Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Kang White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Kang White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the world of mechanical keyboard switches, two compelling options stand out: the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Kang White, both of which are linear switches that cater to distinct typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g switch is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a highly responsive experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound during use. This makes it an ideal choice for users who value auditory feedback and quick keystrokes. Conversely, the KTT Kang White switch offers a more neutral and low-pitched auditory experience, characterized by its self-lubricating material, which enhances its smoothness for an exquisite typing experience. While the Chiikawa excels in its zingy sound and quick response, the Kang White is perfect for those who prioritize a seamless, silky feel coupled with a more subtle sound profile. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Kang White are notably similar, both utilizing polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. Polycarbonate is prized for its ability to create a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, allowing for a more crisper auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate promises to cultivate a clear and resonant sound when keys are pressed, which is particularly advantageous for those who enjoy RGB lighting, as its translucence enhances the visual appeal of the illumination. This shared characteristic of polycarbonate in the top housing ensures that both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Kang White can deliver bright and vibrant sound profiles, regardless of which switch is chosen.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both switches is made from nylon, which introduces a different auditory quality. Nylon is known for its softer plastic composition, which absorbs sound rather than amplifying it, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that when a user types on either switch, they will experience a softer, more muted sound at the bottom-out. Since both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Kang White feature nylon for their bottom housings, typists can expect a similar experience with a rounded sound, regardless of their choice in top housing. The synergy between the materials used in the bottom housing of both switches enhances the overall typing experience by ensuring a pronounced contrast with the brighter tones from the polycarbonate tops.
Ultimately, despite potential differences in the other specifications of the switches, the fact that both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Kang White share the same top and bottom housing materials allows them to provide similar overall auditory experiences. When the properties of the housings interact during typing, the qualities of the polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms harmonize to create a distinct sound profile. Users can expect a combination of high-pitched clarity from the polycarbonate and subdued richness from the nylon, making both switches a solid choice for those desiring a balanced yet engaging typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch both feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience a similar trigger weight when pressing a key for the first time. This parity in actuation force allows for comparable typing experiences for those who prefer a lighter touch. However, when considering the bottom out forces, the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, whereas the Kang White switch has a heavier bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while both switches require the same effort to actuate, the KTT Kang White will feel sturdier and likely provide a more substantial push-back when fully pressed down, which might appeal to users who favor a stronger tactile sensation. As a result, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option overall, making it potentially more suitable for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Kang White offers a heavier and firmer feel for those who prefer a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Kang White measures at 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Kang White. For those who favor responsiveness, the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel may be more appealing, providing a quicker actuation for faster response times, which is often preferred by gamers. Conversely, the Kang White, with its longer 4 mm distance, may be suited for users who appreciate deeper keystrokes that offer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Thus, if you prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa will yield a more immediate feedback, whereas the Kang White may enhance the typing experience for those who favor a heartier depth.
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 KTT Kang White comes in at $1.99 per 10 switches.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, providing a crisp and high-pitched sound when typing. This characteristic makes it a lively option for those who enjoy auditory feedback during their typing sessions. In contrast, the KTT Kang White has a more complex sound profile, described as low-pitched and neutral. The low-pitched tones give a bass-heavy and mellow quality, while the neutral aspect indicates a balanced sound that is not too harsh or overly soft. Together, these characteristics suggest that the Chiikawa offers a more vibrant auditory experience, while the Kang White may appeal to those who prefer a calmer sound.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, contributing to a responsive typing experience that can be advantageous for rapid input. While the specific feel of the Bsun Chiikawa isn't detailed, the lightness itself typically results in a less robust tactile resistance. On the other hand, the KTT Kang White boasts an unparalleled smoothness due to its self-lubricating material, hinting at an exceptionally gliding experience with each keystroke. Although the Chiikawa offers a lightweight feel that can be very comfortable, the Kang White’s consistent smoothness elevates its tactile experience, making it feel effortless during prolonged typing sessions.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Kang White linear switches differ in sound and feel characteristics, they each cater to distinct user preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who enjoy a lighter touch and a brighter auditory profile, creating a lively typing experience. Alternatively, the Kang White offers a smoother sensation complemented by a mellow sound, ideal for users seeking a more subdued approach. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness with distinct sound, or smoothness along with a balanced auditory experience. Both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, but understanding their unique qualities will help you make a more informed decision.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Kang White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and intended use cases. If you favor a lighter touch with a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g, with its medium-light bottom-out force and bright sound profile, would be an excellent choice, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming. Its crisp and high-pitched sound can offer an enjoyable auditory feedback, making it suitable for anyone who enjoys a lively typing experience, whether at home or in a casual office setting. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier switch that delivers a smooth, low-pitched sound with a calming presence, the KTT Kang White may be more to your liking. With its self-lubricating material providing unparalleled smoothness, it stands out as a versatile option for both work and extended typing sessions, catering to users who appreciate a balanced auditory and tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics tailored to different typing styles, so consider what aspects matter most to you, and choose accordingly.
Mentioned in this article
