Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Mountain Top
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mountain Top switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Mountain Top offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences and environments. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a responsive choice ideal for those who enjoy a crisp, high-pitched typing experience. This switch is perfect for users who prioritize auditory feedback and rapid keystrokes, often appealing to gamers and enthusiasts. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switches are designed with office environments in mind, featuring a quieter yet comfortably light actuation that allows for unobtrusive typing. Their mild and subtle sound signature promotes a focus on productivity, making them an excellent option for professionals who need to type continuously without disturbing colleagues. Both switches have their unique strengths; 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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Mountain Top switches exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, which significantly influence the sound profiles and characteristics of the switches. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its stiffer properties that contribute a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This material's translucency makes it a suitable choice for RGB lighting, effectively enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch features a nylon top housing, a classic material noted for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience, which could be thought of as more subdued compared to the Chiikawa's lively sound.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, an interesting commonality can be observed: both the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Mountain Top utilize nylon material. This shared characteristic means that both switches will generate a similar typing experience regarding depth and fullness in sound due to nylon's inherent sound-absorbing properties. The nylon bottom housing absorbs vibrations and creates a duller sound, which can contribute to a more muted bottom-out experience. Therefore, while the top housings produce contrasting sound profiles due to their different materials, the bottom housings harmonize the experience to some extent by offering a consistent base performance characteristic.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different housing materials in both switches creates a unique sound and tactile experience for each. The polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa - 45g may yield a more vibrant sound while typing, allowing for a sharper auditory response to key releases. Conversely, the nylon top of the Mountain Top produces a sound that is rounder and less pronounced, which may appeal to users preferring a more subdued noise level during usage. Both switches, however, share the nylon bottom housing, ensuring that users will experience the deeper, fuller sound profile that nylon provides, creating a common thread in sound quality despite the differences in their top housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch requires an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Mountain Top switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This slight difference in actuation force means that typists who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate toward the Mountain Top switch, which can facilitate longer typing sessions without fatigue. However, the Chiikawa switch offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Both switches have a relatively close bottom out force, with the Chiikawa being slightly heavier at 51 grams compared to the Mountain Top's 50 grams, suggesting a similar bottoming out feel. Ultimately, users will find that the Mountain Top switch is the lighter option overall, while the Chiikawa provides a more robust tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch, we observe a slight difference that may influence user experience. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option between the two, while the Mountain Top has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, which is shorter. This difference can affect the tactile feedback and overall feel during use; gamers, for example, may enjoy the quicker response time offered by the Mountain Top's shorter travel distance. In contrast, those who appreciate a more substantial key press might prefer the Chiikawa's deeper travel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a heavier key 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 Mountain Top 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp and high-pitched tone that adds a lively auditory element to typing. This light and responsive switch produces a notable sound, making it ideal for those who enjoy an engaging acoustic experience while typing. On the other hand, the Gateron Mountain Top switch is engineered for discretion, delivering a muted sound that prioritizes a low-profile typing experience, making it more suitable for office environments where noise levels are a concern. Its neutral sound signature ensures that it remains unobtrusive, allowing for continuous typing without drawing attention, which is perfect for shared workspaces.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force, making it highly responsive and easy to type on; however, specific descriptors regarding its tactile feedback are not provided. In contrast, the Gateron Mountain Top switch offers a bouncy sensation that mimics a spring-like feedback, providing a lively and engaging experience. Its easy-to-press nature enhances comfort during extended typing, minimizing finger fatigue. The combination of snappy responsiveness and a subtle touch means it offers a mild experience that caters to a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced typists, without overwhelming them with pronounced characteristics.
In summary, while both the Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Mountain Top switches offer light actuation forces conducive to comfortable typing, they diverge in their sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and responsive feel lend themselves to a more engaging atmosphere, whereas the Mountain Top's muted acoustics and bouncy, mild feedback create an ideal option for professional environments. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory engagement or a quieter typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Mountain Top linear switch largely depends on your specific typing needs and environments. If you prioritize a bright and responsive typing experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially for casual use or gaming where the tactile feedback and crisp sound can enhance your enjoyment. Its lively sound profile and light actuation make it well-suited for environments where sound is less of a concern. Conversely, if you find yourself predominantly typing in a professional or shared space, the Gateron Mountain Top switch may be your best bet. With its quieter, more subdued sound signature and easy-to-press nature, it caters to those who need to type comfortably without disturbing others. The balance of discreetness and a lively feel makes the Mountain Top ideal for office settings. Ultimately, the decision rests on your environment and whether you prefer a more pronounced auditory feedback or a seamless, quiet experience while typing.
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