Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly impact your typing experience, and two popular options in the linear category are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who prioritize responsiveness and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched sound while typing. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro offers a smoother and more substantial feel, along with a satisfying sharp bottom-out that caters to typists and gamers alike, particularly those who appreciate tactile feedback with each keystroke. With its emphasis on resonant clacks and a bouncy, polished design, the Matcha Green Pro delivers a unique auditory and tactile experience. Both switches have their distinct appeal, whether you’re after the quick and airy feel of the Chiikawa or the robust and gratifying feedback of the V3 Matcha Green Pro. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by clarity and brightness. The polycarbonate material is noted for its stiffness, which enables a sharper, higher-pitched sound, making each keystroke resonate clearly. Additionally, the translucence of polycarbonate supports RGB lighting features, enhancing the overall aesthetics of a keyboard. Both models benefit from this material, guaranteeing that users experience a crisp audio feedback that is particularly pleasing during typing or gaming sessions.
Contrasting with the top housing, the bottom housings of both switches employ nylon, a material revered for its soft and sound-dampening qualities. The deeper and fuller sound profile produced by the nylon bottom housing absorbs more acoustic energy, leading to a more rounded sound when the switch bottoms out. This divergence in material characteristics means that while the key release sound is affected by the polycarbonate top, the bottom housing plays a significant role in the tactile feel and auditory feedback upon key activation. As such, even though both switches share similarities in their top materials, their sound profiles are shaped distinctly by their nylon bottoms.
In summary, while the Chiikawa - 45g and the V3 Matcha Green Pro exhibit comparable features with their polycarbonate tops, they share a paramount difference in their bottom housing materials, with both utilizing nylon. Consequently, this dual-material setup results in a synergistic effect where the clarity from the polycarbonate top harmonizes with the depth from the nylon base. Users can thus enjoy a balanced audio experience that captures the crispness of high-pitched sounds alongside the warmth of deeper tones, yielding a cohesive and enjoyable typing experience across both models.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 45g features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classified as medium-light. This lighter actuation force can be advantageous for prolonged typing sessions, making it ideal for users who prefer less effort while typing or gaming. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorized as medium. The additional weight in the V3 Matcha Green Pro provides a more substantial feel, appealing to those who enjoy a firmer key response during use. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro is the heavier choice, catering to different preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, the Chiikawa switch measures 3.6 mm, while the V3 Matcha Green Pro extends slightly longer at 3.8 mm. This indicates that the V3 Matcha Green Pro has a deeper actuation, which may appeal to users who appreciate a more pronounced key press. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa switch could provide a quicker response time, beneficial for gamers seeking fast, efficient keystrokes. Ultimately, if you prefer a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa would be a favorable choice, while for those who enjoy a deeper, more tactile experience, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be ideal.
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 Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro has an MSRP of $4.66 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Matcha Green Pro for $2.20.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that adds a light and airy acoustic element to your typing experience. In contrast, the V3 Matcha Green Pro evokes a more resonant and clacky sound, providing sharp and snappy auditory feedback with each keystroke. This combination of resonant and clacky characteristics means that while the two switches might offer distinct audio experiences, both can create satisfying sound dynamics depending on your setup, particularly influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press, resulting in a tactile experience that emphasizes swift typing. On the other hand, the V3 Matcha Green Pro is designed with a bouncy feel, delivering a spring-like sensation that provides a lively rebound on each keystroke. This switch also showcases qualities such as a creamy and polished touch, contributing to a smooth, silky typing experience that enhances overall keystroke comfort. While the Chiikawa - 45g offers a more feather-light actuation, the Matcha Green Pro’s rich tactile response means that those who prefer a bit of resistance may find it more gratifying.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switches cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel, both can create an enjoyable typing experience when matched with the right keyboard and keycaps. The Chiikawa - 45g leans toward a bright auditory profile and lightweight feedback, ideal for users seeking a nimble feel, whereas the Matcha Green Pro satisfies those who appreciate a richer, more tactile experience characterized by bounce and smoothness. Ultimately, personal preference will determine which switch resonates more with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch or the Akko V3 Matcha Green Pro linear switch, it's essential to reflect on your personal typing style and preferences. If you lean towards a lighter and more responsive feel, especially if you enjoy the tactile feedback of a quick actuation, the Chiikawa - 45g might be more suited for you. Its bright sound profile combined with the very light actuation force creates a lively and engaging typing experience that can be particularly enjoyable for casual typing and gaming, providing a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds to the overall enjoyment. On the other hand, should you prefer a more substantial feedback with a solid bottom-out feeling, the V3 Matcha Green Pro would be the better option. With a medium actuation force and a unique bouncy, creamy feel, these switches deliver a satisfying auditory and tactile experience that resonates with a sharp clack and polished keystrokes, which can enhance both intensive gaming sessions and productive typing tasks. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you prioritize responsiveness, feedback, and sound in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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