Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Ink Black V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Black V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Black V2 stand out as appealing options for different preferences and typing styles. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for users who enjoy a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 is celebrated for its smooth downstroke and deeper, richer clack, providing a tactile and satisfying experience that many enthusiasts appreciate. While the Chiikawa offers a lively and airy vibe, the Ink Black V2 delivers a more mellow and polished feel. Each switch attracts users for different reasons: the Chiikawa is perfect for fast typists and those who prefer a more energetic typing experience, while the Ink Black V2 caters to those who enjoy a classic, robust sound and a smooth keystroke. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Black V2, it's evident that both switches use distinct materials for their designs, yet they achieve some similarities in their acoustic profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffness, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This makes it particularly well-suited for configurations that utilize RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant light diffusion. Conversely, the Ink Black V2 employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also delivers a satisfying, high-pitched sound characterized by Clackiness. While the core material differs from that of the Chiikawa, the high-pitched sound profiles achieved result in similar auditory experiences when typing or gaming, showcasing how thoughtful material selection can lead to comparable acoustic effects, despite differing compositions.
Diving deeper into the bottom housing materials reveals more significant contrasts in character and sound absorption. The Chiikawa utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic switch material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon helps absorb more sound, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 also features the proprietary INK blend for its bottom housing, which, despite its different formulation, maintains a pointed, relatively high-pitched sound similar to its top counterpart. While the INK blend doesn’t absorb sound as effectively as nylon, it still contributes to the overall clackiness of the switch, allowing both switches to evoke specific auditory experiences that are distinct yet partially aligned in their sonic qualities.
Ultimately, when placed into action, the differences in housing materials enact an interplay that determines the typing feel and sound profile of each switch. The nylon bottom housing of the Chiikawa distinctly softens the sound on bottoming out, creating a more muted reaction that complements its top housing's clarity. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 stitches together its INK blend materials to produce a consistent high-pitched sound throughout the keystroke, offering a starkly crisp and engaging typing experience even on bottom-out. While they diverge in construction—one leaning toward a softer, fuller sound while the other emphasizes crispness—they ultimately deliver unique yet comparable typing sensations, shaped by their respective top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, there is a notable difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning it requires less force to trigger a keystroke, while its bottom out force is measured at 51 grams. In contrast, the Ink Black V2 has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. This indicates that the Chiikawa is the lighter option, appealing to users who prefer a softer touch for longer typing sessions, while the heavier Ink Black V2 offers a more substantial push feel favored by those who enjoy a firmer key response. The differences in their forces highlight that users seeking a lighter switch for comfort should opt for the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a more pronounced keypress experience may find the Ink Black V2 more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option, while the Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is more traditional and offers a deeper actuation. If you're looking for a more responsive experience, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance might be appealing, as it can facilitate quicker key presses, an attractive feature for gamers. However, for those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing, the longer 4 mm travel of the Ink Black V2 may provide a more satisfying tactile experience. Therefore, if overall depth and response time are your priorities, the choice ultimately depends on whether you value speed or a more pronounced travel feel; the Chiikawa is the shorter option, while the Ink Black V2 is the longer one.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 produces a bright sound profile with a crisp, high-pitched tone that emphasizes its light actuation force. This makes it quite responsive, ideal for users who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, bassy sound that provides a richer acoustic experience during key presses. The deeper tone lends itself to a more mellow typing ambience, making it particularly enjoyable for longer typing sessions. Additionally, the Ink Black V2 has a unique chirpy quality, adding a layer of character to its auditory profile. When comparing the two, users can expect very different auditory experiences, with the Chiikawa being more vibrant and high-frequency while the Ink Black V2 is centered around deeper, more resonant notes.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 45g stands out for its very light actuation force, which lends to a quick and responsive typing experience, although specifics on the tactile feedback it provides are lacking. On the other hand, the Ink Black V2 is characterized by its mild nature, providing a more gentle and approachable typing experience without any overwhelming tactile characteristics. The polished finish of the Ink Black V2 contributes to its smoothness and refined feel, allowing for fluid key travel that can be appreciated during long typing sessions. In summary, while the Chiikawa switch prioritizes a lighter actuation for quick response, the Ink Black V2 emphasizes a balanced, smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch caters to those seeking a bright, crisp auditory feedback with a lightweight feel, making it excellent for fast typing. Meanwhile, the Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched, rich sound, combined with a polished touch for a smoother and more grounded typing experience. While both switches will come to different auditory and tactile impressions, both can serve their users well depending on personal preferences, ensuring a delightful typing experience regardless of choice.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a brighter, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. It’s particularly suited for those who favor quick, responsive keystrokes and a more playful acoustic experience. On the other hand, if you prefer more resistance during typing and a deeper, bassy sound, the Ink Black V2 will serve you well. This switch offers a polished and smooth feel with a low-pitched, rich sound that can be satisfying and comforting for long typing sessions. Ultimately, if you prioritize a smoother and more refined experience, the Ink Black V2 is the way to go. In the end, consider the acoustics and actuation forces that align with your typing habits, and you'll be sure to find a switch that feels just right for you.
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