Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Ice King Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Ice King Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Ice King Linear both present compelling options for enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, allowing for a responsive experience that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This makes it particularly appealing for users who prioritize quick keystrokes and an engaging auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear is known for its silky smooth typing experience, attributed to its full nylon construction and generous factory lube, which creates a frictionless and creamy feel under the fingers. This switch excels in providing a polished experience, making it ideal for those who enjoy a smoother and quieter operation. Each switch offers unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing feel and sound, but let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
52g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
Nylon
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
Gold-plated progressive long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Ice King Linear, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material choice allows for enhanced sound clarity and resonance, making it particularly effective in delivering vibrant acoustic feedback, especially when RGB lighting is incorporated. In contrast, the Ice King Linear is outfitted with a nylon top housing. While nylon is a classic material that yields a deeper, fuller sound profile, it creates a more subdued auditory experience due to its ability to absorb sound.
Moving to the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Ice King Linear utilize nylon, but this aspect provides a shared characteristic between the two switches. Since nylon is softer and contributes to a rounder sound, both switches will deliver a similar bottom-out sound and typing feel. The presence of nylon in the bottom housing enhances the depth of sound during key presses, crucial for creating a satisfying typing experience. As a result, typing on both switches will generate a rich tonal output when bottoming out, resonating with users who seek a more muted auditory experience.
In essence, the combination of distinct top and bottom housing materials in the Chiikawa - 45g and the Ice King Linear results in varied auditory profiles. By pairing a polycarbonate top housing for the Chiikawa - 45g with a nylon bottom, users experience a balance of clarity and fullness. The Ice King Linear, with both top and bottom made of nylon, presents a more consistent deep sound without the higher pitch found in the Chiikawa. This means that while each switch can produce unique auditory characteristics, both can evolve into valuable tools to cater to diverse typing preferences, making each suitable for different user experiences—whether one favors clarity or richness in their typing feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a suitable choice for those who prefer a medium-light feel, allowing for longer typing sessions without strain. In contrast, the Ice King Linear switch features a higher actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, categorizing it as medium weight and better suited for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa is the lighter option, the Ice King provides the heftier push that some users may find preferable. This difference in weight directly affects how each switch feels during use, with the Chiikawa allowing for easier extended typing and gaming, while the Ice King caters to those seeking a firmer feedback upon keystrokes.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Ice King Linear has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer of the two, offering a more pronounced depth when a key is pressed, which some users may find preferable for its tactile response. In contrast, the shorter 3.5 mm travel distance of the Ice King Linear could appeal to gamers or those who favor quicker keypresses for faster response times. Both switches are relatively close in travel distance, which might yield similar results for users who prefer a more responsive feel, but the subtle difference could influence personal preference based on the desired depth and feedback.
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 Durock Ice King Linear has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice King Linear for $4.20.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp tonal quality, producing a high-pitched sound that resonates during typing. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy an audible feedback without the harshness often associated with clicky switches. On the other hand, the Durock Ice King Linear switch is known for its more subdued, yet still satisfying sound. Although the specific sound description isn’t provided here, the full nylon construction and generous factory lube typically lend themselves to a quieter and smoother sound, making it more suitable for users who prefer a less distracting typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a notably light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive typing experience, making it ideal for quick typing and gaming. This lightweight tactile quality can make prolonged typing less fatiguing; however, its specific feel characteristics aren't detailed here. In stark contrast, the Durock Ice King Linear excels in providing a silky smooth and frictionless experience. With descriptors like "creamy" and "polished" attributed to its feel, users can expect a buttery-smooth motion as they type, significantly reducing resistance and enhancing overall comfort. This switch is designed for those who appreciate a refined and effortless keypress, promoting a seamless interaction with their keyboard.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Ice King Linear switches offer unique advantages tailored to different preferences. While the Chiikawa emphasizes a bright sound and light touch, the Ice King excels in delivering a silky and smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to the user's desired balance of sound and feel, with each providing a distinct typing experience that can enhance overall performance and enjoyment in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound. If you appreciate a lighter actuation and enjoy a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is your go-to switch. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it incredibly responsive, ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where efficiency and quick reactions are crucial. Moreover, the Chiikawa's lighter feel combined with its exciting sound can elevate your overall typing enjoyment, particularly if you're looking for a more playful and lively typing environment.
On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a smooth and creamy typing experience, the Durock Ice King Linear might be the better option for you. With a bottom-out force of 62 grams, it provides a firmer tactile response that many typists and gamers find satisfying. The silky, frictionless nature of these switches, supported by their full nylon construction and generous factory lube, ensures you enjoy a polished feel with every keystroke, allowing for enhanced precision and comfort during long typing sessions.
Ultimately, both switches have unique qualities that cater to different typing styles. If you're after a lightweight, lively switch with a bright sound, go for the Chiikawa - 45g. However, if a smooth, creamy feel with a bit more resistance appeals to you, the Durock Ice King Linear will not disappoint. Choose the one that aligns best with your typing habits and sound preferences for the most satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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