Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Koala
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Koala switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often boils down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and sound profile. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch that is notable for its light actuation force and bright sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize a smooth, responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for typists who want to minimize finger fatigue while enjoying a light touch and swift keystrokes. On the other hand, the Durock Koala offers a tactile experience with its stepped tactility, providing users with a noticeable bump without overwhelming resistance. This switch strikes a perfect balance for those who appreciate pronounced keystrokes that carry a moderate amount of resonance, leading to a satisfying yet not excessively loud typing experience. While the Chiikawa - 45g caters best to those who seek lightness and responsiveness, the Koala appeals to users looking for tactile feedback with a more grounded sound profile. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Koala demonstrate remarkable similarities, particularly in their top housings. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This commonality arises from the inherent properties of polycarbonate, a relatively stiff plastic that enhances sound clarity and resonance. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate not only adds an aesthetic appeal, particularly for users interested in RGB lighting effects, but also ensures that both switches will deliver a comparable sound experience when it comes to the initial keystroke.
Contrastingly, while both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Koala feature nylon bottom housings, the distinct acoustic qualities of the materials lead to nuanced differences in the overall sound profile. Nylon is known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound more effectively than polycarbonate. This absorption results in a rounder and more muted sound on the bottom-out phase of the keystroke. Therefore, while both switches share a similar material for their top housings, the bottom housing of each switch is identical in material but leads to differing sound experiences, primarily affecting the feel and acoustic characteristics during bottoming out.
In summary, the combination of polycarbonate top housings along with nylon bottom housings for both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Koala means users will experience a consistent high-pitched sound profile due to the top material. However, during key presses, the bottom housing's nylon composition will lend a softer, deeper sound unique to each switch. Consequently, while visually and acoustically the two switches may appear similar at the start of the keystroke, the final experience differs due to the interplay of the materials; this leads to a rich and fulfilling typing sound that reflects the characteristics of nylon bottom housings, highlighting the strengths of each material effectively.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Durock Koala tactile switch, there are notable differences that cater to varying user preferences. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it lighter and offering a more forgiving typing experience, suitable for extended use such as long work sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Koala switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 67 grams, indicating a significantly heavier feel at the bottom, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. Thus, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Koala is the heavier one. Users seeking that tactile feedback and a more forceful push should lean towards the Koala, while those looking for a more comfortable and less strenuous typing experience might find the Chiikawa more suitable.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Koala extends to 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa has the shorter travel distance, offering a more responsive experience that can be beneficial for fast-paced gaming. In contrast, the Koala's longer 4 mm travel distance may appeal to those who appreciate a more traditional feel and a sense of depth when typing or gaming. Therefore, the selection between these switches largely depends on personal preference: opt for the Chiikawa for quicker keystrokes or the Koala for a more substantial tactile experience.
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 Durock Koala has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Koala for $4.21.
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
The sound characteristics of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch showcase distinct differences. The Chiikawa - 45g is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that makes it particularly responsive. This allows for a lively acoustic experience, favored by those who enjoy an energetic typing session. In contrast, the Koala produces a low-pitched, more bass-heavy sound, complemented by a neutral profile that creates a moderate auditory presence, making it suitable for diverse environments. The resonance in the Koala's sound adds depth without becoming overbearing, appealing to users who prefer a more subdued aural experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a unique typing experience characterized by its very light actuation force, which facilitates effortless key presses. This switch is less tactile by nature, providing a smooth travel without the pronounced resistance found in tactile switches. The Durock Koala, on the other hand, brings a polished and refined typing experience through its medium tactile bump that’s neither overwhelming nor too subtle. The stepped tactility means that users feel a distinct point of actuation without it being a major disruption in their typing rhythm. Additionally, the Koala's stiffness requires a bit more force to actuate compared to the Chiikawa, catering to users who enjoy a firmer typing experience.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Durock Koala switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences, potential users will want to consider their personal preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those seeking an agile, bright, and light typing experience, while the Koala suits those who appreciate a more textured feedback with a robust sound. These differences ensure that both can cater to a variety of needs, making your choice dependent on whether you prioritize sound clarity or tactile feedback in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when it comes to choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Koala tactile switch, your decision should ultimately align with your typing preferences and needs. If you crave a light and responsive typing experience with a vibrant sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is a fantastic choice. Its medium-light actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound make it suitable for fast typists or gamers who value quick response times without the resistance of heavier switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback but without overwhelming force, the Koala switch might be your best bet. With its medium-heavy actuation, the Koala provides an enjoyable balance of tactility and smoothness, complemented by a low-pitched and resonant sound. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate a pronounced but not intrusive bump in their keystrokes, making it ideal for both work and leisure. In the end, your ultimate choice should reflect whether you prioritize speed and lightness or a satisfying tactile sensation in your key presses.
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