Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT MoonRosa
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT MoonRosa switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT MoonRosa both offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and providing a crisp, high-pitched sound that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa boasts an all-POM construction that delivers a buttery smooth typing experience with a more neutral sound signature, appealing to users who prefer a quieter operation while still enjoying an easy-to-press feel. Whether you prioritize a lively auditory response or a smooth, subdued experience, both switches present compelling reasons for consideration. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT MoonRosa, it's clear that they both employ different top housing materials that influence their respective sound profiles in distinct ways. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its stiffer nature. This material's translucency also promotes better RGB lighting effects, enhancing the visual aspect of the switch. In stark contrast, the MoonRosa's top housing is made of POM, known for producing a unique and muted sound profile that leans towards the deeper side. This fundamental difference in materials leads to unique auditory sensations when typing; the Chiikawa delivers higher-pitched sounds, whereas the MoonRosa offers a fuller, more subdued auditory experience.
The bottom housings of the two switches further emphasize their contrasting tonal characteristics. The Chiikawa utilizes a nylon bottom housing, which is known for its classic sound absorption qualities. This results in a deeper and rounder sound profile that complements the sharper notes provided by its polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the MoonRosa also incorporates a POM bottom housing, aligning it with its top housing sound signature. The POM material is described as creating an incredibly pleasing sound that remains muted and deep. Although both switches may share similarities in deeper tonal qualities due to using the same bottom housing material, the Chiikawa's nylon contributes a dimension of fullness that sets it apart from the MoonRosa’s more homogeneous sound.
In essence, the differences in top housing material between the Chiikawa and the MoonRosa establish distinct auditory experiences. However, if you're aiming to achieve similar results in terms of deeper sound profiles, you could look at how the characteristics of each switch's bottom housing affect the overall sound. While the MoonRosa may generate a muted deep tone overall, the Chiikawa's combination of nylon and polycarbonate creates a unique balance, allowing for a more pronounced typing experience with a fuller sound. Ultimately, the varied materials contribute to different expressiveness and feel, while still achieving an overall sound design that can satisfy similar preferences among typists.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 45g features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the MoonRosa has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force that is also lighter at 45 grams. This makes the MoonRosa more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less force to actuate, thereby reducing finger fatigue. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may favor the Chiikawa switch for its heavier feel. Ultimately, users seeking a lighter touch should gravitate toward the KTT MoonRosa, while those who appreciate a firmer feedback when typing may find the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g more appealing.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT MoonRosa linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the MoonRosa the more responsive option due to its reduced travel distance, likely appealing to gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Chiikawa offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key. Both switches reflect a trend towards shorter travel distances in modern designs, catering to varying preferences in key feel and responsiveness. However, if you're seeking that very slight edge in response time, the KTT MoonRosa would be the better choice.
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 KTT MoonRosa comes in at $4.88 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 produces a bright and crisp high-pitched tone, making each keystroke audible and lively. This sound profile tends to create an engaging auditory experience, appealing to those who enjoy a more responsive sound while typing. In contrast, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch yields a low-pitched and mellow tone that embodies a neutral sound signature. This results in a much quieter typing experience that may be favored in environments where noise reduction is appreciated. The significant difference in sound characteristics suggests that if you prefer a lively typing experience, the Chiikawa may be the better choice, whereas the MoonRosa offers a more subtle, bass-oriented sound.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force that results in a highly responsive typing experience. However, specific descriptors for its overall feel are not provided, making it more challenging to compare directly. On the other hand, the KTT MoonRosa linear switch delivers a mild typing experience, characterized by gentle resistance during key presses and an easy-to-press nature. This combination ensures a smooth and comfortable typing experience while minimizing fatigue during extended use. The ease of pressing with the MoonRosa may offer a more universally inviting feel compared to the Chiikawa's lighter actuation force; however, both switches are designed to enhance typing comfort and efficiency.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 45g brings a bright sound profile with its light actuation force, the KTT MoonRosa offers a low-pitched sound and a smooth typing experience with milder resistance. The choice between these two switches largely depends on personal preferences for sound and the tactile experience desired. If clarity and brightness are your priorities, the Chiikawa will deliver, while the MoonRosa caters to those looking for a softer and quieter typing session. Each has its unique advantages, but both can provide an enjoyable typing experience within their respective sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT MoonRosa linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a distinctive auditory experience with a bright sound profile and enjoy a more responsive touch, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams offers a balanced feedback that enhances typing precision, making it particularly suited for those who favor a crisp, high-pitched sound while typing. On the other hand, if you lean towards a buttery smooth experience combined with an approachable, low-pitched sound signature, then the MoonRosa is likely a better fit. With its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and all-POM construction, this switch promises effortless key presses and reduced finger fatigue, making it great for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. In summary, your decision should reflect whether you seek a more dynamic auditory sensation or a smooth, mellow typing experience, allowing you to tailor your keyboard setup to your unique preferences.
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