Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) present two compelling yet distinct options for enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive and crisp typing experience that many gamers and typists appreciate for its agility. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro switches are recognized for their buttery smooth keystrokes, offering a deeper, low-pitched "thock" sound that enhances the auditory satisfaction of typing and lends itself well to both gaming and productive tasks. While the Chiikawa may appeal to those seeking a more vibrant and responsive feel, the Milky Red Pro is perfect for users who prioritize a smooth, low-noise experience without compromising affordability. 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
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), notable differences arise particularly in the top housing construction. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its rigidity and translucency. This choice of material enhances the switch's sound profile, yielding a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience. Such qualities make polycarbonate a favored option for switches designed with RGB lighting, as its clear structure allows for optimal light transmission. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) employs a nylon top housing, a material that traditionally presents a softer texture. This results in a deeper, fuller sound profile, which is more muffled compared to the Chiikawa's sharper sound. Overall, while the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top brings clarity and brightness to the switch, the Milky Red Pro's nylon tops deliver a more subdued auditory experience.
The bottom housings of both switches present a contrasting yet harmonious dynamic. In the Chiikawa - 45g, the bottom housing is also made of nylon, mirroring the material used in the Milky Red Pro's bottom housing. This consistency in material means that both switches will exhibit a similar impact on the typing experience from the bottom housing, which significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel. The nylon construction, being soft, absorbs sound effectively, leading to a deeper and rounder sound profile in both cases when bottoming out. This shared bottom housing material creates a uniformity in tactile feedback and auditory response during keystrokes across both switches, despite their top housings differing.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) showcase distinct auditory characteristics due to their differing top housing materials, their bottom housings create a cohesive sound profile. When pressing down on either switch, users will experience the deep, rounded sound effects attributed to the nylon bottom casing. The overall typing experience will deliver a blend of qualities, with the Chiikawa's sharper tones in the release and the Milky Red Pro's fullness at the bottom-out, signifying that users can achieve a balanced auditory experience that combines elements from both materials, effectively merging the best traits of polycarbonate and nylon in each usage scenario.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch present similar actuation forces, both requiring 45 grams of pressure to register a keystroke, making them equally light in that regard. However, when examining the bottom out forces, the Chiikawa reaches 51 grams while the Milky Red Pro slightly surpasses it at 52 grams. This slight difference means that the Milky Red Pro offers a marginally heavier feel when fully pressed down, which can provide a more substantial tactile experience for those who prefer a firmer key press. Ultimately, users who favor lighter switches for longer typing sessions might appreciate both options, but the Gateron Milky Red Pro is a touch heavier, potentially appealing to those who enjoy a stronger push feel in their typing or gaming experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, catering to users who may appreciate quicker response times, particularly beneficial for gaming scenarios where rapid keystrokes are crucial. On the other hand, the extra millimeter of travel in the Milky Red Pro switch may provide a deeper typing experience for those who prefer a more substantial tactile feedback. While both switches are linear and designed to minimize tactile bumps, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance might feel more abrupt to some users, whereas the Gateron switch can feel more hearty and satisfying due to its longer distance, making the choice between them depend largely on personal preference for response versus depth in feel.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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 creates a crisp, bright sound profile that delivers a high-pitched tone during key presses. This makes it noticeably more responsive and engaging when typing, especially in a quiet environment where its clarity can shine through. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) presents a more subdued auditory experience, characterized by its low-pitched, thocky sound. This switch produces a deeper and richer sound, reminiscent of a satisfying thud that many users find gratifying. The combination of its bassy quality and the thocky nature creates a warm sound that can be both comforting and appealing, particularly for those who enjoy the acoustics of typing.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g boasts a very light actuation force, making it feel exceptionally responsive and quick to register a key press. This lightweight nature allows for easy and fast typing, which can be particularly beneficial for typists who prioritize speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is known for its buttery smooth keystroke experience. Users enjoy a seamless transition from one key to another, resulting in a fluid typing sensation that feels effortless. This smoothness adds a layer of comfort during extended typing sessions, making it a suitable option for both casual and serious typists.
All things considered, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switches cater to distinct user preferences. While the Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound and lightweight feel, the Milky Red Pro stands out for its rich, deep audio profile and buttery smooth action. If you're looking to experience a more responsive sound and light touch, the Chiikawa may be your best bet. Conversely, if you prefer a deeper auditory feedback with an exceptionally smooth keystroke, the Milky Red Pro is the clearer choice. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different typing styles, and your choice will depend on what aspects you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch largely depends on your preferences regarding tactile feedback and sound profile. If you favor a bright sound combined with a very light actuation force that enables fast and responsive keystrokes, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound, makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a lively typing experience and may prioritize quick double-taps or gaming scenarios. On the other hand, if you prefer a buttery smooth and affordable typing experience, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is likely the better fit. Its slightly higher bottom out force provides a more deliberate keystroke and a satisfying low-pitched “thock”, ideal for users who appreciate a deeper sound and a subtly richer auditory feedback while typing. So, consider your typing habits: choose the Chiikawa for a brisk, agile feel, or opt for the Milky Red Pro for a smooth, satisfying thock that enhances your overall experience.
Mentioned in this article
