Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Jupiter Red

Overview

When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Jupiter Red emerge as two distinct options, each appealing to different preferences and typing styles. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its bright sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, making it an excellent choice for users who require quick responsiveness and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Gateron Jupiter Red boasts a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke, facilitated by a medium-heavy actuation force and a single-stage spring design, catering to those who favor a rich, consistent typing experience with a polished feel. While both switches are linear and prioritize fluid key presses, the Chiikawa offers a more playful auditory experience, while the Jupiter Red focuses on delivering a refined and seamless tactile sensation. 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 Red Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.80 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Jupiter Red, both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which creates a distinct sound profile. The shared use of this material highlights the benefits of polycarbonate, known for its stiffer nature that leads to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory feedback. This characteristic is particularly appealing for users who prioritize a clear and resonant sound while typing. The translucency of polycarbonate also makes these switches an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their keyboard aesthetic using RGB lighting, ensuring that the integrated lights can shine through beautifully.

On the contrary, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, a material recognized for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material’s softer attributes allow it to absorb sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, producing a more muted and rounded acoustic experience. As both the Chiikawa - 45g and Jupiter Red rely on nylon for their bottom housing, users can expect this depth and fullness in the typing experience with both switches. This duality, where the top and bottom housings contribute different sound characteristics, allows for a varied auditory experience that can appeal to different preferences among typists and gamers alike.

Ultimately, the different housing materials result in a nuanced sound experience where the top polycarbonate housing emphasizes clarity and brightness, while the nylon bottom housing provides warmth and depth. Users can anticipate a cohesive typing experience between the two switches, with the combined effects of the top and bottom materials creating a distinctive sound profile. If both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Jupiter Red were used in a keyboard setup, the symmetrical use of polycarbonate and nylon in their housing construction would yield similar auditory results, catering to users who enjoy a balanced auditory experience with a blend of sharpness and fullness.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, both exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will produce similar results in terms of keystroke activation. However, when it comes to bottom out force, they differ: the Chiikawa - 45g has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Jupiter Red's bottom out force is heavier at 60 grams. This means that while both switches allow for a light typing experience during actuation, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter option overall due to its lower bottom out force, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Jupiter Red provides a more substantial feel, catering to users who prefer a firmer tactile experience.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch, the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jupiter Red measures at 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, offering a quicker actuation which is often favored by gamers for faster response times. On the other hand, the Jupiter Red, with its longer travel distance, provides a more substantial feel, which some users might prefer for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches depends on your personal preference for responsiveness versus a deeper, more traditional keystroke feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp sound profile that emanates a high-pitched tone when typing. This makes it particularly appealing for users who enjoy an audible feedback that is both responsive and lively. On the other hand, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch presents a more neutral sound profile, which is moderate and unobtrusive. This quality allows the Jupiter Red to cater to a wide audience, making it a versatile option that blends well in both home and work environments. However, it's important to note that the sound experience may vary significantly based on the keyboard’s construction and the choice of keycaps used.

When evaluating the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g delivers a remarkably light actuation force, making it easy to press and enabling rapid keystrokes without much effort. This lends itself to a typing experience that feels nimble and agile. Conversely, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch excels in providing a polished, creamy, and silky typing experience. Its factory-lubricated components afford a smooth keystroke with reduced friction, allowing the user to glide effortlessly across the keys. The combination of its medium-heavy actuation also ensures a mild response that caters to various typing preferences while still returning a smooth sensation with each press.

In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offers a bright auditory experience coupled with a very light touch, ideal for users looking for quick and dynamic typing. Contrastingly, the Gateron Jupiter Red provides a more balanced sound profile and a highly refined feel characterized by smoothness and mild resistance. While both switches ultimately cater to different preferences, the Chiikawa is for those who prioritize fast and responsive feedback, whereas the Jupiter Red satisfies users seeking a luxurious and consistent typing experience. Depending on your preferences, both switches can lead to an enjoyable typing journey, albeit in quite different ways.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switches will ultimately come down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force that enhances responsiveness and a bright, crisp sound profile for a more vibrant typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. This switch is particularly suited for fast typists or gamers who appreciate the light touch and want to experience that immediate feedback. Conversely, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a smooth, consistent keystroke, the Jupiter Red is likely to be your go-to. Its medium actuation force provides a balance that can feel more comforting during long typing sessions, and its polished, creamy, and silky characteristics cater to a luxurious typing experience without compromising on efficiency. Additionally, if you anticipate using your keyboard in varied environments—be it at home or work—the neutral sound profile of the Jupiter Red ensures that it remains unobtrusive. Ultimately, consider your personal preferences in typing dynamics, sound, and the context in which you will predominantly use your keyboard to make the best choice for your needs.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Jupiter Red Linear

$2.80 per 10

Learn more