Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Lotus (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options worth considering are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus (Heavy), both of which are linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force of just 45 grams, enabling an incredibly responsive typing experience with each keystroke accentuated by a bright, high-pitched sound. This switch is ideal for those who prefer swift, effortless typing, making it a top choice for gamers and typists alike. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a heavier actuation force of 62.5 grams, providing a more deliberate, bouncy feel that many users find satisfying and secure during extended typing sessions. With its bright, resonant sound profile, the Lotus switch caters to those who enjoy a more substantial feedback mechanism without sacrificing auditory pleasure. Ultimately, the choice between the nimble Chiikawa - 45g and the robust HMX Lotus (Heavy) boils down to personal preference and typing style; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) display distinct materials for their top housings that significantly influence the sound profiles of each switch. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper audio experience during typing. This can be attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, enhancing sound resonance. In contrast, the Lotus (Heavy) opts for a nylon top housing, known for its softer texture, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Consequently, this juxtaposition highlights how the choice of top housing material fundamentally alters the auditory characteristics of typing on each switch, with the Chiikawa offering brightness and clarity while the Lotus delivers warmth and richness.
Both the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) utilize nylon for their bottom housings, creating a consistency that contributes to a distinct typing experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches brings about a duller and rounder sound due to its sound-absorbing qualities, which helps soften the impact when typing or bottoming out. Given this shared material, users can expect a similar acoustic dampening effect when they press down on either switch. Thus, while the top housings yield differing sound signatures, the nylon bottom housing ensures a degree of uniformity in how both switches sound when fully depressed, anchoring the typing experience in a deeper tonal foundation.
When evaluating the overall performance of these switches, it becomes clear that the combination of the differing top and consistent bottom housing materials plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall auditory and tactile experience. The contrast between the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa - 45g and the nylon top of the Lotus (Heavy) means that each switch will exhibit unique attributes: brighter and more pronounced highs from the Chiikawa, versus a warmer and fuller sound from the Lotus. However, the nylon bottom housing ties the two switches together, ensuring that both can deliver a rich, satisfying feel and tone when bottoming out, creating similarities in the tactile feedback despite the primary differences in their auditory profiles. Ultimately, users can choose between two distinct sound experiences, knowing they will have a familiar foundation owing to the shared materials in the bottom housing.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Lotus switch requires a heftier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to users who favor a stronger, more substantial feel in their keystrokes. This trend continues with their bottom out forces: while the Chiikawa’s bottom out force is 51 grams, the Lotus reaches a greater 62.5 grams. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, ideal for users looking for prolonged comfort, whereas the heavier feel of the Lotus is better suited for those who enjoy a more robust typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it's clear that they offer slightly different experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer of the two, while the Lotus (Heavy) comes in at 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter. Both switches fall within the realm of modern preferences, as shorter travel distances are favored for quicker response times, particularly among gamers. However, some users might find the Chiikawa's longer travel distance provides a more satisfying depth. If you enjoy a more responsive keypress, you might lean towards the Lotus (Heavy), but if you prefer a more substantial feel, the Chiikawa - 45g would be the better choice. Overall, although the difference is minimal, your preference may ultimately dictate which switch is more appealing based on the subtle travel distance variations.
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 (Heavy) has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus (Heavy) 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch delivers a bright, crisp, and high-pitched profile, creating an engaging auditory feedback that many users find delightful during typing. In contrast, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) also features a bright and resonant sound, which pairs nicely with its heavier actuation force. While both switches provide a clean auditory experience, the Chiikawa’s lighter weight results in a different tonal quality, making it feel more airy and responsive compared to the slightly fuller yet still vibrant sound of the Lotus.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its very light actuation force, which offers a quick, fluid typing experience that many users find to be smooth and responsive. This lightness can contribute to reduced finger fatigue during long typing sessions. Conversely, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) boasts a medium-heavy actuation force of 62.5g that provides a bouncy sensation, giving typists a satisfying feedback with every keystroke. This heavier feel may require a bit more effort but often results in increased precision and an enjoyable tactile experience.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switches bring unique characteristics to the table. The Chiikawa offers a lighter actuation force and a bright, high-pitched sound, making it perfect for those who favor a responsive and quick typing style. On the other hand, the Lotus provides a bouncier and satisfying feel with a medium-heavy actuation force, accompanied by a resonant sound that contributes to a more substantial typing experience. Depending on your preferences, either switch can offer a compelling experience, while variations in sound and feel ensure that choosing one ultimately aligns with your typing style and auditory enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Lotus (Heavy) linear switch, it's essential to consider your personal typing style and preferences. If you favor a responsive and light typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially for tasks that require quick inputs or for users who enjoy a lighter touch. This switch's medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams enhances its tactility, making it easier to type quickly without fatigue during extended sessions. However, if you prefer a more substantial feel and enjoy a pronounced bouncy sensation with each keystroke, the HMX Lotus (Heavy) switch, with its bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, would better suit your needs. This switch's medium weight allows for more deliberate typing, which can be beneficial for both gaming and typing, providing a satisfying feedback and resonant sound. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want to balance responsiveness with comfort and the overall typing experience you seek.
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