Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Lightning
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Lightning switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two compelling options to consider are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Lightning, both of which are linear switches, yet they offer distinct experiences for users. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a crisp and highly responsive typing experience. This makes it a great choice for those who prioritize speed and finesse in their keystrokes, especially in fast-paced scenarios. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switches are designed to cater to gamers who thrive on quick reactions, thanks to their slick feel and clacky sound profile that adds a bit of character to the typing experience. While both switches serve the needs of gamers and typists alike, they shine in different contexts—one favors a delicate touch with its lightness, and the other focuses on a more tactile feedback with its clacky sound. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Lightning feature polycarbonate in their top housing, which lends a distinctive sound profile that is characterized by sharpness and clarity. The rigid nature of polycarbonate contributes to a higher-pitched sound, making it ideal for those who prefer a more distinct auditory feedback from their keyboard switches. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the visual appeal when RGB lighting is employed, ensuring that the colors shine through with vibrancy. Because both switches utilize the same material for their top housing, users can expect similar results in their keystrokes, particularly in terms of the acoustic response during actuation and key release.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Lightning are constructed from nylon, a material recognized for its ability to produce deeper and fuller sound characteristics. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, resulting in a mellower, more rounded sound profile when typing. This shared use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that both switches will deliver a satisfying tactile feel and sound during key presses, ideal for users seeking a balance between noise and typing experience. Consequently, while the top and bottom housings contribute distinct qualities to the overall sound, the similar materials ensure that both switches maintain a consistent auditory identity that aligns well with the preferences of users.
While the materials differ in purpose between the top and bottom housings, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Lightning share complementary sound profiles due to their specific use of polycarbonate and nylon. The sharpness from the polycarbonate top housing combines effectively with the rich tone from the nylon bottom housing, enhancing the gaming or typing experience of the user. This synergy between materials results in a well-rounded sound and feel, allowing for a consistent user experience regardless of which switch is used. Therefore, if you are accustomed to the acoustic characteristics of one switch, transitioning to the other will likely yield familiar results, making them both attractive options for keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, we find some interesting distinctions. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Lightning switch has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams. This difference suggests that the KTT Lightning may provide a more effortless keystroke, making it ideal for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. In terms of bottom out force, the Chiikawa switch bottoms out at 51 grams, whereas the Lightning switch is slightly less at 50 grams. Overall, while both switches offer a linear typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is the heavier option, delivering a more substantial push feel for those who prefer a firmer typing experience, while the Lightning's lighter force may cater to users seeking comfort during extended use. Both switches, however, can provide similar results in terms of responsiveness and smoothness, catering to different preferences based on their actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.0 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a slightly deeper press, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback during typing or gaming. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning, with its more shallow travel distance, caters to those who favor quicker actuation and response times, which can be advantageous for fast-paced gaming scenarios. If you're someone who prefers shorter travel distances for their responsiveness, the KTT Lightning would be the ideal choice. Conversely, if you appreciate the depth and heft of a longer press, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g would suit your preferences better. Overall, while both switches are designed for specific user experiences, the Chiikawa switch stands out as the longer option at 3.6 mm compared to the Lightning's 3.0 mm.
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 Lightning comes in at $3.41 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
In terms of sound, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile and high-pitched, crisp auditory feedback when typing. This responsiveness creates an engaging, cheerful typing experience, ideal for users who appreciate a lively sound. On the other hand, the KTT Lightning switch presents a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy output. The clackiness combined with a high-pitched tone offers an energetic auditory sensation, making it enjoyable but potentially more resonant, depending on the keyboard and keycap combination. While both switches provide a lively sound, the exact nature of their acoustics will significantly rely on the accompanying components.
When it comes to the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a light actuation force that promotes quick and responsive typing, ideal for fast-paced typists. However, specific details about its tactile feedback or smoothness were not provided, leaving some aspects uncertain. The KTT Lightning, in contrast, is designed to emphasize both a polished and subtle typing experience. This means it has gentle resistance and a smooth key travel, which makes it suitable for users who prefer a less tactile yet still engaging feel. Both switches, while differing in their tactile characteristics, aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit in distinctly unique ways.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Lightning linear switches each offer their own sound profiles—bright and clacky, respectively—they also embody different feels, with the Chiikawa emphasizing lightweight responsiveness and the Lightning focusing on subtlety and polish. Each switch can deliver a satisfying typing experience, making them excellent choices based on your specific preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback. Ultimately, you can expect lively auditory sensations paired with differing tactile qualities, allowing for a personalized keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing and gaming preferences. If you favor a more tactile experience with a light actuation force that allows for rapid response, the Chiikawa - 45g might be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom out force provides a nice balance of sensitivity and feedback, making it ideal for both casual typing and light gaming while giving off a bright, high-pitched sound that can add character to your setup. Conversely, if you're a competitive gamer or someone who values speed above all, the KTT Lightning switch is designed for that purpose with its lighter bottom out force and polished feel. The slick typing experience and clacky sound profile cater to those who thrive on precision and quick response times, enhancing your performance in fast-paced scenarios. So, consider how you intend to use your keyboard: if you lean more towards leisure and enjoyment in your typing, the Chiikawa might be the way to go; but if you’re in it to win games and need those milliseconds to count, the Lightning will serve you better.
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