Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Jelly
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Jelly 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 HMX Jelly present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking linear switches tailored to distinct preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its lightweight 45g actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many typists and gamers find invigorating. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly, with its slightly lighter actuation force of 42g, offers a contrasting low-pitched, deep thocky sound that resonates with those who prefer a smooth typing experience thanks to its excellent factory lubrication. Both switches excel in their own right, with the Chiikawa appearing more suited for users who enjoy an agile response and bright acoustics, while the Jelly appeals to those who favor a velvety touch combined with a satisfyingly deep sound. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
T2
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Jelly, it's apparent that the top housings diverge significantly in material and resulting acoustic properties. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sharper, more pronounced sound profile thanks to its rigidity. The translucency of polycarbonate is also a vital feature, enhancing RGB lighting effects, making the keys not only functional but visually appealing as well. In contrast, the HMX Jelly employs nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper and rounder sound profile. The softer characteristics of nylon absorb sound more effectively than polycarbonate, leading to a more muted response when keys are released. This fundamental difference in the top housing materials highlights a divergence in the audible characteristics of the two switches.
On the other hand, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Jelly feature nylon in their bottom housings, which suggests a similarity in the overall sound profile when the switches are bottomed out. Since nylon is known for producing a fuller, more resonant sound while absorbing vibrations, both switches can be expected to elicit a deep, satisfying response during key presses. This shared material at the bottom aims to provide a consistent tactile experience, regardless of the differences observed in the top housings. Therefore, while the Chiikawa and Jelly differ in terms of their top sounds and key release characteristics, they bridge some acoustic compatibility through their identical bottom housings.
Ultimately, the variations in top housing material between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Jelly result in distinct sound profiles that can affect typing experiences. The sharper and crisper sounds from the polycarbonate top will be felt more when releasing the keys, while the nylon bottom of both switches adds a common depth and fullness to the key press itself. For users looking for a balance between the bright tones of polycarbonate and the deeper acoustics of nylon, combining these two switches in a keyboard may yield the desired flexibility in auditory feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, we can observe notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch exhibits an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jelly switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, which makes it fall into the light category. This means that, while typing or gaming, users of the Jelly switch may experience less fatigue over extended periods, ideal for long sessions. However, those who prefer a more substantial feel might gravitate towards the Chiikawa switch due to its heavier forces, providing a more pronounced tactile experience. Overall, the Jelly switch is the lighter option, while the Chiikawa is the heavier choice, thereby catering to differing user preferences based on their typing or gaming needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the Jelly slightly exceeds this at 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers favor for quicker response times. In contrast, the Jelly, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who prefer a more pronounced and hearty keystroke, providing a deeper sensation that some users find more satisfying. Therefore, if you prioritize fast action in your typing or gaming, the Chiikawa might be your best bet, whereas if you enjoy a more substantial key press, the Jelly would be the better choice.
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 HMX Jelly has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jelly for $2.99.
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 characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise that can be quite exhilarating to type on, particularly for those who appreciate the auditory feedback of their presses. On the other hand, the HMX Jelly linear switch offers a contrasting auditory experience with its low-pitched, deep, thocky signature, which delivers a more subdued and satisfying sound that many users find to be soothing. Each switch provides a distinct auditory experience that can cater to different typing preferences, and the final sound will also depend on factors like the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press, which can facilitate rapid typing with minimal effort. In contrast, the Jelly switch, while still lightweight at 42g, offers a super smooth typing experience due to its excellent factory lubrication. This smoothness, combined with a slightly heavier actuation force than the Chiikawa, can create a different tactile experience that is enjoyable for those who prefer a hint of resistance in their key presses.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Jelly linear switches each provide unique sound and feel characteristics that can appeal to diverse typing preferences. While the Chiikawa’s bright sound and very light actuation foster a responsive typing experience, the Jelly’s thocky sound and smooth feel present a more grounded alternative. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you value a lightweight and crisp tactile feedback over a deeper auditory richness and smooth transition, but either way, you're in for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Jelly linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and the experience you're looking for. If you favor a more responsive and lively typing experience with a bright, crisp sound that can energize your workflow, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. The medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams provides a balance that is great for both typing and gaming, making it perfect for someone who enjoys a versatile switch that feels lively under your fingers. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, quieter typing experience with a deep, thocky sound, the HMX Jelly linear switch is the way to go. Its lighter bottom out force of 48 grams makes it particularly appealing for long typing sessions where fatigue might set in, and the exceptional factory lube enhances its smoothness, making it feel like butter under your fingers. Ultimately, the choice comes down to whether you prefer the bright and responsive nature of the Chiikawa or the smooth, deep, and quiet characteristics of the Jelly.
Mentioned in this article
