. In contrast, the KTT Grapefruit offers a tarty linear experience with a soft and gentle touch, providing a smooth typing sensation while delivering a low-pitched, deep sound that adds a touch of richness to your keystrokes. This makes the Grapefruit a strong candidate for those who prefer a more muted auditory experience without sacrificing smoothness. 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
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Grapefruit incorporate polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a similar sound profile characterized by sharpness and clarity. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, enhances the crisper aspects of sound emission, which is a notable trait for users seeking an auditory experience that emphasizes higher-pitched notes. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches ideal choices for users who appreciate visual aesthetics alongside sound performance. Therefore, the sound quality and lighting capability are effectively aligned in both switch models, ensuring that users can expect similar auditory and visual experiences when utilizing either switch.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches are constructed from nylon, leading to a distinctive auditory result. Nylon is known for its softer qualities, which produce a deeper and fuller acoustic signature. This characteristic makes both switches resonate with a rounder tone, particularly noticeable when the switches are activated, as the nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This duality in housing materials—stiff polycarbonate on top and soft nylon on the bottom—maintains a harmonious balance within each switch. While the top housing contributes to the higher tonal qualities, the bottom housing enriches the overall experience by providing a foundation of warmth and resonance. Consequently, users can anticipate a blend of sharpness from the polycarbonate top and depth from the nylon bottom across both switch models.
Ultimately, the qualities of the Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Grapefruit work in tandem to deliver a unique typing experience, although they share similarities in their top and bottom housing materials. Since both models employ identical materials in their housings, they yield analogous results in sound aesthetics and performance despite any possible differences in design or branding. When users press a key on either switch, the tactile feel and acoustic response will be consistent, as the combination of a polycarbonate top and nylon bottom synergizes to create a well-rounded sound experience. Therefore, whether one opts for the Chiikawa or the Grapefruit, the resulting auditory profile will remain strikingly comparable, ensuring a level of predictability in the performance of both options.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal regarding the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the effort needed to actuate the switches. However, when it comes to the bottom out forces, the Chiikawa reaches 51 grams, while the Grapefruit goes slightly heavier at 53 grams. This means that, while both switches provide a medium-light feel overall, the KTT Grapefruit has a heavier bottom out force compared to the Chiikawa. For those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming, the Chiikawa may be the better choice due to its slightly lower bottom out force. Conversely, if a more substantial feedback is desired, the KTT Grapefruit would provide a marginally firmer experience at the bottom of the stroke.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Chiikawa - 45g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Grapefruit measures 4.0 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times and more responsive key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial and deliberate feel when typing or gaming, as it provides a bit more depth. If you're looking for a quicker actuation, the Chiikawa - 45g is the better choice, whereas if you appreciate a traditional, hearty depth, then the KTT Grapefruit would be more suitable.
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 KTT Grapefruit comes in at $3.41 per 10 switches.
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 switch produces a bright, high-pitched sound profile that offers a crisp auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic makes it particularly engaging for those who enjoy a distinctive and responsive sound, appealing to users who appreciate the acoustic feedback of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the KTT Grapefruit switch features a low-pitched sound profile that is soft yet deep, akin to a mellow tone that is less aggressive compared to the Chiikawa. The Grapefruit's sound is described as baritone, which tends to produce a more subdued auditory experience, making it suitable for quieter environments. This contrast creates distinct atmospheres when typing, with the Chiikawa providing an exhilarating sound and the Grapefruit offering a calmer presence.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, resulting in a responsive and effortless typing experience. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy speedy keystrokes and fast-paced typing, appealing to gamers and typists alike. Conversely, the KTT Grapefruit switch is characterized by its polished feel, offering a smooth and refined typing experience due to reduced friction. This polished nature means the Grapefruit can facilitate a more fluid key travel, allowing for an enjoyable and graceful typing experience. While both switches cater to different preferences—one emphasizing lightness and responsiveness and the other focusing on smoothness and ease of use—they nonetheless provide a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Grapefruit linear switches both offer unique qualities that appeal to different user preferences. The Chiikawa shines with its bright, crisp sound and light actuation, making it an enthusiastic choice for those looking for a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Grapefruit brings a deeper, mellower sound paired with a polished feel, ideal for users seeking smoothness in their keystrokes. Depending on your typing style and sound preference, either switch can enhance your experience, providing a fulfilling mechanical keyboard journey tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Grapefruit linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and typing feel. If you enjoy a bright, crisp sound with a very light actuation force that enhances responsiveness while typing, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent option, especially if you do a lot of typing or gaming where quick key presses are advantageous. On the other hand, if you favor a deeper, more mellow sound profile alongside a polished typing experience, the KTT Grapefruit's unique baritone tones and refined smoothness might be your ideal choice. Its softly-light feel can accommodate a range of typing activities comfortably, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned users alike. Thus, think about how you like your keyboard to sound and feel when making your decision; your personal typing style will guide you towards the switch that best fits your needs.
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