Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Mars
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mars switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can dramatically influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mars are both linear switches that cater to different preferences and styles. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many typists find rewarding. This responsiveness makes it an attractive option for those who prioritize speed and an engaging typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars switches stand out with their innovative design, featuring a unique POK stem and a housing crafted from a blend of Nylon and POM. This not only provides a smooth keystroke but also enhances durability, making the Mars a reliable choice for users who value longevity alongside performance. While both switches offer distinct advantages, choosing the right one ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 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
POK
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mars, it is evident that they employ different materials for their top and bottom housings, which influences the overall sound and feel of each switch. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, resulting in a sharper and crisper sound profile that complements the RGB lighting capabilities. This high-pitched character often appeals to users looking for a more pronounced auditory experience. In contrast, the Gateron Mars utilizes a nylon top housing, which is inherently softer and more absorbent. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile that offers a warmer auditory experience, demonstrating that the choice of material greatly affects the sound quality.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches also contribute differently to their respective sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g sports a nylon bottom housing, further enhancing its deeper sound quality while maintaining a consistent acoustic performance. The nylon's softer nature helps in absorbing sound, thereby yielding a rounded auditory experience upon bottoming out. In comparison, the Gateron Mars's bottom housing is made of POM, a material known for producing a unique, smooth sound. While the POM housing is designed to create a slightly more muted and pleasing sound, it still aligns with a deeper audio profile that is characteristic of curved, synthetic materials.
Ultimately, while the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Mars use different materials for their top and bottom housings, they can still produce similar auditory results due to the interplay between the top and bottom constructions. The impact of sound on key actuation stems from both sections, and since both switches are designed to provide a deeper sound experience, users can enjoy a satisfying auditory feedback regardless of material differences. Thus, while the individual sound profiles vary, the overall acoustic experience can come together harmoniously, delivering a full and rich performance suited to different user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch offer similar actuation forces, both set at 45 grams, making them equally light and suitable for users who prioritize ease of typing during extended usage, such as in work environments or long gaming sessions. However, the Chiikawa switch has a defined bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more force to fully press the key down compared to the Gateron Mars switch, which lacks an available bottom out force specification. This absence of data for the Mars switch leaves its bottom out force unknown, making it challenging to assess its overall resistance at full depression. Consequently, while both switches are comparable in actuation force, the Chiikawa's slightly higher bottom out force may provide a more substantial feel for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. Overall, the Chiikawa - 45g is the heavier option compared to the unspecified weight of the Gateron Mars during bottoming out.
Travel distance
The travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch are identical, both measuring 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of these switches, as they both require the same amount of travel to register a keypress. As a result, whether using the Chiikawa or the Mars switch, the feel and responsiveness during typing will be quite comparable, providing a consistent experience for anyone switching between the two.
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 Mars has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mars for $5.50.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright, crisp, and high-pitched tone, making it quite pleasant for typing. This makes it responsive and engaging, especially in environments where you want a little auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Mars switch, while not explicitly detailed, is known for its unique POK stem and a housing made from a blend of Nylon and POM. These materials can lead to a smoother, more subdued sound, but the exact auditory characteristic can vary significantly based on the keyboard and keycaps used. Therefore, while the Chiikawa - 45g offers a lively auditory experience, the Mars might lend itself to a more nuanced tone depending on its setup.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, allowing for quick and effortless typing, which can be especially appealing to those who prefer a feather-light touch. This quality can facilitate rapid keystrokes, reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. In comparison, the Gateron Mars switch's feel is not explicitly defined here; however, given its innovative design and materials, it’s likely engineered to provide a smooth typing experience similar to other linear switches. If the Mars maintains a linear quality, users may find it to provide a straight push down without tactile feedback, akin to what is expected from linear switches, which would provide a consistent typing experience.
In conclusion, when comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Gateron Mars switch, the Chiikawa stands out with its bright sound and very light actuation, promising an engaging auditory experience and responsive typing. The Mars switch, with its unique design and construction, likely offers a smooth feel, though its sound profile remains less defined. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles, and selecting between them will depend on whether you prioritize sound brightness and lightness of actuation versus the potential smoothness and build quality provided by the designs of the Mars switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mars linear switch ultimately depends on your individual preferences and typing style. If you are someone who enjoys a light touch and seeks a responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa's 45g actuation force and its crisp, bright sound profile will likely enhance your enjoyment, particularly for fast-paced typing or gaming. Additionally, the Chiikawa's medium-light bottom-out force makes it ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience that still offers satisfying feedback. On the other hand, if you appreciate innovative designs and possibly a smoother keypress, you might find the Gateron Mars appealing, especially given its unique POK stem and housing material that combine performance and durability. While the sound profile of the Mars isn't specified here, its construction suggests it could deliver a different, perhaps more nuanced auditory experience compared to the Chiikawa. In essence, consider the Chiikawa for a lively, engaging typing experience and the Mars for a potentially smoother, more innovative feel. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your personal needs and preferences.
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