Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Jupiter Banana

Overview

When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, it’s essential to consider the specific characteristics that define each option, such as the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, allowing for a responsive and engaging typing experience, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer quick, uninterrupted keystrokes, such as gamers or typists seeking efficiency. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana offers tactile feedback with its thoughtfully engineered two-stage springs, which provide a satisfying bump and a strong return, making it ideal for users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke feel while also benefiting from softened backlighting effects. While the Chiikawa caters to speed and smoothness, the Jupiter Banana emphasizes tactile precision and a rewarding typing sensation. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Jupiter Banana both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar auditory experiences. The polycarbonate material, known for its stiffness, produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is accentuated by its translucency, providing a visually appealing option for those who favor RGB lighting in their setups. As both switches share this commonality, users can expect a similar clarity and resonance when typing, leading to consistent auditory performance across both switch types.

In contrast, the lower housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Jupiter Banana both feature nylon, showcasing a divergence in the overall sound experience. Nylon is noted for its softer characteristics, which contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer plastic absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, leading to a more muted bottom-out sound. Consequently, while both switches may share similar upper sound profiles due to their polycarbonate top housings, the tactile and auditory feedback when bottoming out will differ, thanks to the nylon bottom housing's inherent properties.

When considering the overall impression upon key presses, the layered effect of these materials comes into play. The deeper, rounder sounds elicited by the nylon base will enhance the overall typing experience, blending seamlessly with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Thus, if users are seeking a soundscape that leverages the strengths of both materials, they will find that the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Jupiter Banana effectively deliver engaging auditory feedback while also providing distinct, complementary characteristics due to the differing material aspects of their bottom and top housings.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference in their weights. The Chiikawa - 45g features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jupiter Banana requires a heavier actuation force of 59 grams and has a bottom out force of 69 grams, making it medium-heavy. This distinction implies that the Chiikawa switch is better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Jupiter Banana offers a more substantial feel for users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces suggest distinct user experiences, with the Chiikawa switch delivering a lighter feel and the Jupiter Banana providing a heavier, more tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, there is a notable difference: the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Banana measures 3.4 mm. This makes the Jupiter Banana the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times due to the lessened distance before actuation. On the other hand, the Chiikawa’s longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. For users looking for a balance between speed and tactile feedback, opting for the Chiikawa could enhance the typing experience, while the Jupiter Banana may feel snappier but potentially too abrupt for others.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When considering the sound profile, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp sound that is notably high-pitched, offering a very responsive auditory feedback with each keystroke. This makes it suitable for users who enjoy a sharp and clear sound while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch also exhibits a high-pitched sound, described as resonant and clean. This switch's design emphasizes sharpness and clarity, appealing to those who prefer that bright auditory experience. Overall, both switches lean toward a higher sound profile, but the Chiikawa is more consistently bright, while the Jupiter Banana adds a level of resonant depth.

In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch's properties are less detailed, but it is known for its very light actuation force, which typically emphasizes a responsive and less strenuous typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Banana is noted for its polished and creamy feel, leading to a smoother typing experience due to minimized friction. This buttery, silky sensation enhances user comfort during prolonged typing sessions. While they differ significantly in their tactile responses, with Chiikawa focusing on lightness and Gateron on a smooth tactile feedback, each presents unique advantages tailored to different typing preferences.

In conclusion, when comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch, both offer appealing sound profiles characterized by high-pitched clarity, but differ in tactile feedback. The Chiikawa leans towards responsiveness with light actuation, while the Jupiter Banana emphasizes smoothness and a luxurious typing experience. Depending on your individual preference for feel and auditory feedback, either switch could provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience, but they do cater to slightly different tastes based on their unique characteristics.

Conclusion

To summarize, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Banana tactile switch should align with your typing preferences and needs. If you enjoy a more responsive typing experience with a light actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the better option for you. It's perfect for those who favor a casual, fast-paced typing style or require a switch that feels effortless while maintaining a crisp auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback with a medium-heavy actuation force and seek out smoother, more polished key presses, the Jupiter Banana is a great choice, offering a creamy typing experience along with the satisfying tactile bump that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your personal style—whether you prioritize speed and lightness with the Chiikawa or the refined tactile feel and deeper sound of the Jupiter Banana.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Banana Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more