Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Luciola both stand out for their unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, with its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, offers a quick and responsive typing experience, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and agility in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola captivates with its eye-catching glow-in-the-dark feature and a smoother, bouncier feel, providing a medium heft that some typists might prefer for more tactile feedback. While the Chiikawa produces a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Luciola’s sound profile resembles the hollow sound of a spray paint can being shaken, appealing to those who enjoy a more playful acoustic experience. Each switch brings its own set of advantages, whether it's the lightweight responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the engaging auditory and visual elements of the Luciola. 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
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Luciola switches contrast significantly in their housing materials, which ultimately shapes their sound profiles and typing experiences. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing that delivers a sharper and crisper sound, characterized by its rigidity and translucency. This choice of material ensures that the switch resonates clearly, particularly beneficial when RGB lighting is involved. In contrast, the Luciola’s top housing utilizes a proprietary INK blend, which, while also resulting in a higher-pitched sound, provides a slightly clackier note without the same degree of sharpness associated with the polycarbonate. This distinction indicates that while both switches can produce high-frequency sounds, the tonal characteristics vary distinctly due to the differing properties of their top housing materials.
Turning to the bottom housings, the differences become even more pronounced. The Chiikawa employs nylon, a material known for its softer composition, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softness absorbs some sound, giving the impact of a rounder auditory experience. Conversely, the Luciola continues with its proprietary INK blend for the bottom housing as well, which helps maintain a consistent high-pitched and clacky sound throughout the switch. While both switches aim for a certain aural quality, the Chiikawa's nylon emphasizes a smoother and deeper sound, whereas the Luciola maintains a lively, bright tone, reinforcing how material choice fundamentally alters the sound dynamics of each switch.
Ultimately, the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Luciola lead to varied yet complementary typing experiences. If a user were to combine these switches in practice, they could achieve a unique sound and feel profile, balancing the deeper resonance of the Chiikawa's nylon bottom with the lively sharpness of the Luciola's INK blend components. As the top and bottom housings contribute differently to the switch's characteristics—where the top housing influences the sound on key release and the bottom affects the bottom-out experience—players could craft an engaging keyboard soundscape that blends the best of both worlds, benefiting from the strengths of each material.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch differ notably in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a good option for prolonged typing sessions or gaming, as its medium-light weight can reduce finger fatigue. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and has a bottom out force of 60 grams, positioning it in the medium range; this increased resistance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial feel while typing. As such, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Luciola is the heavier one. Those who gravitate towards a lighter switch may find similar results in typing comfort and performance with the Chiikawa, while users who appreciate a firmer feedback should opt for the Luciola.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning the physical distance each switch travels from the top to the bottom is identical. As a result, users can expect a similar feel when pressing down on keys associated with either switch, providing a consistent typing experience. Since both switches have the same travel distance, there will be no noticeable difference in the distance each switch travels during use.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 switch is known for its bright sound profile that resonates with a crisp, high-pitched tone. This makes it particularly satisfying to type on for those who appreciate a clear auditory feedback from their keystrokes. Contrastingly, the Gateron Luciola switches produce a distinct hollow sound reminiscent of a can of spray paint being shaken, which can evoke a unique auditory character when typing. Additionally, the Luciola's sound is characterized by a clacky, chirpy, and marbly quality, offering a range of auditory experiences that vary from the Chiikawa's singularly bright and high-pitched sounds. While both provide engaging acoustic experiences, those favoring a more percussive and resonant profile might lean toward the Luciola, whereas fans of clarity might prefer the Chiikawa.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is noted for its light actuation force, contributing to a highly responsive typing experience. This very light tactile feedback allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, which can be appealing for both gaming and fast typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Luciola switches offer a medium heft combined with a smooth and bouncy typing sensation. With descriptors such as snappy, buttery, and polished, Luciola switches deliver an engaging tactile experience characterized by responsive keystrokes and a fluidity that can enhance prolonged typing sessions. The Chiikawa's lighter feel stands in contrast to the Luciola's more robust and refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch and the Gateron Luciola each bring a unique set of qualities to the mechanical keyboard landscape. The Chiikawa excels with its bright sound and light feel, making it ideal for those seeking a crisp auditory response with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the Luciola's blend of clacky sound and smooth, snappy feedback caters to those who enjoy a more robust and tactile typing sensation. Both switches offer distinct benefits, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference regarding sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Luciola linear switches will largely depend on your personal preferences for sound and typing feel. If you favor a lighter touch and a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option, especially for fast typists or gamers seeking quick response times. Its 51g bottom-out force makes it ideal for extended typing sessions without finger fatigue, providing a crisp auditory feedback that can make typing more enjoyable. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier switch with a more balanced, smooth, and bouncy typing experience, the Gateron Luciola should be your pick. With its 60g bottom-out force, the Luciola offers a more sturdy feel, complemented by a unique sound profile reminiscent of a hollow, percussive shake. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal of the Luciola's glow-in-the-dark feature adds an interesting visual aspect to your setup. Ultimately, the right switch for you hinges on whether you prioritize ease of use and sound clarity (Chiikawa - 45g) or seek a robust, visually distinctive experience with a medium resistance (Gateron Luciola).
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