Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Lupine
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Lupine switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two popular options in the linear switch category are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Lupine. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who seek a responsive and agile typing experience. Its high-pitched sound adds an enjoyable auditory element to each keystroke. In contrast, the Durock Lupine impresses users with its unique two-stage long springs, providing a consistent weight distribution that enhances typing comfort. The Lupine's rebound offers a powerful upward movement, complemented by a classic clacky sound that many find satisfying. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who prefer a lightweight and vibrant typing style, the Lupine caters to users who appreciate a more robust and balanced feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Two-stage long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Lupine both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to similar acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, facilitates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile in both switches. This is crucial for users who seek clarity and resonance in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, enhancing the aesthetics of keyboards outfitted with these switches. Given that both models employ polycarbonate in their top constructions, users can expect a consistent auditory experience when engaging with either switch, particularly when it comes to the sound produced during key release.
Contrasting the upper housing, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Lupine incorporate nylon for their bottom housings, a choice that results in a notable deepening of the sound profile. Nylon's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound more effectively than its harder counterparts, facilitating a fuller and rounder sound when the key bottom-outs. This property ensures that when typing on either switch, users will enjoy a more muted and pleasant acoustics, primarily felt when the key is pressed all the way down. While the sound produced by the bottom housing contrasts with that of the polycarbonate top housing, the combination helps offenders find a balance between clarity and depth in their typing experience.
Ultimately, while both switches feature the same materials for their top and bottom housings, the interplay of these materials shapes the overall acoustic profile in nuanced ways. The polycarbonate tops offer brightness and resonance, while the nylon bottoms contribute warmth and fullness. Therefore, even though the materials are the same across the models, the unique blend of properties from both the polycarbonate and nylon ensure that the Chiikawa - 45g and Durock Lupine deliver distinct yet complementary auditory experiences. Users can anticipate a satisfying balance of sharpness and depth, making either switch an excellent choice for enthusiasts looking for both performance and aesthetic appeal.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Durock Lupine linear switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces are notable. The Chiikawa boasts an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Lupine's actuation force is unspecified, while its bottom out force is 62 grams, classifying it as medium. This means that the Chiikawa is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, which can enhance comfort during extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. Meanwhile, the Durock Lupine, with its higher bottom out force, may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when bottoming out. Since the actuation force of the Lupine is unknown, we cannot directly compare it to the Chiikawa; however, given its higher bottom out force, it's reasonable to infer that it may also have a higher actuation force. Consequently, those who appreciate a lighter typing experience should favor the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a more robust feel and potentially heavier switch should consider the Lupine.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch, there is a slight difference between the two. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Lupine offers a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means the Chiikawa switch has a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking faster response times and a more immediate actuation. Conversely, the Lupine, with its longer travel distance, could be preferred by those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke and a sense of depth when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on personal preference, with the Chiikawa catering to those who favor responsiveness and the Lupine appealing to users who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke experience.
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 Durock Lupine has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lupine for $4.25.
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 profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is marked by its bright characteristics, producing a crisp and sharp high-pitched noise when typing. This makes it ideally suited for those who appreciate a more resonant and energetic auditory feedback while they type. In contrast, the Durock Lupine linear switch delivers a classic clacky sound that leans towards a neutral illustration. This sound profile is moderate—not overly pronounced, thus appealing to users who may prefer a more understated audio experience. However, it still manages to balance a sharpness that complements the typing experience without overwhelming it.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 45g is notably responsive due to its very light actuation force, making for a dynamic and engaging typing experience. Unfortunately, the exact tactile qualities of the Chiikawa switch are not provided, but users can expect a fluidity in key presses that aligns with its lightweight design. The Durock Lupine, on the other hand, features a two-stage long spring that provides a consistent weight distribution when pressed. Additionally, the Lupine is described as mild in feel, perfect for users seeking a gentle typing experience that steers clear of harsher feedback. Its polished finish suggests a smooth travel, making it enjoyable to type on with less friction.
In summary, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Lupine linear switches deliver unique sound and feel experiences, their profiles cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels with its bright and high-pitched auditory feedback, perfectly paired with an engaging, light actuation, while the Lupine offers a classic clacky sound alongside a gentle and polished typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and feel, each switch will provide a delightful typing experience, but choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you lean more towards bright sharpness or a more neutral classic touch.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Lupine linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a keyboard that provides a highly responsive experience with a light actuation force and a high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its bright and crisp sound combined with a lower bottom out force makes it ideal for rapid typing or gaming scenarios where quick feedback is desirable. On the other hand, if you seek a balance between responsiveness and comfort, the Durock Lupine offers a more medium actuation force and a polished, mild feel that caters well to both casual and extended typing sessions. Its neutral sound profile and consistent weight distribution make it versatile for use in various settings, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the environments you'll be using your keyboard in, and your sonic preferences to make the best decision between these two fantastic switches.
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