Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Matcha
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Matcha switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Matcha both present unique advantages that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its lightweight actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. Its linear nature ensures smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, perfect for users who prefer a seamless experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha offers a tactile feedback that many gamers and typists find satisfying. With a comfortable, snappy tactility and a distinctly clean bottom-out sound due to its long pole stem, it provides a more engaging typing experience that enhances accuracy and rhythm. Choosing between these two switches ultimately depends on whether you lean towards the light, fluid motions of the Chiikawa or the tactile enjoyment of the Matcha. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Matcha utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. This design choice reflects the advantages of polycarbonate; its stiffer nature contributes to a more resonant sound, enhancing auditory feedback during typing. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate makes these switches particularly appealing for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the lights can shine through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing experience. Thus, when it comes to the top housing, both switches will provide users with similar sound characteristics and visual appeal, optimizing both performance and style.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials present a stark difference between the two switches. The Chiikawa - 45g employs nylon for its bottom housing, known for its softer texture. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile due to nylon's ability to absorb more sound, leading to a rounder auditory experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha opts for a polycarbonate bottom housing, echoing the sound profile of its top housing. This means that the Matcha will produce a sharper and more resonant sound at the bottom of the keystroke—a stark contrast to the warmer, rounder sound provided by the nylon in the Chiikawa.
Ultimately, the combination of housing materials in each switch results in a unique typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g’s nylon bottom housing enhances the overall typing experience with its profound depth, while the Matcha's uniform use of polycarbonate across both housings ensures a consistent sharpness in sound. Therefore, while both switches might resonate similarly with their polycarbonate top housings, the nylon bottom of the Chiikawa creates a more diverse auditory profile. Users may find that one switch aligns better with their preferences depending on their desired sound and feel when typing, showcasing how material choice can influence overall switch performance and user satisfaction.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch differ notably in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option. In contrast, the Matcha switch features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the Matcha is easier to press initially and overall lighter compared to the Chiikawa, which offers a slightly heavier feel. While both switches provide a satisfactory typing experience, those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may find the Matcha more appealing. On the other hand, users looking for a more substantial feel may lean toward the Chiikawa for its medium-light forces.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Chiikawa - 45g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Matcha has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that pressing the Chiikawa switch feels more responsive and quicker, making it appealing for gamers and those who prefer rapid key presses. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the Matcha switch may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for users who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. Ultimately, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional feel might lean towards the Matcha switch.
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 KTT Matcha has an MSRP of $5.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Matcha for $4.88.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for producing a bright and crisp high-pitched sound profile. This makes typing on the Chiikawa feel exceptionally responsive, adding to the overall experience. In contrast, the KTT Matcha tactile switch offers a distinctively clacky sound that is characterized by its sharp and snappy tone. This results in a crisp, percussive auditory feedback that enthusiasts often appreciate. While the Chiikawa's brightness and clarity charm users, the Matcha's clackiness provides a satisfying auditory cue for each keystroke. It's important to keep in mind that the final sound experience will vary depending on your choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g stands out for its light actuation force, making the switch easy to press and responsive, which allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the KTT Matcha switch is designed to deliver a comfortable and snappy tactile response, characterized by a stepped feel that allows for some pre-travel and post-travel resistance. This gives users a clear, yet gentle tactile bump without overwhelming them. The snappy and accented characteristics of the Matcha provide an engaging typing sensation, complemented by a notably feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue, making it suitable for extended use. Together, these attributes create a compelling contrast between the smooth lightness of the Chiikawa and the tactility of the Matcha.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch appeal to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in delivering a bright and crisp typing experience, perfect for those who favor responsive and fluid key presses. In contrast, the Matcha offers a more tactile and snappy experience, appealing to users who appreciate pronounced feedback with every keystroke. Depending on your typing style and preferences, both switches can provide an excellent typing experience, but they cater to differing needs in terms of sound and feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Matcha tactile switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you prioritize a smooth and responsive typing experience with a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a medium-light actuation force that requires minimal pressure for quick keystrokes. This makes it particularly appealing for fast-paced gaming or typing where comfort and responsiveness are key. However, if you lean toward a more tactile experience, where you appreciate the feedback of a bump during key presses combined with a snappy feel, the KTT Matcha is likely to suit you better. Its light actuation force and distinctly clean bottom-out sound provide a delightful typing experience, especially in environments where you might want to minimize the noise impact on others, thanks to its softer sound profile. Ultimately, consider how you type and what kind of feedback you prefer; this will guide you to the switch that enhances your typing experience most effectively.
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