Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. PH Studio Milk Tea

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the PH Studio Milk Tea offer two distinct yet appealing linear typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it an exceptionally responsive switch that delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke. This switch is ideal for users who enjoy a tactile response without the fatigue that can come from heavier switches. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea switch also provides a unique auditory experience with its high-pitched yet muted sound, offering a gentle balance between presence and subtlety. Its use of Ly for the stem material ensures that each keystroke feels smooth and effortless, making it perfect for those who prefer a more polished typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, ultimately influencing a user's comfort and typing speed. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and PH Studio Milk Tea switches diverge in their choice of housing materials, leading to distinct auditory experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is particularly beneficial for those who prioritize clarity and resonance, especially when RGB lighting is used, allowing the switch to showcase its translucent aesthetic. In contrast, the Milk Tea features a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While this offers a unique auditory quality that many enthusiasts find pleasing, it lacks the same level of sharpness and clarity associated with polycarbonate.

The bottom housing of both switches reinforces the differences noted in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g opts for a nylon bottom housing, which is appreciated for its ability to generate a deeper and fuller sound due to the material's softer characteristics; it absorbs sound effectively, producing a rounder tone. On the other hand, the Milk Tea utilizes a POM bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a deeper auditory experience. Although both bottom materials create pleasing sounds, nylon’s attributes provide a more pronounced depth with a rounder effect, whereas POM strikes a balance between muted sophistication and an appealing sound profile.

Despite their variances, both switches can yield satisfying results in different contexts. If the bottom and top housings are distinctly different, as in these cases, each contributes uniquely to the overall sound and feel of the switch. The Chiikawa - 45g's clear, resonant tones from the polycarbonate top can be complemented by the fuller, softer response from the nylon bottom. Meanwhile, the Milk Tea combines its deep, muted POM tones in both the top and bottom housing to create a harmonious sound experience. Ultimately, while each switch offers its unique characteristics, users can achieve similar satisfaction in sounds by carefully considering the interplay of housing materials that influence both the bottom-out sound and the release effect.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, significant differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge, along with distinct user preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Milk Tea switch has a lighter actuation force of 37.5 grams and a bottom out force of 43.5 grams, making it a lighter choice overall. This means that users looking for effortless keystrokes over extended periods may prefer the Milk Tea switch for its lower resistance, while those desiring a more substantial typing feedback might find the stronger push feel of the Chiikawa switch more satisfying. Consequently, for a typing experience with minimal fatigue, the Milk Tea switch stands out as the lighter option, while the Chiikawa provides a slightly heavier, more tactile experience.

Travel distance

Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable key press feel when using either switch, as both require the same distance to be actuated from the top to the bottom. Therefore, those seeking a consistent typing experience will find that switching between the two will yield similar results in terms of travel distance and overall feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright and high-pitched quality, providing a crisp auditory feedback with every keystroke. It’s a sound that can be described as lively and responsive, conducive to a typing experience that is both engaging and stimulating. In contrast, the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch, while also high-pitched, introduces a more nuanced auditory experience. The sound is described as clacky and marbly, maintaining a sharp, resonant quality yet balancing it with a muted essence that softens the overall auditory presence. This blend gives the Milk Tea switch a gentle yet distinct sound, suitable for those looking for a versatile acoustic performance without overwhelming noise.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a notably light actuation force, which lends to its responsive nature. However, the specific tactile feedback characteristics of the Chiikawa are not detailed, leaving a gap in the comparative analysis regarding its overall feel. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch is defined by its polished and silky attributes. These descriptors point to a meticulously refined and smooth typing experience, which not only reduces friction but also enhances the overall ease of pressing the keys. Users can expect effortless travel and minimal resistance when engaging with the Milk Tea switches, resulting in a smooth and enjoyable typing experience.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switches showcase high-pitched sound profiles, although the Milk Tea provides a more muted blend of sound that balances presence and subtlety. While the Chiikawa's feel remains less defined, the Milk Tea promises a polished, silky typing experience that minimizes resistance. For newcomers to mechanical keyboards, both switches offer distinct auditory and tactile qualities that can enhance typing pleasure, with the Milk Tea being particularly noted for its smoothness and muted sound signature. Depending on personal preference, either switch can yield an engaging typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the PH Studio Milk Tea linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you seek a medium-light switch that provides a snappy, bright auditory experience with a crisp high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. It offers a responsive feel that’s great for fast typists and those who enjoy an engaging typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer, lighter actuation with a more muted yet pleasant sound profile, the Milk Tea switch is the way to go. Its polished and silky feel enhances smooth key travel, making it ideal for long typing sessions without fatigue. In summary, for a vibrant and exciting sound with great responsiveness, opt for the Chiikawa - 45g; but if comfort and a refined typing experience are your top priorities, the Milk Tea switch will serve you well.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

PH Studio Milk Tea Linear

$4.50

$4.00 per 10

Learn more