Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Ice King Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch offer distinct experiences that cater to differing preferences in typing feel and sound. The Chiikawa - 45g stands out for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, making it highly responsive and ideal for those who enjoy a fast-paced typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile switch excels in delivering a refined tactile experience, boasting a creamy smoothness combined with a pronounced tactile bump. This makes it perfect for users who appreciate a more substantial feedback during their keystrokes, elevating tactile typing to an art form. With these defining characteristics, the Chiikawa - 45g appeals to gamers and typists who prioritize speed and sound, while the Ice King Tactile attracts those seeking a rich, engaging tactile 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
58g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
68g
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Ice King Tactile switches feature contrasting materials for their top housings, which significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its rigidity. This characteristic allows for a more resonant sound, making it especially appealing for users who enjoy a brighter auditory experience. The polycarbonate's translucency also lends itself well to RGB lighting effects, enhancing the overall aesthetic. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile features a nylon top housing, which generates a deeper and rounder sound profile. Nylon's softer qualities absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, contributing to a mellower auditory experience that can make for a more pleasing typing environment, particularly for those who prefer a subdued sound signature.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both switches incorporate nylon, delivering similar sonic characteristics that reinforce the switches’ overall sound profiles. The nylon bottom housing for both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Ice King Tactile ensures a fuller sound, as its intrinsic softness provides a degree of sound absorption that results in a duller bottom-out sound. This commonality in material means that both switches produce a harmonious deep tone upon keypress, which enhances the tactile feedback experienced during typing. Therefore, despite the variations in their top housing materials, the use of nylon on the bottom side contributes a level of consistency in sound and feel when activated.
The diverging materials of the top housings create a complex interplay between the two switches’ auditory experiences. The tactile feel and auditory feedback will vary when typing or gaming, with the Chiikawa - 45g providing a more immediate auditory response upon releasing a key, while the Ice King Tactile offers a more cushioning sound upon bottoming out. This difference means that users may gravitate toward one switch over the other depending on their sound and tactile preferences. In conclusion, the combination of these materials results in distinct yet complementary typing experiences, showcasing the nuanced impacts that switch housing materials can have in mechanical keyboards.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch present quite different characteristics when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 45g features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, signifying a medium-light feel that is conducive for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile offers a heavier typing experience, with an actuation force of 58 grams and a bottom out force of 68 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This difference means that the Chiikawa switch, being the lighter option, may be preferable for users seeking comfort over extended use, while the Ice King Tactile may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback with a stronger push. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference regarding typing feel and fatigue levels during extended tasks.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Ice King Tactile features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This 0.1 mm difference may seem minor, but it can influence the feel and responsiveness of each switch. Gamers often favor the shorter distance for faster actuation, which the Ice King Tactile provides. Conversely, those who appreciate a more pronounced depth might prefer the Chiikawa - 45g for its increased travel distance. Ultimately, while both switches offer a competitive response, the Chiikawa’s longer travel is better suited for users seeking a more tactile experience, whereas the Ice King's shorter travel distance caters to those who prioritize 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 Durock Ice King Tactile 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 Tactile 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright, high-pitched sound profile that produces a crisp and responsive auditory feedback during typing. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging sound experience with every keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Ice King Tactile offers a more subdued auditory experience characterized by a dampened sound. While it still provides auditory feedback, the subtle sound signature of the Ice King Tactile makes it a better choice for users who prefer a quieter typing experience without sacrificing tactile feedback.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, which combines with its linear design for a smooth typing experience. However, it lacks the pronounced tactile bump found in other switch types, which may leave some users desiring more feedback. On the other hand, the Ice King Tactile excels at delivering a luxurious tactile experience, thanks to its silky smoothness and polished finish. The frictionless design minimizes resistance during key presses, enhancing the overall typing experience with effortless travel that feels consistently refined.
Overall, if you're deciding between the two, the Chiikawa - 45g and the Ice King Tactile cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa switches provide a light and bright typing experience that emphasizes sound, perfect for those who enjoy a responsive feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Ice King Tactile prioritizes a refined tactile experience with smooth and silky action, making it a fantastic option for those who value tactile feedback with a quieter sound profile. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer a more vibrant auditory experience or a refined tactile sensation during your typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Ice King Tactile tactile switch should ultimately reflect your personal typing style and preferences. If you prefer a light, responsive switch that delivers quick key presses with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. Its lighter bottom-out force means you can type effortlessly while enjoying the crisp, high-pitched sound that adds character to your keystrokes. On the other hand, if you savor a more tactile and textured typing experience, the Ice King Tactile switch is your go-to. With its heavier bottom-out force, it provides a pronounced tactile bump and a smooth, frictionless feel that makes each keystroke incredibly satisfying. The subdued sound signature also allows for a quieter typing experience, making it suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise might be an issue. Ultimately, consider what aspects of typing are most important to you—speed and responsiveness versus tactile satisfaction—and choose accordingly for the best keyboard experience.
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