Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Ink Box Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Box Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Box Black present two intriguing options that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is lauded for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and a lively typing experience; the crisp, high-pitched sound can add an enjoyable auditory flair to your keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black offers a smoother, more polished feel with a sound signature reminiscent of a spray paint can being shaken, appealing to users who prefer a silky and creamy typing sensation. While both switches are linear, each brings unique attributes to the table, ultimately catering to different typing styles and preferences. However, 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
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Box Black showcase distinct housing materials that significantly influence their auditory characteristics. The top housing of the Chiikawa - 45g is crafted from polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic that lends itself to producing a sharper and clearer sound profile. This material's translucency not only enhances its visual appeal, particularly when paired with RGB lighting, but it also contributes to a more resonant auditory experience. In contrast, the Ink Box Black utilizes Gateron’s proprietary INK blend for its top housing. While the blend may remain unspecified, it is designed to create a pointed yet balanced sound profile that maintains clarity without being overly sharp. Both switches aim for higher-pitched sound profiles, but the differences in their material composition might lead to nuanced variations in clarity and resonance when in use.
When it comes to the lower housing, the differences continue. The Chiikawa - 45g employs a nylon bottom housing, recognized for its sound-absorbing qualities. This softer material creates a deeper and fuller sound profile that can soften the auditory experience as compared to the sharper tones found in harder materials. In juxtaposition, the Gateron Ink Box Black also utilizes its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing, which is described to contribute to a higher-pitched sound. While both housings may result in pointed tones, the Chiikawa’s nylon bottom may yield more warmth and fullness, potentially leading to a contrasting feel when bottoming out. The disparate characteristics of these lower housing materials will influence the overall auditory response during key presses and releases.
Ultimately, both switches deliver high-pitched sound profiles, leaning toward clarity in different ways, though they use contrasting materials. If sound profiles do end up being similar, it could be attributed to the balance achieved between the stiffer top and softer bottom materials in each respective switch. The integration of polycarbonate and nylon in the Chiikawa - 45g, alongside the INK blend used in the Ink Box Black, suggests that users may experience comparable auditory results, albeit with different tonal qualities. Depending on personal preference, a user may still find enjoyment in either switch, but the texture and character of their sound will differ according to the plastic properties utilized in their construction.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch, we notice distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it more suited for users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions without fatigue. In contrast, the Ink Box Black features a significantly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial resistance that some users may favor for a robust typing experience. As a result, those who value a lighter switch for extended use should gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those who enjoy a firmer push might prefer the Ink Box Black. Overall, these specifications highlight the Chiikawa as the lighter switch and the Ink Box Black as the heavier option, catering to different user preferences.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that users pressing down on either switch will experience the same amount of movement as they engage the key. This similarity in travel distance ensures that both switches will deliver a comparable tactile experience during typing or gaming, allowing for consistent key responsiveness. Consequently, those who enjoy the feel of one switch will likely find the other equally satisfying, as they share the same fundamental mechanics in terms of travel.
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 Box Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Box Black for $7.65.
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 Chiikawa - 45g switch generates a bright and high-pitched audio profile, making it notably crisp and responsive. This characteristic tends to create a lively typing environment, with the sound being sharp and percussive, particularly suitable for those who enjoy a more spirited auditory feedback. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Black switch offers a sound profile that's described as clacky, reminiscent of a spray can being shaken, resulting in a softer, more subdued auditory experience. While the Chiikawa switch excites with its bright tones, the Ink Box Black leans towards a smoother sound, appealing to users who prefer a less aggressive audio output while typing.
When examining the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, which contributes to its responsive and effortless typing experience, making it great for fast, touch typists. On the other hand, the Ink Box Black is recognized for its silky and polished feel, offering exceptional smoothness and minimal resistance during key presses. This refined tactile experience enhances the overall typing sensation, ensuring that each keypress feels fluid and satisfying. While both switches prioritize a pleasant feel, the Chiikawa focuses on a lighter touch, whereas the Ink Box Black emphasizes silkiness and smoothness.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switches present unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light actuation offer a lively and responsive typing experience, while the Ink Box Black's smoother audio and silky touch provide a more refined and soft feel with reduced friction. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes a brighter, more engaging sound and ease of actuation, or a luxurious typing experience characterized by smoothness and subtlety.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the context in which you’ll be using your keyboard. If you prefer a bright sound profile that is both crisp and high-pitched, the Chiikawa switch might suit you better, particularly if you enjoy a responsive typing experience with a lighter actuation force. This makes the Chiikawa a great option for fast-paced typing or gaming scenarios where quick response times are crucial. On the other hand, if you favor a more robust typing experience with a heavier bottom-out force and a smooth, creamy feel, then the Ink Box Black would be the ideal choice. Its polished and silky characteristics contribute to a luxurious typing experience that can make long typing sessions more comfortable, particularly in a more professional or focused environment. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you value a light, bright sound and responsiveness or the rich, smooth feel of a heavier switch.
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