Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Mint

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Mint are two compelling linear options that cater to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances typing feedback and responsiveness. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a quick, energetic typing feel, particularly in fast-paced environments or for gaming sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Mint offers a satisfyingly smooth typing experience characterized by a light and fleeting touch, complemented by a long pole stem that delivers a pleasant poppy thockiness. With its low-pitched and polished sound, the Mint can be ideal for users seeking a more muted yet refined auditory experience while still benefiting from smooth linear action. Each switch has its unique strengths, making them suitable for 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

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

KTT Mint Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.91 per 10

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Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Mint, it is evident that both switches feature identical materials, with polycarbonate used for the top housing and nylon for the bottom. This commonality in materials results in similar auditory experiences. The polycarbonate top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Both switches benefit from the stiffness of polycarbonate, leading to a resonance that enhances sound clarity, making them particularly compatible for RGB lighting effects due to their translucence. Users looking for a vibrant and visually appealing keyboard experience will find that both switches deliver similar aesthetic and performance results.

On the bottom end of the switch design, both models utilize nylon for their bottom housings, resulting in a deeper, fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer properties allow it to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics, which contributes to the roundness of the acoustic signature. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches will produce a similar typing experience in terms of bottom-out sound and feel. Users can expect a satisfying keystroke that combines the vibrant clarity from the polycarbonate top with the mellow depth contributed by the nylon base.

While the individual impact of each housing material diverges—where the top housing influences the release sound and the bottom housing affects the bottom-out behavior—the similarity in construction allows for a cohesive performance. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Mint, while manufactured by different brands, offer keyboards that appeal to enthusiasts looking for specific auditory and tactile experiences. As a result, users will find that despite slight variations in design or branding, the end product provides comparable sound quality and typing satisfaction due to the shared materials.

Weight

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch exhibit notable similarities and slight differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches have an actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users can expect a comparable typing experience in terms of the initial force needed to register a keystroke, making them suitable for those who favor lighter switches that facilitate longer typing sessions or extended gaming periods. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Chiikawa switch has a slightly lower measurement at 51 grams compared to the Mint's 53 grams. This implies that while both switches are considered medium-light, the Mint offers a slightly heavier feel at the bottom of the keystroke, which could be preferable for users seeking a more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you prioritize a lighter switch, both options are equivalent in actuation while the Chiikawa is the overall lighter choice due to its lower bottom out force.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch, the Chiikawa offers a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Mint features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distances may appeal to different user preferences; for those seeking quicker response times, the Chiikawa’s shorter distance may be advantageous, providing a more immediate feedback during key presses. Conversely, the Mint's longer travel distance allows for a more traditional typing experience, providing a deeper feel that some users may find more satisfying and less abrupt. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether one prioritizes speed and responsiveness or prefers a more robust and classic keystroke sensation.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that results in a crisp, high-pitched tone while typing. This can make the switch feel lively and engaging, perfect for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback as they type. In contrast, the KTT Mint linear switch offers a low-pitched sound that features a deeper, bass-heavy tone. While the Mint switch has a neutral sound profile, this mellower quality makes it suitable for varied environments, whether at home or in the office, allowing it to blend seamlessly into different settings. Overall, if you prefer higher-pitched sounds, the Chiikawa may appeal more to you, whereas those looking for a more subdued auditory experience would likely gravitate towards the Mint.

In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is described as notably responsive due to its very light actuation force, making it ideal for rapid typing. However, specific details about its overall tactile feedback are lacking and remain unspecified. The KTT Mint, on the other hand, offers a mild and polished typing experience. This switch presents a gentle typing sensation along with a smooth and refined key travel, largely achieved through quality materials and factory lubing. The Mint is crafted for those who enjoy a silky feel without too much friction, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned users alike.

In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Mint switches each cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa features a bright, high-pitched sound and a very light actuation force, resulting in a lively typing experience, while the Mint's low-pitched, mellow tones paired with its mild and polished feel create a more subdued yet smooth typing sensation. Choosing between them will ultimately depend on whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback or a gentle, refined typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Mint linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a bright, responsive typing sound with a very light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g might be the perfect fit for you. Its crisp, high-pitched sound can enhance your typing experience, making it especially enjoyable for casual users who find joy in auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, more polished experience with a low-pitched sound profile, the KTT Mint switch would be ideal. Its poppy thockiness and mild feel provide a balanced typing experience that caters to both beginners and advanced users alike. The KTT Mint is particularly suitable for environments where a more subdued sound is preferred, thanks to its neutral tone. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your individual typing style, desired sound profile, and whether you value a lightweight actuation or a more satisfying, smooth keystroke.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

KTT Mint Linear

$2.91 per 10

Learn more