Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Ink Box Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink stand out as compelling options, each with its own unique characteristics. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, making for a responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink offers a silky smooth typing feel, exuding a subtly clacky and polished acoustics that some users may find more aesthetically pleasing. Both switches cater to different preferences—while the Chiikawa is ideal for those who prioritize responsiveness and a distinctive auditory feedback, the Ink Box Pink appeals to users seeking a smoother and more refined typing experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switches and the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches, we find notable contrasts in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate, which is recognized for its stiffer consistency. This rigidity translates into a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, making it ideal for use with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink features a proprietary INK blend top housing. This material also delivers a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound, but it lacks the overt sharpness of polycarbonate. Both materials contribute to the overall sound experience; however, the Chiikawa's use of polycarbonate may provide a slightly more resonant and clear auditory experience, while the Ink Box Pink leans toward a clackier sound, creating a different tactile sensation.
The bottom housing of each switch provides an interesting divergence. The Chiikawa - 45g employs nylon as its bottom housing material, which is recognized for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile owing to its soft plastic composition that absorbs sound. This results in a more rounded auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Ink Box Pink's bottom housing made from the proprietary INK blend similarly contributes to a higher-pitched sound profile but lacks the depth that nylon provides. Thus, when considering the bottom-out sound characteristics, the Chiikawa may deliver a more robust auditory experience, whereas the Ink Box Pink's sound profile could be described as somewhat more refined and clacky.
Ultimately, the combination of different materials in the top and bottom housings creates unique sound and feel experiences for each switch. While the Chiikawa - 45g achieves a sharper resonance thanks to its polycarbonate top paired with a deeper resonance from the nylon bottom, the Ink Box Pink captures a high-pitched and clacky feel from both its INK blend materials. Despite their differences, both switches may yield similar auditory results due to the high-pitched nature of their top housings, ensuring that typists can enjoy a satisfying sound experience regardless of their choice. Additionally, each switch has its own distinct tactile feedback, influenced heavily by the materials used, thus allowing enthusiasts to cater to personal preferences when selecting their ideal keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch, a notable difference in actuation force and bottom out force is evident. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the 50 grams required for the Ink Box Pink, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter feel that allows for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. When it comes to bottom out force, the Chiikawa also falls on the lighter side with 51 grams, while the Ink Box Pink has a heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a softer landing experience, whereas the Ink Box Pink provides a more substantial push feel. As a result, if you're looking for a switch that is easier to press and ideal for extended use, the Chiikawa is the better option, while those who favor a firmer feel might lean towards the heavier Ink Box Pink.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, which means that when you press down on a key, the distance traveled is identical for both switches. This similarity in travel distance allows for comparable tactile feedback and performance, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is used. Thus, users can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness when using either switch.
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 Pink 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 Pink 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright auditory profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This characteristic gives the switch a responsive quality, allowing typists to enjoy the aural feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch also offers a high-pitched sound profile, described as clacky and sharp. Users can expect a percussive auditory experience that complements the lighter feel of the switch. Both switches are oriented towards users who prefer a more pronounced sound to enhance their typing experience, although specific acoustic qualities may vary depending on the keyboard and keycap arrangement.
When evaluating feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is highlighted for its very light actuation force, resulting in a fast and agile typing experience. It provides a direct and almost weightless sensation with each keystroke, making it ideal for users who favor low-resistance typing. The Gateron Ink Box Pink, in contrast, is characterized as silky and polished, promising an exceptionally smooth typing experience. The combination of a refined finish and possibly factory lubrication results in reduced friction and a seamless key travel. While the Chiikawa - 45g emphasizes responsiveness, the Ink Box Pink focuses on smoothness, suggesting that typists may revisit their preferences when choosing between the two.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities that cater to different typing styles and sound preferences. The Chiikawa is recognized for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, while the Ink Box Pink delivers a clacky auditory experience coupled with an incredibly smooth feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and typing sensation; users may find both switches appealing for their unique features, with each potentially enhancing their mechanical keyboard experience in different ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Ink Box Pink linear switches ultimately boils down to your personal preferences regarding actuation force, sound profile, and overall typing experience. If you lean towards a lighter actuation force and prefer a brighter, more responsive sound with a high-pitched profile, the Chiikawa - 45g would likely be your ideal choice. These switches can significantly enhance typing efficiency due to their low resistance, making them perfect for those who type quickly or engage in extensive gaming sessions where rapid key presses are essential. Conversely, if you favor a slightly heavier actuation force that provides more tactile feedback and a smoother, more polished typing experience, the Gateron Ink Box Pink switches would be the better fit. Their silky feel and clacky sound create a distinct typing sensation that many users find satisfying, particularly for those who enjoy a more substantial key press and a satisfying auditory feedback. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing style, sound preferences, and the overall aesthetic and experience you desire from your mechanical keyboard.
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