Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, personal preference plays a crucial role, and two exciting options to consider are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Mamba, both linear switches that offer unique characteristics. The Chiikawa - 45g boasts a lightweight 45g actuation force and is renowned for its bright sound profile and responsiveness, delivering a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many typists find invigorating. In contrast, the Durock Mamba, a tribute to the legendary Kobe Bryant, provides a gliding typing sensation paired with a rich, creamy sound experience, categorized as 'Neutral,' 'Mild,' 'Thocky,' and 'Polished.' While the Chiikawa switches may appeal to those who favor a snappy and vibrant typing experience, the Mamba switches cater to users who seek a smoother, more refined feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Mamba, it's evident that the different compositions contribute to distinctive sound profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffer properties that result in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is particularly beneficial if RGB lighting is a consideration, as the clear nature of polycarbonate allows for enhanced light diffusion. In contrast, the Mamba utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing, producing a sound that is described as bright yet pleasantly softer in comparison to the Chiikawa's more pronounced sound profile. Despite their differences, both materials aim to provide an engaging auditory experience, emphasizing the tailored preferences of users seeking specific feedback from their switches.
The bottom housings of the two switches present another area of contrast, with the Chiikawa incorporating nylon while the Mamba features POM. Nylon's traditional appeal lies in its ability to absorb sound well, which results in a notably deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material enhances the overall typing experience by providing a rounded sound. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Mamba is designed to create a muted sound profile that still retains depth, albeit with a unique twist. This results in a softer and more pleasant auditory feedback, which appeals to users looking for a quiet typing experience. While the Chiikawa's nylon generates a more pronounced dullness, the Mamba's POM offers a subtler yet distinctive approach to sound.
Ultimately, even with dissimilar top and bottom housing materials, both switches can deliver satisfying auditory feedback. The Chiikawa's combination of polycarbonate and nylon allows for a striking balance of sharpness and fullness, while the Mamba's polymer nylon and POM combination provides a brighter yet muted experience. When keystrokes are engaged, the characteristics of each bottom housing material will predominantly dictate the typing feel and sound upon bottoming out, whereas the top housing materials significantly affect the release sound. Therefore, users seeking specific sound profiles can achieve enjoyable results from either switch by understanding how each material uniquely influences the auditory and tactile experience while typing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which makes it ideal for users who prefer less effort for longer typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Mamba switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is notably heavier at 60 grams, placing it in the medium range. This difference indicates that users who appreciate a sturdier tactile experience may prefer the Mamba switch, while those seeking a lighter touch might lean toward the Chiikawa. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter of the two switches, making it more suitable for endurance tasks, while the Mamba's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial feel for those who favor that typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm, while the Mamba has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This slight difference means that the Chiikawa offers a more substantial depth when pressed, which may appeal to users who prefer a less abrupt keystroke feel, while the Mamba, with its shorter travel distance, is better suited for those who value speed and responsiveness in their gaming experience. Both switches, however, fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them advantageous for rapid key presses, but if you prioritize depth and a more pronounced actuation, the Chiikawa would be the preferable option.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, offering a crisp and high-pitched auditory experience with every keystroke. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more responsive and energizing typing sound. In contrast, the Durock Mamba switches provide a rich auditory experience described as both neutral and thocky. They produce a deep, satisfying thud when pressed, making them well-suited for those who prefer a more robust and plush sound. This variance in auditory feedback means that users will have distinct experiences based on which switch they opt for, even though both switches will be influenced by the keyboard and keycap choices.
Moving on to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g's tactile characteristics are notably absent in the information provided, making it challenging to draw specific conclusions about its tactile experience. However, the Durock Mamba switches are characterized as mild and polished, providing a gentle typing sensation that is approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. The polished nature of the Mamba switches indicates a smooth and refined experience, enhancing key travel through reduced friction. This smoothness contrasts with the responsive nature one might expect from the Chiikawa switches, but without definitive descriptors for the latter, it remains an unknown factor in the comparison.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch caters to those who enjoy a bright and high-pitched sound, offering a crisp auditory experience, while the Durock Mamba switches deliver a rich, thocky sound with a smoother tactile feel. The Mamba’s mild and polished characteristics provide a gentle yet satisfying typing experience. As a newcomer, understanding these differences is crucial for finding the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive feel with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is the perfect choice. Its bottom out force of 51 grams allows for a quick actuation that can enhance your typing experience, especially for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. The bright sound profile adds an element of enjoyment, making it a fun option for light typists or those who appreciate an engaging auditory experience. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more rich and satisfying auditory experience along with a slightly firmer bottom out force of 60 grams, the Durock Mamba could be your go-to switch. Its smooth, polished feel paired with a thocky sound profile delivers a satisfying typing experience that suits a wide range of tasks, whether you're at home or in the office. Ultimately, if you want a gentler, more approachable typing experience, the Mamba stands out, especially for all-around use. By assessing your priorities for sound, feel, and actuation force, you'll be better equipped to select the switch that best meets your needs.
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