Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Iron
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Iron switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Iron both offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and lively sound profile, creating a crisp and bright auditory feedback that many typists find exhilarating. This responsiveness makes it a solid option for those seeking a keyboard that can keep up with rapid typing without fatigue. Conversely, the TTC Iron switch boasts a pronounced clacky sound signature that resonates delightfully with each keystroke, delivering an engaging auditory experience while maintaining a remarkably light actuation. Its buttery smooth travel enhances the overall typing sensation, making it a pleasing choice for both dedicated enthusiasts and everyday users who prioritize both precision and comfort. While both switches cater to those looking for a satisfying typing experience, they each bring distinct characteristics to the table. 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
41g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Iron feature distinct materials in their constructions that significantly influence their sound profiles and overall typing experiences. The Chiikawa switch employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and translucency. This allows for a sharper and more resonant sound profile, particularly useful for those who appreciate RGB lighting effects. In stark contrast, the TTC Iron utilizes a POM top housing, which is characterized by its ability to produce a deeper and more muted sound. While the Iron's POM top softens the overall acoustic feedback, the Chiikawa's polycarbonate design facilitates a higher-pitched tone. This fundamental difference in materials results in unique sound experiences for typists looking for different auditory sensations from their switches.
When examining the bottom housings, both switches emphasize the properties of their materials to create a full-bodied typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g features a nylon bottom housing, recognized as a traditional choice for its ability to absorb sound and enhance the richness of the typing experience, offering a deeper and rounder sound profile. Conversely, the TTC Iron utilizes a POM bottom housing, known for producing a unique but muted auditory sensation similar to nylon. Both switches thus capitalize on their bottom housing materials to deliver a deeper sound, yet the Chiikawa aims to complement this with its sharper polycarbonate top housing, while the Iron maintains a more consistent muted quality due to POM being used in both top and bottom housings.
Overall, the distinct combination of materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Iron showcases how the interplay of top and bottom housing affects sound and typing dynamics. If the top and bottom housings differ, their contributions will blend, influencing the overall sound experience depending on the pressure dynamics involved in typing. While the Chiikawa’s sharper top housing might create a more pronounced sound when releasing a key, the muted quality of the Iron’s POM housings in both sections ensures a more uniform auditory experience. Therefore, while both switches provide satisfying results, the variance in materials leads to notably different sonic characteristics, catering to the diverse preferences of keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, we find notable 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 medium-light. In contrast, the Iron switch features a lighter actuation force of 41 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that for users seeking a lighter typing experience, the TTC Iron is the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and offers a softer bottom out feel. The Chiikawa, being heavier in terms of actuation force, provides a more substantial push, which some users may find more satisfying for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, if a user prefers a lighter switch, both the actuation and bottom out forces of the TTC Iron will yield a more effortless typing experience compared to the Chiikawa.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch, we see a notable difference: the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Iron measures 3.8 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch has a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more responsive for users who prefer quick key presses, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Iron's longer travel distance may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel during typing, offering greater depth with each stroke. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preference for responsiveness versus typing comfort; the Chiikawa is the better option for rapid feedback, while the Iron provides a more traditional, hearty 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 TTC Iron has an MSRP of $5.40 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Iron for $4.30.
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 recognized for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that adds an enjoyable acoustic dimension to the typing experience. This quality is especially appealing to users who appreciate a responsive and lively auditory feedback. In contrast, the TTC Iron linear switch offers a more pronounced clacky sound signature that resonates with each keystroke. The sharp and snappy sounds of the Iron switches can create a satisfying auditory experience during typing. However, it’s essential to note that the ultimate sound profile of any switch will also depend on the specific keyboard build and keycaps chosen, meaning users may encounter variations in sound between the two.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g's characteristics remain undetermined, which leaves a gap in understanding how this switch compares in terms of tactile feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Iron switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, featuring a light actuation force that allows for minimal resistance during key presses. This results in a typing experience that is effortless and comfortable, particularly for long typing sessions. The Iron switch also presents a mild feel, offering a gentler typing experience compared to more aggressive switch types. The combination of these qualities contributes to a user-friendly environment that enhances overall typing enjoyment without unnecessary fatigue.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out for its bright sound profile, the TTC Iron linear switch is defined by its clacky acoustic signature and accommodating feel. The Iron's effortless actuation and smooth travel enhance the typing experience, making it an appealing choice for both casual and dedicated users. Although the feel of the Chiikawa switches remains unspecified, their lightweight actuation hints at similar potential for comfort. Ultimately, both switches cater to users looking for responsive and enjoyable typing experiences, albeit with different sound signatures and feel characteristics that could affect personal preference.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Iron linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you enjoy a medium-light switch that offers a bright, responsive typing experience combined with a crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g could be your ideal choice. Its 51g bottom-out force strikes a balance that allows for quick actuation while maintaining enough resistance to avoid accidental presses, making it suitable for casual typing or gaming. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch that exemplifies ease of use, the TTC Iron is perfect for long typing sessions where comfort and minimal finger fatigue are crucial. Its 50g actuation force pairs perfectly with its clacky sound signature, adding excitement and aural satisfaction to every keystroke. Thus, if you’re looking for an enjoyable, smooth typing experience during both daily tasks and gaming marathons, the TTC Iron might be more appealing. Ultimately, both switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience, so consider what features matter most to you before making your decision.
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