Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mini i become quite pronounced, each catering to distinct typing preferences and environments. The Chiikawa - 45g, recognized for its lightweight 45g actuation force and bright sound profile, offers a highly responsive and crisp typing experience, ideal for those who enjoy the lively feedback and auditory response of linear switches. This makes it a great option for gamers and fast typists who appreciate a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i provides a more subdued tactile experience, featuring a gentle bump without the distraction of loud clicks. With its bouncy feel and muted sound, this switch is perfect for professional settings where extended typing sessions are common, allowing users to enjoy satisfying feedback without being intrusive. Both switches have unique strengths tailored to different preferences; 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
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mini i switches, there are notable differences in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the material's rigidity, which enhances clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting effects, allowing light to pass through and illuminate the switch more effectively. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i features a nylon top housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature. This softness leads to increased sound absorption, resulting in a more muted auditory experience compared to the sharper sounds of polycarbonate.
However, both switches share a common element in their bottom housing material. Both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mini i utilize nylon for their bottom housing, which contributes to a similar auditory experience. The nylon bottom housing in both switches generates a rounder and deeper sound profile that absorbs sound, minimizing the impact of higher frequencies generated by the top housing. As a result, while the top housings create distinct tonal qualities, the shared nylon material in the bottom portion allows for a cohesive and consistent sensory experience when typing. The soft and absorbent nature of nylon ensures that the bottom-out sounds remain deep and satisfying across both switches.
Ultimately, the different top housing materials illustrate how the sound profile can vary significantly based on the composition. While the Chiikawa - 45g offers a bright and resonant sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the Gateron Mini i provides a contrast with a softer and more subdued tone from its nylon top. However, since both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, they converge in producing a similar deep and round sound on bottom-out actions, thereby allowing users to experience a blend of sharpness when releasing a key with the Chiikawa and a fuller approximation with the Mini i. Despite their differences, both switches cater to diverse preferences in tactile and auditory feedback, demonstrating the nuanced impact of housing materials on overall switch performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we see notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams, compared to the Mini i's lighter 40 grams. This difference may result in a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel with the Chiikawa, making it suitable for users who enjoy a tactile response. Additionally, the bottom out forces differ as well, with the Chiikawa at 51 grams and the Mini i at 50 grams. While the Mini i is lighter overall, both switches are quite close in their bottom out forces, suggesting that users may notice a similar experience when keys are fully depressed. Therefore, while those looking for a lighter touch may gravitate toward the Gateron Mini i, the Chiikawa offers a bit more resistance for those seeking a more robust feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a deeper press, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Mini i's shorter travel distance may cater more to gamers or users looking for faster response times. Thus, for those who favor a brisk and responsive keystroke, the Gateron Mini i would be the better choice, while the Chiikawa would appeal to those who appreciate a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 boasts a bright sound profile characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that resonates with efficiency and responsiveness. Its light actuation force contributes to a quick and lively typing experience, producing a more pronounced audio feedback that can be both engaging and invigorating. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i features a more muted sound profile, designed with office use in mind. Though it offers a gentle tactile feedback with each keypress, this subtlety means the sound is less intrusive, creating a pleasant typing environment that won’t disrupt colleagues. Thus, if you prefer a lively and clear auditory response while typing, the Chiikawa - 45g would suit you better, while the Mini i serves as a low-key option for quieter settings.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is likely to provide a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience without any tactile bump, making it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a frictionless typing action. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switch presents various tactile qualities, including a bouncy feel and gentle resistance during key presses. Users will find the Mini i offers an effortless and comfortable typing experience where the key travel isn’t overwhelming. This responsiveness, paired with the gentle actuation force, means that typing on the Mini i can feel lively without being strenuous. The tactile feedback, although milder, can still provide additional enjoyment for those seeking subtle amounts of resistance as they type.
In summary, if you're looking at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch versus the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, expect to encounter differing sound and feel characteristics that cater to both engaging and muted typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch offers a bright and responsive sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced audio experience, while the Mini i switch promotes a quiet, subtle tactile engagement ideal for professional environments. Ultimately, choosing between these options hinges on your personal typing habits and the environments in which you operate, as both switches offer unique qualities that can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the specific typing experience you seek. If you enjoy a responsive, high-pitched sound with a lighter actuation force that can enhance your gaming or fast-paced typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is likely the better fit. Its medium-light feel and crisp feedback can make each keystroke feel snappy and satisfying, ideal for those who appreciate a lively typing atmosphere. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that prioritizes comfort during extended typing sessions, especially in a quieter environment like an office, the Gateron Mini i would serve you well. Its gentle tactility and subdued sound profile provide a bouncy and mild typing experience, which is perfect for long hours of focus without overpowering noise. Ultimately, determining the right switch for you hinges on whether you value the crisp responsiveness of a linear switch or the subtle feedback of a tactile option—both of which offer unique benefits tailored to different typing contexts.
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