Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Lunar Probe

Overview

When it comes to enhancing your typing experience, the choice of mechanical keyboard switches can significantly influence both feel and sound. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback with each keystroke that many typists appreciate for its responsiveness. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe, also a linear switch, boasts Gateron's innovative dual rail mechanism, which ensures stable and consistent keypresses while providing an incredibly smooth, pre-lubed sensation paired with a more subtle sound signature. While the Chiikawa - 45g might appeal to those seeking a lively and energetic typing feel, the Lunar Probe caters to users looking for a polished and subdued experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Lunar Probe both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a strikingly similar sound profile characterized by a sharper and higher-pitched resonance. The properties of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contribute to this distinctively crisp audio experience. Both switches benefit greatly from the translucency of the polycarbonate material, making them ideal candidates for RGB lighting applications. Whether you choose the Chiikawa or the Lunar Probe, you can expect vibrant lighting effects that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your mechanical keyboard while delivering comparable auditory feedback.

In contrast, the bottom housing of the two switches is made from nylon, another material that brings its own unique characteristics to the typing experience. Nylon is known for its softer properties, which lead to a deeper and fuller sound profile as it absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics. This means that while the top housings of both switches will produce crisp sounds when the keys are released, the bottom housings will absorb impact and produce a more muted, rounded sound when the keys are pressed down. The combination of these two materials—polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom—ensures that both the Chiikawa - 45g and Lunar Probe deliver a balanced auditory experience that highlights the strengths of each material.

Ultimately, while the top and bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Lunar Probe share similarities in material composition, the differing characteristics of these materials blend together to create a unique sound profile for each switch. If they were to use the same combination of housing materials, one would expect to achieve similar auditory results. However, the slight variations in design or user experience can lead to different personal preferences among users. In this way, both models offer a rich, engaging typing experience influenced by their respective material properties, ensuring that users can choose based on their preference for sound and feel during keystrokes.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to keystrokes. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Chiikawa requiring 51 grams to fully bottom out, while the Lunar Probe only requires 50 grams. This indicates that while both switches offer a similar light actuation feel, the Chiikawa provides a marginally heavier bottom out experience, resulting in a slightly firmer finish when the key is fully pressed down. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is classified as medium-light due to its higher bottom out force, whereas the Lunar Probe is considered light, making it better suited for users who prefer a gentler touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch, users will experience the same amount of displacement from the top to the bottom, resulting in a similar tactile feel during use. Therefore, there is no need to choose between the two based on travel distance alone, as they will provide users with equivalent results in this aspect.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by a bright and crisp high-pitched tone when typing, making it noticeable and engaging. This vibrant audio quality is a result of its light actuation force, which contributes to a more dynamic typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe presents a more subdued audio signature, characterized by a dampened sound when pressed. While not completely silent, the Lunar Probe's subtle sound makes it less intrusive compared to the Chiikawa, making it a suitable choice for quiet environments.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is recognized for its very light actuation force, providing a response that many users find satisfying and easy to engage with. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe is celebrated for its silky smoothness, polished finish, and mild resistance, creating an exceptionally refined typing experience. The combination of these qualities contributes to a typing feel that minimizes friction and maximizes comfort, appealing to users who prefer a more nuanced and gentle touch as they type.

In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Lunar Probe both offer unique qualities, they serve different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa's bright auditory signature and light actuation cater to those who enjoy a responsive and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Lunar Probe's subdued sound and smooth, subtle touch appeal to individuals seeking a more understated yet comfortable typing sensation. Ultimately, if you prioritize brightness and responsiveness, the Chiikawa may be your go-to; for a refined and quiet experience, the Lunar Probe is likely the better choice.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and environment. If you gravitate towards a switch that offers a more lively, engaging experience with a bright sound profile and lightweight feel, the Chiikawa - 45g would be your ideal match. Its medium-light bottom-out force paired with a crisp auditory feedback makes it perfect for those who enjoy a responsive typing sensation, especially in personal spaces or during gaming sessions when feedback is key. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more refined typing experience that minimizes noise—making it suitable for shared workspaces—the Lunar Probe's silky, polished feel will be more up your alley. The subtle sound signature and pre-lubed nature of the Lunar Probe ensure that each keypress is stable and satisfying, without being excessively loud or distracting. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your individual typing style and the context in which you'll be using your keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Lunar Probe Linear

$6.50

$4.19 per 10

Learn more