Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Aflion Iceberg
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Aflion Iceberg switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of various options. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g stands out with its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a highly responsive and crisp typing experience, making it ideal for those who appreciate a snappy, tactile feedback. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg, though from a relatively new manufacturer, showcases a smoothness paired with a fulfilling feel thanks to its innovative two-stage spring design. This switch offers a somewhat subtler auditory experience while still retaining the desirable linear characteristics favored by many. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and the Iceberg attracting users who prioritize a smooth, comfortable typing experience. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
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
20mm two-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Aflion Iceberg feature similar top housings made of polycarbonate, which ensures that both switches deliver a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is attributable to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, allowing for a clearer and more resonant sound when the switch is engaged. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for users who want to incorporate RGB lighting into their setups, as the illumination can shine through effectively, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of both switches. Thus, users can expect consistent sound quality associated with the top housings in both models.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Iceberg are made from nylon, a classic material renowned for its sound dampening properties. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound than the harder polycarbonate, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile as you type. This distinctive acoustic property contributes to a more muted and rounded sound, especially upon bottoming out the switch. Therefore, both switches provide a unique juxtaposition between the sharper sounds produced by their polycarbonate tops and the mellow tones resulting from the nylon bottoms.
When comparing the overall sound experience of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Aflion Iceberg, the combination of materials plays a critical role. Although both switches share identical materials for their respective tops and bottoms, the differing characteristics allow for a nuanced auditory experience. The polycarbonate tops produce a clear and sharp sound when keys are released, while the nylon bottoms contribute to a richer sound when the keys are pressed down. Consequently, users will find that both switches can yield similar auditory benefits while also offering unique textures to their typing experiences, catering to diverse preferences among enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch, while the Iceberg features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams along with a bottom out force of 45 grams. This makes the Iceberg the lighter option overall. While the actuation force of the Chiikawa is stronger, contributing to a more substantial typing experience, those who prefer a softer touch will find the Iceberg's lighter action preferable, especially for prolonged typing sessions or gaming. In summary, if you're seeking a heavier feel for a more tactile experience, the Chiikawa is the better choice, while for a lighter and more effortless typing experience, the Iceberg stands out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch, it’s clear that they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Iceberg features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter actuation distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, allowing for fast and efficient keystrokes. On the other hand, the Iceberg's longer distance might provide a more substantial feel, favoring users who appreciate a more pronounced depth while typing. Therefore, if you prefer responsiveness and speed, the Bsun Chiikawa is the better option, while the Aflion Iceberg is suited for those who enjoy a more robust and traditional 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 Aflion Iceberg has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iceberg for $3.07.
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 stands out with its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that is notably responsive when typing. This makes it an engaging choice for those who appreciate a more energetic auditory feedback as each keypress resonates with clarity. In contrast, the Aflion Iceberg switch also delivers a similar bright sound, characterized by a clacky and snappy quality, again with a high-pitched sharpness. Both switches will appeal to users who prefer less bass and more acute auditory cues, resulting in a lively typing experience. However, it's essential to consider that sound can be influenced significantly by the specific keyboard and keycap choices.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is noted for its extremely light actuation force, which contributes to an overall responsive typing experience. While the exact description of its feel is not provided, it is implied that the switch is designed to minimize exertion and fatigue. The Iceberg, on the other hand, boasts a variety of descriptors that enhance its tactile appeal. It is described as snappy due to its dual-stage spring, which adds a level of vivacity to each keystroke. Alongside this, the Iceberg’s feathery touch means that it requires minimal effort to press, reducing finger strain, which can be particularly beneficial during extended typing sessions. The Iceberg also offers a subtle resistance, making it a versatile choice for those who value both light actuation and a satisfying tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Aflion Iceberg linear switches cater to users looking for light actuation and a bright sound profile. While the specifics of the Chiikawa's feel may not be elaborated upon, both switches share a focus on reducing fatigue and enhancing responsiveness. Those who appreciate a snappy, clacky sound and an overall lively feel will find that both options deliver satisfactory results; ultimately, your choice may hinge on personal preference regarding specific auditory and tactile characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Aflion Iceberg linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a medium-light actuation force combined with a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g might be the better option for you. These switches provide a very responsive feel, making them great for fast typing or gaming scenarios where each keystroke is critical. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch with a satisfying smoothness and a clacky auditory feedback, you may want to lean towards the Aflion Iceberg. The Iceberg's feathery action and two-stage spring design not only enhance the overall typing experience but also reduce finger fatigue, making it perfect for extended usage whether it's for work, school, or casual gaming. Ultimately, choosing the right switch hinges on what feels and sounds best to you; both options offer distinct advantages that cater to different styles of typing and environments.
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