Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Neo Lavender HE
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo Lavender HE switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo Lavender HE offer distinct yet appealing characteristics that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force of 45g, making it highly responsive and perfect for those who prioritize speed and agility in their typing. Users enjoy its bright sound profile, as it delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds an engaging auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE excels as a hall effect switch, generating a clean and low sound that is both subtle and satisfying. Its compatibility with Wooting keyboards sets it apart, appealing to individuals who appreciate innovative technology in their typing experience. Each switch offers unique benefits: the Chiikawa for its sensitivity and auditory feedback, and the Lavender HE for its smooth operation and acoustic discretion. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
16mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo Lavender HE utilize different materials for their top housings, which ultimately affects their sound profiles and the typing experience they deliver. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to the stiffness of the material. This allows the key switches to resonate with a bright tone, making them particularly suitable for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE uses a nylon top housing, which lends a deeper and fuller sound character. This softer material absorbs more sound, resulting in a more muted auditory experience that many typists find comfortable and pleasing, especially during long typing sessions.
When it comes to bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo Lavender HE share a commonality; they both use nylon for the bottom housing. This similarity brings a consistent sound profile to both switches, as the nylon material absorbs impact and contributes to a duller, rounder sound whenever a key is pressed down. Because the bottom housing has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo Lavender HE will provide a smooth transition from the actuation to the key bottoming out. Consequently, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience that many users appreciate, despite variations in their top housings.
In summary, while the Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo Lavender HE diverge in the material of their top housings, they converge with nylon utilized in their bottom housings, which helps harmonize some aspects of their sound profile. Users can expect different auditory experiences due to the respective top housings—crisper for the Chiikawa and fuller for the Lavender HE—but both switches will feature a similar bottom-out sound and feel due to their nylon bottoms. Thus, a typist might opt for the Chiikawa for an invigorating sensation and feedback while typing, or choose the Lavender HE for a more cushioned and rounded feel, both of which are enhanced by the common use of nylon in their bottom housings.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, we observe notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Lavender HE features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Lavender HE a lighter option overall, which could be advantageous for users who prefer less strain during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch provides a sturdier typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, appealing more to those who favor a more substantial feel. The difference in their actuation and bottom out forces suggests that while both switches can deliver satisfying performance, the Chiikawa's heavier characteristics might be more suitable for users seeking feedback and resistance, whereas the Lavender HE aligns better with those looking for ease of pressing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lavender HE has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you prioritize quicker response times, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance could be more appealing to you, as it allows for faster actuation. On the other hand, for those who appreciate a deeper, more substantial feel when actuating a key, the Lavender HE's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying experience. Thus, users' preferences will significantly influence their choice between these two switches, with the Chiikawa being better suited for those who favor responsiveness and the Lavender HE for those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress.
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 Neo Lavender HE comes in at $4.50 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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound that responds well to typing. Its light actuation force contributes to this auditory quality, making each keystroke feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch is recognized for its clean, low sound. This distinction gives the Lavender HE a more subtle audio presence, especially desirable for those who favor a quieter typing environment. Overall, while both switches produce distinct sound profiles—one bright and the other low—a common denominator is that the final sound will also depend on the keyboard's construction and the choice of keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its notably light actuation force, which makes each keystroke feel almost effortless and quick. This responsiveness can lead to a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who prioritize speed. Conversely, the feel of the Lavender HE may feature a different tactile feedback, potentially offering a unique sensation due to its magnetic actuation mechanism. Unfortunately, specifics regarding its tactile feedback and overall feel are not detailed, so it's difficult to compare directly with the Chiikawa in this regard.
When taking all this information into account, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo Lavender HE both cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa provides a bright and engaging sound with a very light touch, enhancing fast typing experiences, while the Lavender HE offers a quieter operation with its clean sound. Ultimately, each switch appeals to distinct user preferences, and you'll want to consider your specific typing style and environment when choosing between them.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Neo Lavender HE hall effect switch, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and what you value most in a keyboard experience. If you enjoy a responsive typing feel coupled with a bright and crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force creates a lively sensation while typing, making it suitable for those who seek a tactile and engaging experience, especially in gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter environment or an overall smoother feel, the Lavender HE's lighter bottom out force and clean, low sound make it ideal. This switch is particularly effective for those who appreciate a more understated auditory experience, and its compatibility with Wooting keyboards enhances versatility for diverse applications. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on whether you favor an energetic sound and feel or a quieter, refined typing experience.
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