Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Black, both of which are linear switches but offer distinctly different experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its notably light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a responsive typing experience complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying and energizing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches, now enhanced with Cherry's Hyperglide technology, deliver a classic textured smoothness with a familiar deep sound profile, making them ideal for users seeking a more subdued auditory feedback while typing. While the Chiikawa switches may be preferred by those who enjoy a lively and quicker response, the MX Blacks might appeal to those who appreciate a more robust and rich noise experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's perfect for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Black, distinct differences emerge, particularly in the top housing. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. Polycarbonate’s rigidity contributes to clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory experience, particularly when RGB lighting is present, as its transparency allows for an appealing light diffusion. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black utilizes a nylon top housing that inherently produces a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon’s softer composition dampens sound, creating a rounder auditory signature. Therefore, users who favor a crisper sound presence may prefer the Chiikawa - 45g while those fond of a more subdued typing experience might lean toward the MX Black.
Both the Chiikawa - 45g and Cherry MX Black share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes similarly to their overall sound profiles. In both switches, the softer nylon material absorbs sound, promoting a deeper rolling sound during use. This commonality results in a cohesive auditory experience for typists, where the fundamental sound characteristics merge as both switches operate. The black housing of the Cherry MX Black and the opaque nylon housing of the Chiikawa - 45g similarly affect the deeper sounds produced during key presses, contributing to their tactile and auditory feedback. Thus, despite different top materials, the bottom housings create a familiar depth in sound across both switches.
Ultimately, the distinct combination of materials at play in each housing type plays a crucial role in defining the user experience. The Chiikawa - 45g’s polycarbonate top provides a brighter sound, ideal for those who favor pronounced auditory feedback, while the nylon makes both models richer during key presses. However, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures that both switches also produce a satisfying, rounded sound profile when bottomed out. Consequently, users can anticipate different acoustics depending on the housing type, leading to individualized preferences based on sound and feel, while also finding common ground in the richer, fuller tones produced by the nylon construct in the foundational aspects of both switch designs.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch offer distinct tactile experiences due to their differing actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, providing a medium-light feel that is well-suited for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial keyboard experience with greater resistance. Thus, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, while the Cherry MX Black is the heavier one. Users seeking a less fatiguing typing experience may favor the Chiikawa switch, while those who enjoy a firmer, more forceful keystroke would likely gravitate towards the MX Black.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which makes it shorter than the Cherry MX Black linear switch, which features a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that when pressing the keys, users of the Chiikawa switch will experience a more rapid response time, aligning with the trend among gamers who often prefer shorter travel distances for quick actuation. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switch offers a deeper feel, which some users may find more satisfying and preferable for typing tasks. Thus, if you favor a snappier, more responsive experience, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice. Conversely, for those who appreciate a more tactile and substantial keypress, the Cherry MX Black switch's longer travel distance might be more suitable.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 features a bright and crisp sound profile that produces high-pitched auditory feedback upon actuation. This responsiveness lends itself to a lively typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more cheerful sound while they work or game. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black switches deliver a low-pitched sound characterized by a deep, resonant tone. This less intrusive auditory quality can be appealing for users seeking a more subdued typing experience, making the MX Black suitable for quieter environments where noise may be a concern. The difference in sound profiles is particularly pronounced, with the Chiikawa being more reminiscent of a light, airy sound, while the MX Black embodies a bass-heavy mellow tone.
Regarding tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is noted for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally easy to press and allowing for rapid keystrokes, which can enhance typing speed and reduce finger fatigue. This feature is particularly attractive to users who prefer a responsive and effortless typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black switches, while also linear, possess a firmer actuation force that provides a more substantial feel during each press. This added resistance can contribute to a more deliberate typing style, which some users may find beneficial for avoiding accidental key presses. The distinct differences in feel cater to varying preferences; the Chiikawa being lightweight and nimble, while the MX Black emphasizes a solid, controlled action.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Cherry MX Black switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and lightweight feel suit those who favor responsiveness and a more vibrant sound profile. In contrast, the MX Black provides a deep, bass-heavy sound and a firmer tactile experience that can benefit users who prefer deliberate keystrokes in a quieter environment. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on the individual's priorities regarding sound and feel, but each offers a compelling typing experience in its own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch that requires less force to actuate, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice; its medium-light actuation force and bright sound profile enhance the typing experience, making each keystroke feel crisp and satisfying, particularly for fast typists or gamers seeking quick response times. On the other hand, if you appreciate a heavier, more deliberate keypress with a smooth tactile experience, the Cherry MX Black would serve you well, especially if you enjoy a low-pitched sound that's rich and deep. These switches, with their robust 80-gram bottom-out force, can provide a more stable feel, reducing the likelihood of accidental key presses, which is beneficial for typists who prefer a more grounded typing experience. Ultimately, your choice should reflect the typing experience you value most, whether it’s the light responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the heavy solidity of the MX Black.
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