Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Hibiscus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Hibiscus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switch can make a significant difference, particularly when comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Hibiscus, both of which are linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, providing a responsive and crisp typing experience that some users find invigorating, particularly for speed typing or gaming. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switches excel in offering an ultra-smooth, pristine feel with a satisfyingly clacky and poppy sound, appealing to those who prioritize auditory feedback and a luxurious typing experience. While the Chiikawa might be favored by those who seek light actuation and rapid response, the Hibiscus attracts users who revel in a rich sound experience and smooth keypresses. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
48g
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
T3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Hibiscus switches exhibit distinct characteristics that significantly influence their sound profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This quality is particularly advantageous for those who prefer a more resonant audio experience, especially in setups that utilize RGB lighting due to polycarbonate's translucency. In contrast, the Hibiscus utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is a consequence of nylon's softer properties, enabling it to absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate. This fundamental difference results in diverging auditory experiences, reflecting the overall sound design intentions behind each switch.
Interestingly, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Hibiscus share a commonality in their bottom housing, which is made of nylon. This shared material contributes to a similar, deeper sound profile when typing on either switch, as the softer characteristics of nylon absorb sound and create a duller, rounder auditory effect. While the switches differ in their top housing materials, the nylon bottom ensures that both models offer a solid and robust typing experience with a satisfying feedback and sound, regardless of the differences in the top housings.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Hibiscus create unique tonal characteristics that can be tailored to different preferences. For those who enjoy lightweight, crisp sounds, the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa will likely be more appealing. Alternatively, those who lean towards a more muted, rich auditory experience may prefer the nylon top of the Hibiscus. However, given that both switches employ a nylon bottom housing, typing experiences will share similarities in depth and fullness, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results whether they choose one model or the other. By understanding how each housing material influences sound and feel, users can make an informed decision based on their unique preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Hibiscus switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, making it a more suitable option for those who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons. While both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, the Chiikawa necessitates a slightly heavier pressure to actuate, contributing to a more substantial typing feel, ideal for those who favor a stronger push. Consequently, the Chiikawa is the heavier switch, while the Hibiscus is the lighter option. This difference in actuation force may lead to different user experiences, with the Hibiscus providing a more effortless keystroke, appealing to users seeking prolonged comfort, whereas the Chiikawa presents a firmer response for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch, the Chiikawa switch offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Hibiscus features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option by 0.1 mm. The difference in travel distance may impact the overall feel and responsiveness of each switch. Those who favor a quicker response time might lean towards the Hibiscus switch due to its shorter travel distance, which can lead to faster actuation. However, players who appreciate a bit more depth in their keypresses might prefer the Chiikawa switch for its longer travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches cater to varying preferences, the Chiikawa may provide a more substantial feedback experience, while the Hibiscus appeals to those seeking speed.
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 Hibiscus has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hibiscus 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 sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by a bright and crisp quality, offering a high-pitched auditory feedback during typing sessions. This contributes to an engaging and responsive typing experience, emphasizing the lightness of the switch's actuation force. In contrast, the HMX Hibiscus linear switch delivers a delightful clacky and poppy sound signature that stands out as both satisfying and crisp. While both offer appealing sound characteristics, the differences manifest in the Chiikawa's sharper tonal quality versus the Hibiscus's fuller, more resonant experience. It's important to note that the sound of each switch can also be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for providing an exceptionally light actuation force, which makes it very responsive, allowing for quick actions with minimal resistance. This can lead to a floating sensation during typing, making the switch feel effortless. On the other hand, the HMX Hibiscus switch offers an ultra-light actuation force that surpasses 80% of all switches, contributing to a smooth and seamless typing experience. The Hibiscus is noted for its premium feel, which enhances overall typing enjoyment. Both switches cater to those who prefer lighter switches, but the Chiikawa leans towards a more floaty sensation while the Hibiscus excels in delivering a superior smoothness.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Hibiscus linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Chiikawa's bright, crisp sound and very light actuation force create a responsive and airy typing sensation. In contrast, the Hibiscus provides a clacky yet smooth experience with a similarly light actuation force, resulting in an enjoyable sound profile. While both switches target users who enjoy a lightweight feel, the Chiikawa stands out for its sharpness, whereas the Hibiscus focuses on delivering a plush and satisfying glide. Ultimately, personal preference regarding sound and typing feel will dictate which switch is preferable for each user.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Hibiscus linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience. If you prefer a medium-light switch with a slightly higher bottom-out force, you might gravitate towards the Chiikawa - 45g, especially if you enjoy a brighter sound profile and responsive typing with its crisp, high-pitched notes. This switch is ideal for those who want a balance of feedback and a tactile, lively experience without significant strain during prolonged typing sessions. On the other hand, if you're seeking an ultra-light switch that offers an exceptionally smooth feel and a satisfyingly clacky sound, the Hibiscus may be your go-to. With its lower bottom-out force and a unique sound signature that leans more towards a poppy and crispy feel, this switch caters well to fast typists or gamers who value speed and seamless keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style and what you find most enjoyable in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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