Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) exemplifies the diverse characteristics available to typists. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an ideal option for those who prioritize fast, responsive feedback while typing. Its linear nature ensures smooth keystrokes without tactile interruptions, creating a seamless and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) distinguishes itself with a sharply tactile feel and a unique acoustic signature. Featuring a premium PBT housing, it delivers a strong tactile bump during both the downstroke and upstroke, catering to users who enjoy a more pronounced feedback with each key press. This medium-heavy switch offers a satisfying, punchy sound that resonates with enthusiasts seeking depth in their typing experience. While both switches have their unique advantages, the decision will ultimately depend on your typing style and 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) utilize distinct materials for their top housings, which in turn, results in different sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing that is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This attribute is mainly due to polycarbonate's inherent stiffness, contributing to a more resonant acoustic profile. Furthermore, its translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to pass through and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the keyboard. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) employs a PBT top housing, which delivers a neutral sound profile that neither comes off as too sharp nor too dull. The difference in sound characteristics between the two switches emphasizes how the material of the top housing significantly influences the auditory experience, with the Chiikawa leaning towards sharper sounds while the Moyu maintains a more balanced, understated tone.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) again diverge, showcasing nylon and PBT, respectively. The Chiikawa's nylon bottom housing is characterized by its softness, which results in a deeper, fuller sound that can enhance the typing experience by absorbing sound more effectively than harder materials. On the other hand, the PBT bottom housing of the Moyu Black maintains a neutral sound profile similar to that of its top housing, thus reinforcing its balanced sound characteristics. As a result, while the Chiikawa provides a richer, more resonant experience due to the nylon, the Moyu Black delivers an equidistant auditory experience that is neither overwhelming nor distinctly unique.
When evaluating the overall performance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), it becomes evident that the combination of their top and bottom housings influences the resultant sound profile. Both switches have plastic materials that contribute to slightly different auditory experiences. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom work together to create a sharper yet full-bodied sound, while the Moyu Black's uniform use of PBT yields a consistent, neutral quality. Although the materials differ, users may achieve relatively similar results in terms of sound by considering the interplay of the top and bottom housing characteristics: the tactile feedback from the bottom housing remains paramount, while the top housing largely affects the release sound. Thus, if users appreciate the overall auditory qualities of either switch, they can expect notable consistency in their typing experience, regardless of the specific materials used.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 45g features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and making it suitable for prolonged use, such as typing or gaming for extended sessions. In contrast, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy category, which can provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. This means that those who enjoy a lighter touch will find the Chiikawa - 45g more conducive to long periods of use, while users who favor a firmer tactile feedback will gravitate towards the Moyu switch. Overall, when it comes to force characteristics, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is noticeably heavier, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch, it is evident that they differ. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, appealing particularly to gamers who favor quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can enhance overall responsiveness. Conversely, the Moyu Black's longer travel distance may be more appealing to users who prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback, as it provides a more substantial feel when pressing down on keys. Depending on personal preference, individuals might choose between the speed of the Chiikawa switch or the depth of the Moyu Black switch.
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 Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) has an MSRP of $12.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) for $7.59.
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 a bright and crisp auditory experience, delivering a high-pitched sound when typing. This sound signature makes it responsive and engaging, though it may not have complex attributes due to its linear nature. In contrast, the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade), with its resonant qualities, offers a clean and sharp sound that stands out. The Moyu Blacks produce a satisfyingly loud and punchy auditory feedback, particularly during the downstroke and bottom-out, making for an immersive typing experience. Both switches can exhibit their sound qualities differently depending on the keyboard they are mounted on and the keycap materials used, but the Chiikawa should generally provide a lighter and less resonant sound compared to the punchier tones of the Moyu Blacks.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a smooth, unbroken experience typical of linear switches, providing a light actuation force that makes it incredibly responsive. It lacks tactile bumps, meaning it won't interrupt the keystroke, offering a more fluid typing experience. On the contrary, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) shines with its pronounced tactile feedback—its accented and sharp characteristics provide a distinct, snappy feel with every keystroke. The strong tactile bump both on the downstroke and the upstroke creates a hypertactile sensation that is engaging and satisfying, ideal for those who value increased feedback while typing. Thus, the Chiikawa offers a smoother, uninterrupted feel, while the Moyu Blacks ensure that tactile feedback is emphasized.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch present vastly different typing experiences. The Chiikawa is known for its bright and high-pitched sound coupled with a smooth, uninterrupted feel, making it ideal for users seeking responsiveness without tactile bumps. In contrast, the Moyu Black combines a sharp, resonant sound signature with a medium-heavy feel and pronounced tactile feedback, catering to those who appreciate tactile sensations in their typing experience. Each switch serves distinct preferences, ensuring that users can find an option that aligns with their individual typing style and auditory enjoyment.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Moyu Black (Dark Jade) tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and requirements. If you favor a lighter, more responsive feel with a brighter sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. It’s ideal for fast typists who appreciate the advantage of quick actuation and a snappy, high-pitched auditory feedback, making it perfect for gaming or tasks that require speed and precision. Conversely, if you prefer a more tactile, pronounced typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Moyu Black (Dark Jade) is the way to go. Its sharper tactile feedback and resonant sound make it satisfying for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, offering the tactile and auditory engagement that can enhance your overall satisfaction while typing or gaming. Therefore, consider how you prioritize speed versus tactile feedback and sound when making your decision, as both switches cater to different aspects of the typing experience.