Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, especially between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus, both of which are linear switches that cater to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering an ultra-responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prioritize speed and tactile feedback, enabling a dynamic typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus features a slightly heavier actuation force at 50g and offers a bright, resonant sound that lends a super bouncy sensation to every tap. This switch is particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced feedback and a lively typing rhythm, thanks to its clacky and bouncy characteristics. Both switches have their unique appeal, depending on whether you prefer a lighter touch or a more substantial feel while typing. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus present an interesting contrast in their sound profiles due to their different top housing compositions. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness and ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This quality enhances the clarity and resonance of keystrokes, making it ideal for users who prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate works in harmony with RGB lighting, allowing for a vibrant visual aesthetic that complements the auditory experience. In contrast, the HMX Lotus utilizes a nylon top housing, which is softer and contributes to a deeper, fuller sound. This characteristic absorbs more sound, yielding a more muted effect on the auditory profile, which may appeal to those who prefer a more subdued typing experience.
Both switches share a common element in their bottom housing material, which is nylon for both the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus. As a traditional choice in keyboard switches, nylon offers a consistent auditory experience by enhancing the full sound profile that users often seek. The use of nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches will generate that deeper and rounder sound, which is a hallmark of nylon materials. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel, this similarity provides a unified base for both switches, allowing users to appreciate the full richness of keystrokes regardless of the top housing variation.
Ultimately, the interaction between the distinct top housing materials and shared bottom housing leads to nuanced results. Users seeking a crisper, more vibrant sound may gravitate toward the Chiikawa - 45g's polycarbonate top, while those desiring a fuller, more subdued auditory experience might prefer the HMX Lotus. However, both switches' nylon bottom housing ensures that the essential depth of sound remains consistent, allowing furniture enthusiasts to achieve a satisfying typing experience overall. By understanding the dynamics of these materials, users can make informed choices based on their personal preferences for sound and feel in their keyboard setups.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch present some interesting comparisons when it comes to their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Chiikawa switch registering at 51 grams and the Lotus at 50 grams. This difference indicates that the Chiikawa switch has a slightly firmer feel when bottoming out compared to the Lotus, which can contribute to a more pronounced tactile experience for users who prefer a bit more resistance. Overall, while both switches are generally categorized as light switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is marginally heavier due to its higher bottom out force, offering a medium-light typing experience compared to the lighter feel of the HMX Lotus. This nuance may appeal to users depending on their typing preferences, whether they favor longer typing sessions or a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, the Chiikawa measures at 3.6 mm, while the Lotus has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch provides a more substantial key press, which some users may find more satisfying, especially those who favor a hearty depth in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Lotus switch, with its shorter travel distance, may cater more effectively to gamers or those who prioritize quick response times, as shorter distances usually allow for faster actuation. Although both switches offer a relatively short distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Chiikawa - 45g is marginally longer than the Lotus. Ultimately, your preference for either switch will depend on whether you value depth or responsiveness in your key presses.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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 known for its bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched noise during typing. This characteristic makes it particularly delightful for users who appreciate a lively audio feedback while they type. In contrast, the HMX Lotus linear switch is described as clacky, with a sharp and snappy sound that delivers a bright and percussive auditory experience. The Lotus’s resonant tones provide a notable auditory contrast to the Chiikawa’s crispness, demonstrating how sound can vary not just between switch types, but also in the distinct personality each switch embodies. It’s important to note that external factors such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps can further influence the sound produced by either switch.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, which makes it exceptionally responsive and easy to press. However, the detailed feel description is absent. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus switch is characterized as bouncy, feathery, and silky. This means that users will experience a spring-like sensation with a light touch, significantly reducing finger fatigue, making it suitable for prolonged typing engagements. The silky quality adds a smoothness to the keystrokes, minimizing any resistance while pressing and releasing the keys. While the Chiikawa may also provide a pleasing feel due to its lightweight nature, the HMX Lotus stands out with its multi-faceted tactile feedback, catering to those who enjoy a more dynamic typing experience.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Lotus linear switches offer unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Chiikawa boasts a bright, crisp sound and a lightweight touch that supports quick, responsive typing, while the Lotus provides a bouncy, clacky auditory experience with smooth feedback, promoting a lively and comfortable keystroke. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on whether the user prioritizes auditory feedback or tactile delight, as both switches present commendable characteristics suited to various typing needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a lively and responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is a fantastic option. Its medium-light force makes it excellent for quick, accurate keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks where every millisecond counts. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, bouncy typing sensation with a more absorbent feel, the HMX Lotus offers a delightful experience with its light actuation force and clacky sound profile. This switch is especially great for extended typing sessions, reducing finger fatigue through its feathery touch while still providing that satisfying audible feedback. Ultimately, consider how you’ll be using your keyboard and whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a balance of both in your daily activities, and you can make an informed choice that enhances your typing experience.
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