Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Magnetic Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Magnetic Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Magnetic Jade offer distinct profiles suited to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, resulting in a highly responsive typing experience and a crisp, high-pitched sound that many find enjoyable. This makes it an ideal choice for users who prefer swift feedback without the tactile bump that some may find distracting. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade, a hall effect switch, stands out with its bright and clacky sound, enhancing the auditory experience while providing a more stable and consistent feel during each keystroke—particularly appealing for enthusiasts looking to elevate their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Ultimately, while both switches cater to specific preferences, they have unique characteristics that can greatly influence your typing enjoyment. 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
30g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Magnetic Jade both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which leads to similar sound characteristics between the two switches. This material choice is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness and clarity. Notably, the translucency of polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic aspect when RGB lighting is incorporated, allowing for a vibrant display that shows through the housing. As such, users who prioritize sound and visual effects will experience akin results between the two switches because both benefit from the same acoustic properties derived from the polycarbonate.
In contrast to their top housings, both switches employ nylon for their bottom housings, which brings a different auditory quality into play. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder materials. This is particularly significant during the typing experience, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to a rounder and duller sound upon bottoming out. Therefore, while the top of both switches generates a more resonant tone, the bottom housing influences the overall feel and sound when keys are pressed down. Users can expect a rich and well-rounded sound experience from both the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Magnetic Jade due to this shared nylon material.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate top housings and nylon bottom housings in both the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Magnetic Jade leads to a complementary sound profile that effectively balances clarity and depth. Since both switches utilize the same materials in their respective housings, they maintain similar auditory characteristics while still offering a unique typing experience influenced by the distribution of these materials. In essence, while the top housing delivers brightness and resonance, the bottom housing ensures a fuller and more absorbing sound, making both switches appealing choices for enthusiasts looking to optimize their typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation forces. The Chiikawa switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly heavier to press compared to the Magnetic Jade’s lighter actuation force of just 30 grams. This difference can affect user experience; those who prefer a lighter switch may find the Magnetic Jade more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. In terms of bottom out forces, the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Magnetic Jade has a slightly higher bottom out force at 55 grams. This suggests that both switches have a medium-light overall feel, but the Chiikawa feels heavier at the point of actuation while the Magnetic Jade's actuation force is generally easier to overcome. Thus, if a user prioritizes a lighter touch for prolonged use, the Gateron Magnetic Jade would be the preferred choice, while those looking for a more substantial feel might lean towards the Chiikawa switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the Magnetic Jade is slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. Given that both switches are within the realm of shorter travel distances—popular among gamers for their enhanced response times—the similarity in their measurement indicates you'll experience relatively comparable performance in terms of actuation speed. However, if you prefer a more pronounced feel, the Chiikawa’s longer travel distance may provide a more substantial tactile experience, while the Magnetic Jade's slightly shorter distance could be perceived as more abrupt. In essence, if you're leaning towards responsiveness, the Magnetic Jade would be the more suitable choice, whereas those who appreciate a bit of depth might prefer the Chiikawa.
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 Magnetic Jade comes in at $8.00 per 10 switches.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch produces a bright and high-pitched sound that adds an engaging auditory element to your typing experience. This crisp sound profile is characteristic of its lightweight actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive keystrokes that lend themselves to an enjoyable rhythm while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Magnetic Jade switch also delivers a bright and clacky sound, making it an excellent option for those who appreciate an audible feedback with each keystroke. Both switches emphasize a lively acoustic presence, although the Chiikawa may lean towards a slightly higher pitch compared to the clackier tones of the Magnetic Jade. The overall sound experience will also depend on the keyboard build and choice of keycaps, meaning that while both could produce a rich soundscape, the nuanced differences may be influenced by these additional factors.
When considering the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its very light actuation force, contributing to an incredibly responsive typing sensation. This lightweight nature can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a swift and effortless keystroke. Conversely, the Magnetic Jade switch is designed to provide a premium tactile feedback and a more substantial feel in each press, catering to those who appreciate a solid, defined actuation while typing. While both switches offer enjoyable experiences, their differing actuation forces mean that the Chiikawa may feel more suitable for rapid, delicate typing, while the Magnetic Jade can cater to users who desire more feedback in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Magnetic Jade switches offer vibrant sound and tactile characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright, high-pitched sound and a feather-light feel, ideal for quick typists, whereas the Magnetic Jade stands out with its clacky sound profile and a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will come down to individual preferences regarding sound and feel, as each offers distinct advantages that can enhance the typing experience depending on your style.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Magnetic Jade hall effect switch largely hinges on your typing preferences and how you intend to use your keyboard. If you favor a lighter touch with a quicker actuation and a crisp, high-pitched acoustic profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially for work or gaming scenarios that demand rapid key presses. Its medium-light force ensures that you can type for extended periods without fatigue, making it suitable for long sessions of typing or gaming where responsiveness is key. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that offers a bit more resistance and enhances the auditory experience with a bright and clacky sound, the Gateron Magnetic Jade is the way to go. This switch is particularly beneficial for users who want to upgrade their Wooting Hall Effect keyboard, as it provides superior acoustics coupled with a satisfying tactile feel. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize a lighter, more responsive switch or a slightly heavier, more acoustic-oriented experience.
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