Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference, especially among linear switches like the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3). The Chiikawa - 45g is distinguished by its very light actuation force and bright, high-pitched sound profile, making it notably responsive for fast typists and those who enjoy a more auditory typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro offers a well-balanced performance characterized by its smooth operation and a satisfyingly thick resistance. Renowned for its low, “thocky” sound, this switch excels in both gaming and typing, appealing to budget-conscious enthusiasts. While the Chiikawa boasts a crisp feedback that might suit those seeking rapid responsiveness, the Milky Yellow Pro provides a deeper auditory experience that many find pleasurable across various tasks. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) switches incorporate different materials for their top housings, which significantly shapes their auditory profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This material not only enhances the acoustic results but also contributes to the switch’s aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is applied. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it an ideal choice for visual customization, allowing vibrant lighting to shine through. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro uses nylon for its top housing, which results in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound rather than reflecting it, leading to a more muted acoustic experience.
Both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which provides a common ground in their sound profiles despite the differing materials used in their top housings. With both employing nylon, the Milky Yellow Pro's and Chiikawa's bottom housings contribute to a rounder sound that is characteristic of nylon's sound-absorbing qualities. This shared material choice indicates that in the context of bottom-out feel and sound, their experiences will be more aligned, creating a consistent auditory experience during the act of pressing the keys. This similarity is important for typists and gamers who value the tactile feedback and depth that nylon provides.
The combination of different top housing materials in these switches leads to a unique interplay of characteristics. While the Chiikawa - 45g shines with its crisp sound when releasing a key, complemented by the muted depth of its nylon bottom housing, the Milky Yellow Pro allows for a more rounded auditory experience throughout the key press. As such, this split in housing materials results in switches that cater to various preferences in sound profiles, with the Chiikawa appealing to those seeking sharpness and clarity, while the Milky Yellow Pro may attract users who appreciate a softer, deeper sound. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct auditory experiences while sharing a foundational aspect in their bottom housing material, yielding a blend of clarity and depth unique to each design.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces highlight their contrasting feels. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, making it suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) operates with a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams, placing it in the medium range and offering a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Milky Yellow Pro is heavier. Users who prefer a softer touch may gravitate toward the Chiikawa for its reduced actuation force, whereas those who seek a firmer feel might choose the Milky Yellow Pro for its greater resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch, the Chiikawa features a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Milky Yellow Pro has a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference may significantly influence user experience; the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa allows for quicker actuation, appealing to those who prioritize responsiveness, such as gamers seeking faster reaction times. Conversely, the Milky Yellow Pro’s longer travel distance may offer a more substantial tactile feedback, which can feel more satisfying for users who prefer a deeper keypress. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you value speed and responsiveness or a more traditional and pronounced keystroke experience.
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 Yellow Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.33 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Yellow 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright, high-pitched tones, which create a distinctly crisp auditory experience when typing. This makes it quite appealing for those who appreciate a more perky sound as they type. In contrast, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) offers a deeper, more bass-heavy “thocky” sound, producing a rich auditory experience that resonates with a soft "thud." This difference in sound characteristics makes the Chiikawa ideal for individuals seeking a sharper and more energetic sound, while the Milky Yellow caters to those who prefer a warm and satisfying auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is noted for its very light actuation force, which results in a responsive and easy keystroke. This lightweight feel enhances the typing experience, allowing for quick and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) stands out with its buttery smoothness, delivering a seamless and uniform typing sensation. This switch excels in providing a relatively thick resistance, which offers a different tactile experience compared to the Chiikawa's light touch. The tactile dynamics of the Milky Yellow switches may appeal to users who enjoy feeling a solid weight behind each key press, distinguishing it from the airy feel of the Chiikawa.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) occupy distinct niches within the linear switch spectrum. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound and light actuation that suits typists who crave responsiveness and high-pitched feedback. Meanwhile, the Milky Yellow Pro compensates with its deep, thocky sound and buttery feel, satisfying those who prefer a more weighted and rich typing experience. When deciding between these two switches, consider whether you value brightness and lightness or richness and smoothness, as each switch will lead to a unique typing experience reflective of its qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a vibrant, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is likely the better option. Its lower actuation force and responsive feel make it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, where quick key presses are essential. On the other hand, if you value a more substantial resistance and a satisfying, thocky sound profile, you may find the Gateron Milky Yellow Pro (KS-3) to be more appealing. The richness and smoothness of its keystrokes cater to both typing and gaming, offering versatility that budget enthusiasts appreciate. Therefore, consider your typing style and the auditory feedback you enjoy when making your decision; both switches have unique strengths that can enhance your keyboard experience in different ways.
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