Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Bsun Hutt
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Hutt switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Hutt offer distinct experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch recognized for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it highly responsive and ideal for users who prioritize speed and smoothness during their typing sessions. Its crisp, high-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory element, perfect for those who enjoy a more dynamic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt is a tactile switch featuring a medium-heavy spring and a pronounced tactile bump, providing a satisfying sensation with each keystroke. This switch is characterized by a balanced sound profile that enhances the typing experience, catering to users who appreciate a more deliberate and tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will rely on your individual preferences—whether you favor the airy responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the gratifying tactile feedback of the Hutt. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
49g
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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Hutt are strikingly similar, as both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate top housing in both models contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributable to polycarbonate's relatively stiff nature, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, its translucency makes it particularly beneficial for setups featuring RGB lighting, allowing light to diffuse effectively and add a dynamic aesthetic element. Thus, users can expect similar auditory and visual effects from both models due to this shared top housing material.
On the other hand, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Hutt incorporate nylon for the bottom housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that tends to absorb sound more readily, resulting in a more muted and rounded acoustic signature when typing. The choice of nylon enhances the overall typing experience, making it a classic and dependable option for a wide range of switch designs. The consistent use of nylon in both models means that users will enjoy a cohesive and enriched bottom-out experience regardless of the model chosen.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom creates a harmonious balance in sound and feel for both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Hutt. Despite any differences in branding or ergonomics, the shared material characteristics ensure that users can anticipate a similar performance. As both switches deliver comparable sound profiles and tactile feedback, the decision between them can come down to personal preference in design or aesthetics rather than significant variances in functionality.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, we find notable differences in both actuation and bottom-out forces. The Chiikawa has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom-out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Hutt features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom-out force of 49 grams, making it a light switch overall. This means that for users who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Hutt would be the more suitable choice. On the other hand, those who enjoy a slightly firmer feel might opt for the Chiikawa. While both switches provide a satisfying experience, the Chiikawa's higher force requirements can offer a more substantial tactile feedback for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Overall, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference regarding typing comfort and force sensitivity.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference means that the Chiikawa switch offers a bit more depth when pressed, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel during their typing experience. On the other hand, the Hutt's shorter travel distance can provide a quicker response time, making it a favorable choice for gamers or those who prefer a more rapid keystroke. Ultimately, both switches can deliver a responsive experience, but if you prioritize longer travel for a more pronounced tactile response, the Chiikawa - 45g would be the better option, while the Hutt is suited for those who favor rapid actuation.
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 Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched sound that offers an engaging auditory experience. This switch delivers a notably responsive sound when typing, adding a delightful element to the keyboard interaction. In contrast, the Bsun Hutt tactile switch presents a more balanced sound profile, described as resonant with a clean and sharp acoustic quality. The Hutt's auditory feedback enhances the typing experience with its immersive sound, making each keystroke feel satisfying without being overwhelming.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out for its very light actuation force, which likely results in a smooth and effortless typing motion, allowing for quick key presses. This makes it a suitable choice for users who prefer a light touch. On the other hand, the Hutt switch is noted for its medium-heavy spring and prominent tactile bump, providing a snappy and invigorating feel. The tactile feedback is sharp and distinct, creating a more pronounced sensation with each keystroke. This combination of feedback and actuation force makes the Hutt ideal for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience that offers a moderate level of resistance but remains satisfying and responsive.
In summary, when comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch, both switches cater to different preferences owing to their unique sound and feel attributes. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright and crisp sound with a light touch, making it perfect for users who prioritize speed and auditory feedback. Conversely, the Hutt switch offers a resonant sound and a more tactile experience with significant feedback and a medium-heavy feel. Your selection ultimately depends on whether you seek a lighter, linear experience or a more tactile, textured typing sensation, with both switches capable of delivering enjoyable typing experiences in their respective domains.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Hutt tactile switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and the experience you're seeking. If you're looking for a light, responsive switch that delivers a crisp and high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option, particularly for fast-paced typing or gaming where quick actuation is key. Its medium-light feel makes it suitable for users who prefer less resistance and enjoy a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, if you appreciate feedback in your typing experience or prefer a more immersive sound profile, the Hutt switch would be the better choice. Its tactile bump provides a pronounced feel, offering that invigorating sense of engagement with each keystroke. With a slightly lighter bottom-out force and a balanced sound, the Hutt is excellent for typists who enjoy a bit more character and responsiveness in their switches. Therefore, consider your primary use—whether you favor speed and lightness or require tactile feedback and a fuller auditory experience—to determine which switch aligns best with your personal style.
Mentioned in this article
