Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Gravel
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Gravel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Gravel stand out as two popular linear options, each with its own distinct characteristics. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp and responsive typing experience that appeals to those who enjoy a quick and nimble touch. In contrast, the HMX Gravel offers a medium-light actuation force that strikes a balance between effortless response and a satisfyingly smooth feel, making it an excellent choice for users seeking a refined and pleasant typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa favoring a more audible feedback and lighter touch, while the Gravel prioritizes a seamless typing sensation. 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Gravel feature identical materials in their construction, specifically polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate in their top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This similarity in material results in a clear and resonant sound that enhances the experience for users who enjoy the auditory feedback of their mechanical switches. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, providing a visually appealing aesthetic when the switches are illuminated.
In terms of the bottom housing, both switches employ nylon, a classic choice known for its softer characteristics compared to harder plastics. This gives the switches a deeper and fuller sound profile, which is achieved by the nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. When you interact with either switch, the nylon bottom housing will dampen the sound, creating a more muted and rounded sound when the key is depressed. This ensures that regardless of which switch is used, the user will experience a consistent sensation and auditory feedback that is characteristic of a mechanical keyboard.
Overall, since both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Gravel share the same housing materials, the results in terms of sound and feel will be quite similar. The impact of the nylon bottom housing will make itself felt during the actuation and bottoming out, while the polycarbonate top will dominate the release sound when keys are lifted. This harmonious balance between the two materials makes both switches appealing choices for those looking for a well-rounded mechanical keyboard experience that combines auditory pleasure with aesthetic beauty.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require the same amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, they differ in their bottom out forces, with the Chiikawa registering a bottom out force of 51 grams and the Gravel sitting slightly lighter at 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches provide a consistent pressing feel at the actuation point, the Chiikawa offers a more significant push back at the bottom, resulting in a heavier overall feel compared to the Gravel. In terms of weight preference, the Chiikawa - 45g could be seen as medium-light, suited for longer typing sessions, while the slightly lighter Gravel may appeal to those who favor a softer touch. Overall, while both switches can deliver similar actuation experiences, the difference in bottom out forces may influence user preference depending on their desired typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch, we find a slight difference that may impact user experience. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gravel has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you're looking for a more responsive feel, the Gravel may be the better option, providing a quicker actuation for quicker responses. Conversely, those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses might lean towards the Chiikawa, as its longer travel distance of 3.6 mm offers a more substantial tactile feedback. In essence, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Chiikawa - 45g stands out as the option for a deeper and more deliberate keystroke, whereas the Gravel provides minimalism and swiftness with its shorter distance.
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 HMX Gravel has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gravel for $2.99.
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched note that offers a distinctly audible typing experience. This clear and lively sound makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Gravel linear switch is celebrated for its exceptional smoothness, which translates into a quieter typing experience that lacks the pronounced brightness of the Chiikawa switch. While the exact sound character of the Gravel switch is not specified, the smoothness can lead to a more muted acoustic profile, giving it a more subdued sound overall. It's worth noting that the sound produced by either switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard's structure, materials, and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a notably light actuation force, making it responsive and easy to press, resulting in a very light typing experience. This quality can be particularly advantageous for rapid typing sessions as it reduces finger fatigue. Similarly, the HMX Gravel linear switch also features a medium-light actuation force that leans towards the lighter side, providing a responsive and effortless feel. The Gravel switch is characterized by its exceptional smoothness, which implies a seamless keypress without any texture interruptions. While both switches prioritize ease of use and responsiveness, those who prefer an ultra-light and bright sensation may prefer the Chiikawa, whereas those looking for a smooth and refined experience may favor the Gravel.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Gravel linear switches offer appealing characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for users seeking a bright and responsive typing experience with an audible feedback, while the Gravel excels in providing a smoother and quieter feel during use. Each switch highlights the importance of actuation force and overall typing experience, allowing users to gravitate towards the unique qualities that resonate with their personal tastes in keyboard operation.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Gravel linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and needs. If you prioritize a light and responsive typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams allows for quick actuation, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a high-pitched, crisp auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if smoothness and a refined feel are what you seek, the HMX Gravel is worth considering. With a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, its design focuses on a more effortless typing experience, providing a velvety and seamless stroke. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who prefer a quieter environment and enjoy a more polished feel when typing. Therefore, assess what matters most to you—whether it’s the sound and responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the smoothness and understated elegance of the Gravel—and choose accordingly for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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