Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Jupiter Brown

Overview

When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch known for its light actuation force and bright auditory feedback, making it a great choice for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing experience. Its high-pitched sound adds a layer of auditory satisfaction, enhancing the overall typing pleasure. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown features a tactile design that provides a more traditional typing feel thanks to its medium-heavy weight and a single-stage spring. This switch is ideal for users who appreciate a noticeable tactile bump at the actuation point, promoting precise keystrokes while maintaining a polished aesthetic with softer backlight effects. Ultimately, both switches cater to different typing styles: those who favor swift and silent keystrokes may prefer the Chiikawa, while users liking tactile feedback might gravitate toward the Jupiter Brown. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Jupiter Brown switches both feature polycarbonate material in their top housings, making them comparable in terms of sound profile and aesthetic qualities. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound that can enhance the typing experience, especially for users who favor a more pronounced acoustic response. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for effective RGB lighting to shine through, making both switches visually appealing for users who value both performance and aesthetics in their keyboard setups. Given these similar properties, users can expect a comparable auditory experience when typing on either switch, with both offering clarity and resonance characteristic of polycarbonate construction.

In contrast, when examining the bottom housings of both switches, they both utilize nylon, which contrasts with the polycarbonate top's properties. Nylon is celebrated for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that imbues the typing experience with a satisfying thump. This softer material tends to mute higher frequencies, giving both switches a more rounded acoustics during key presses. Therefore, while the top housing enhances clarity, the bottom housing provides warmth and depth, making the overall feel and sound of both switches notably similar but synergistically balanced between the two different plastic types.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch works together to create a distinct tactile feedback. While the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Jupiter Brown utilize the same polycarbonate and nylon combination, ensuring a specific sound profile outcome, users may find subtle differences in the overall acoustic signature due to factors such as housing design or weight. However, since both switches draw strength from their respective materials in similar manners, the end result is a blend of clarity from the top housing and warmth from the bottom housing, allowing users to experience a consistent and enjoyable typing sound regardless of which switch they choose.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there's a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and has a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This means the Chiikawa switch is lighter, making it more suitable for users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. Conversely, the Jupiter Brown's higher forces yield a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy a heavier feel while typing.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch, there is a clear distinction. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Brown features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference means that users of the Chiikawa switch will enjoy a more responsive experience, making it suitable for gamers who thrive on quicker key presses. In contrast, the Jupiter Brown provides a deeper engagement, which may appeal to those who prefer a tactile feedback and a more pronounced keystroke. Therefore, for those prioritizing responsiveness, the Chiikawa is the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, while the Jupiter Brown is ideal for users seeking a fuller typing experience.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile. This switch produces a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing, making it quite distinct and lively. This characteristic can create an engaging typing experience, particularly when speed is prioritized. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch possesses a more subdued audio experience. It tends to produce a softer sound profile that can be described as gentle and pleasant, thanks to its traditional design. However, the overall sound will still be affected by other factors like the choice of keyboard surface and keycaps used, as is the case with all mechanical switches.

In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch offers a notably light actuation force, which makes for a quick and responsive typing experience. The lightness allows for effortless key presses, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers. On the other hand, the Jupiter Brown switch provides a more tactile experience with a medium-heavy weight. Described as mild, polished, and stepped, the Brown switch offers a gentler typing feel, characterized by a refined finish and slightly noticeable stages during the keystroke. This balance allows users to enjoy a tactile feedback without feeling overwhelmed, making it approachable for a wide range of users.

In summary, if you’re seeking a lively and responsive experience with a bright sound and light actuation, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch might be the right choice for you. Conversely, if you prefer a more traditional and tactile feel with a mild auditory output, the Gateron Jupiter Brown will likely suit your typing style better. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, and depending on your typing habits, you might find one more appealing than the other. Ultimately, trying both can give you a better sense of which switch aligns with your personal taste and typing style.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the specific tasks you engage in. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa switch is ideal for you. It's perfect for fast-paced typing, where responsiveness is key, and its high-pitched sound can add a delightful auditory element to your experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial tactile feedback and a moderate typing effort, the Jupiter Brown is the better choice. Its medium-heavy actuation force and polished, mild tactile feel provide a more traditional keystroke experience, making it suitable for tasks that benefit from deliberate and controlled strokes, such as coding or writing. Ultimately, consider what aspect of your typing experience matters most—lightness and speed with the Chiikawa, or stability and tactility with the Jupiter Brown—and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Brown Tactile

$2.80 per 10

Learn more