Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 provide distinct yet appealing options for typists and gamers alike. The Chiikawa - 45g stands out for its responsive feel and bright sound profile, requiring a lighter actuation force that allows for effortless and fast typing, making it ideal for those who prioritize efficiency and agility in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 offers a clackier sound signature and a silky-smooth typing experience, attracting users who enjoy a more tactile feedback and vibrant RGB illumination thanks to its unique light diffuser. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Chiikawa - 45g for those seeking a crisp, high-pitched response and the Lightning Silver V3 for users who appreciate an engaging auditory experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 both utilize polycarbonate as the material for their top housing, which leads to a consistent auditory experience between the two switches. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, resulting in a clear and resonant auditory feedback. This is particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant illumination that enhances the aesthetic appeal. Thus, regardless of other differences in their construction, users can expect similar sound profiles when typing or gaming on these switches due to the shared material in their respective top housings.
In contrast to the top housings, the materials used for the bottom housings present a clear divergence between the two switches. The Chiikawa - 45g features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which absorbs sound and results in a duller, rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, which aligns more closely with its top housing, offering the same sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Consequently, the different materials of the bottom housing will directly influence the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound when using each switch, resulting in unique typing experiences despite shared characteristics in the top housing.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials impacts the overall performance and auditory design of the switches. For the Chiikawa - 45g, the combination of polycarbonate on the top and nylon on the bottom yields a distinctive typing feel and sound, characterized by clarity from the top and depth from the bottom. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 achieves a more uniform sound profile across both the top and bottom due to its consistent use of polycarbonate. Users seeking a balanced auditory experience might favor the Lightning Silver V3 while those who prefer a contrast in sound characteristics may opt for the Chiikawa - 45g. Each switch ultimately serves different preferences in tactile feel and auditory feedback, reinforcing the importance of material choices in keyboard design.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch exhibit 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, making it a medium-light option that may appeal to users who prefer lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium switch. This difference means that the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall compared to the Lightning Silver V3. Those who favor a stronger push might opt for the Everglide model for its heftier force requirements, offering a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches serve their unique purposes, the Chiikawa suits lighter preferences, whereas the Lightning Silver V3 caters to those who enjoy a firmer tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, there is a slight distinction between the two. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lightning Silver V3 features a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option, providing a more pronounced actuation depth which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Conversely, the Lightning Silver V3, with its shorter travel distance, may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times for fast-paced gameplay. Ultimately, if you favor responsiveness, the Lightning Silver V3 would be the better choice, while the Chiikawa may be more suitable for those who appreciate a deeper pressing sensation.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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 produced by the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright and high-pitched profile, offering a distinctly crisp auditory experience while typing. This light sound is especially appealing to users who favor a more responsive feedback without the distraction of deeper tones. In comparison, the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 also delivers a bright sound, described as clacky and high-pitched, which produces a sharp and percussive audio signature akin to that of the Chiikawa. Both switches excel in producing a lively typing atmosphere, making them excellent choices for those who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback from their keyboard, though notable differences in acoustics can arise depending on specific setups and materials used.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is noted for its notably light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive, though the exact feel characteristics are not detailed. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is distinguished by its silky smooth typing experience, allowing for seamless key presses and minimizing resistance when typing. This makes the Silver V3 a standout for those seeking a fluid and effortless tactile experience. While both switches offer unique advantages, the responsiveness of the Chiikawa aligns more closely with the quick actuation found in lighter switches, catering to users who favor speed in their keystrokes.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switches present bright and crisp sound profiles, making them suitable for users who appreciate a lively auditory experience. In terms of feel, the Chiikawa offers a light actuation that promotes quick responsiveness, while the Lightning Silver V3 shines with its exceptionally smooth and silky typing experience. Each switch has its own strengths, ensuring that whether you prioritize sound or feel, there are appealing options available within the linear switch category.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for a switch that offers a bright, high-pitched sound profile that's perfect for a dynamic typing experience. This switch shines in environments where quick responses are needed, such as gaming or rapid typing tasks. On the other hand, if you're in search of a slightly heavier bottom out force combined with a silky-smooth typing experience, the Lightning Silver V3 may be more suitable for you. Its clacky, high-pitched sound signature and enhanced RGB illumination make it particularly appealing if you want to add some flair to your setup while enjoying a seamless and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should hinge on your personal sound preferences and the tactile feel you desire from your keyboard.
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