Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Ice
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Ice 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 TTC Ice both offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is recognized for its exceptionally light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for fast-paced typing and gaming. Coupled with its bright sound profile, it produces a crisp, high-pitched sound that can make every keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the TTC Ice stands out with its stunning crystal-clear design, providing a visually appealing addition to any keyboard. Known for its smooth and responsive feel, the Ice switch also delivers a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances the overall typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday tasks. Ultimately, both switches have their merits, with the Chiikawa - 45g leaning towards a lighter, more auditory typing experience and the TTC Ice focusing on a premium tactile feel. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Ice both incorporate polycarbonate in their top housings, which means they share some fundamental acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate typically results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its inherent stiffness. This stiff plastic allows for a more resonant sound, making both switches potentially suitable for those who appreciate clarity in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate enhances the effectiveness of RGB lighting, ensuring that users can enjoy both aesthetic appeal and sound performance with either switch.
However, the bottom housings of the two switches diverge significantly, which can have an impact on the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Chiikawa - 45g employs a nylon-based bottom housing, known for its softer texture that contributes to a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's sound-absorbing properties lead to a duller and rounder acoustic output when compared to the stiffer polycarbonate of the TTC Ice's bottom housing. As the bottom housing largely influences the bottom-out sound and tactile feel when a key is pressed, this distinction is crucial for users seeking a certain typing experience; the Chiikawa will provide a more muted sound, while the Ice will produce a crisper one upon actuation.
In summary, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Ice utilize polycarbonate in their top housings—yielding similar resonant sound qualities—their differing bottom housing materials lead to contrasting auditory experiences. Users who enjoy a more rounded acoustic output may find the Chiikawa appealing due to its nylon bottom housing, whereas those who prefer a sharper sound may be inclined to select the TTC Ice. Overall, each switch offers unique benefits, and the choice between them will largely depend on the user’s preference for sound profile and typing sensation.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, they diverge when it comes to their bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Ice switch has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a lighter overall typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a less strenuous keystroke for long typing periods or extended gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Ice switch may be more suitable for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Thus, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option overall, while the Ice switch offers a heavier typing experience due to its greater bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users will experience a similar keypress feel when using either switch. This equal travel distance results in comparable tactile feedback and responsiveness when typing or gaming. Since both switches share this measurement, users can expect consistent performance in terms of the depth of key activation, making them suitable for those looking for a uniform typing experience.
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 Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright and crisp high-pitched profile, providing a distinctly responsive auditory feedback while typing. This light sound makes it particularly enjoyable for users who appreciate a more cheerful typing experience. On the other hand, the TTC Ice switch is known for its smooth and satisfying bottom-out sound, creating a more rounded auditory experience that combines clarity with a touch of premium feel. While the Chiikawa allows for quick and agile keystrokes that resonate brightly, the TTC Ice offers a more substantial presence with its satisfying auditory signature. Both sound profiles exhibit clarity, but they cater to different preferences, where one favors a lighter tone and the other provides a richer bottom-end.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is noted for its very light actuation force, making it an incredibly responsive switch that's well-suited for rapid typing and gaming. This lightness can lead to a fast and effortless experience, which is desirable for those who require quick key presses. In contrast, the TTC Ice switch is praised for its smooth and responsive feel, offering a premium experience when typing. While it still provides a satisfying tactile presence, the actuation force could be heavier than the Chiikawa, which might be preferred by users who value a slightly more grounded feel while still enjoying a smooth keystroke. Both switches provide a high level of responsiveness, but the Chiikawa focuses more on lightness while the Ice emphasizes smooth operation.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch offer unique experiences in sound and feel that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who enjoy a bright auditory engagement and a light actuation force for quick keystrokes, while the TTC Ice appeals to users seeking a smooth typing experience coupled with a satisfying bottom-out sound. Choosing either will lead to an enjoyable typing experience, but understanding their distinctive qualities can help newcomers determine which switch aligns best with their preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Ice linear switch, your decision should be guided by your specific preferences and typing needs. If you appreciate a light actuation and a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, particularly for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where quick response times are crucial. Its under 51-gram bottom-out force allows for effortless keystrokes, making it an appealing option for those who like a more tactile experience without the heavy resistance. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a bottom-out force of 60 grams and want a switch that balances smoothness with a satisfying sound, the TTC Ice switch may be the better fit. Its crystal-clear design not only looks premium but also provides a rewarding typing experience, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing—such as actuation weight, sound profile, and tactile feedback—are most important to you, and let that guide your final decision.
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