Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch represent two distinct approaches that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its bright sound profile and light actuation force of 45 grams, making it highly responsive and perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, high-pitched sound while typing. This linear switch offers a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke that many gamers and fast typists find appealing for its speed and fluidity. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown switch embodies a sense of subtlety; it combines a relatively light typing experience with gentle tactile feedback and low-pitched audio, appealing to users who prefer a more traditional typing feel with a soft bump at the actuation point. This tactile nature can enhance typing accuracy and make it an ideal choice for writers and programmers seeking a balanced experience. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
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 Brown switches, we immediately notice a distinction in their top housing materials. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucency, resulting in a sharper and more resonant sound profile. This quality allows the switch to produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound, particularly advantageous for users who enjoy RGB lighting, as the clear housing enhances light diffusion. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown utilizes a nylon top housing that contributes to a softer and more muted sound profile, allowing it to absorb sound more effectively and produce a deeper, rounder auditory experience. This stark material difference reflects their intended sound characteristics, affecting the overall acoustic performance of each switch.
As for the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Brown utilize nylon, making them comparable in this regard. This shared material results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, as nylon’s softer composition absorbs sound, leading to a duller auditory result. Thus, the bottom-out sound and feel of both switches will share similarities; the softness of nylon ensures a smoother typing experience. The impact of the nylon bottom housing will be felt more significantly when the key is fully depressed, making both switches capable of delivering satisfying feedback during use.
The combination of housing materials in these switches underscores the importance of how different properties contribute to their respective sound profiles. While the Chiikawa - 45g offers a crisper sound due to its polycarbonate top housing, the shared nylon bottom housing introduces a comparable depth to sound, creating a unique typing experience for both switches. Users can expect divergent auditory results when key presses are released—where the Chiikawa excites with a sharper release sound, the MX Brown comforts with a softer drop. Ultimately, these switches demonstrate how the interplay of housing materials can shape the tactile and aural experience of typing, while still allowing for some overlap in the qualities they provide.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equal in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. However, when it comes to their bottom out forces, the Chiikawa switch has a slightly lower rating at 51 grams compared to the Cherry MX Brown's 55 grams. This difference means that while both switches provide a similar typing experience at the actuation point, the Cherry MX Brown requires a bit more force to fully press down. As a result, the Chiikawa switch may be preferred by users seeking a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who appreciate a more substantial feedback might opt for the heavier Cherry MX Brown. Overall, if you prioritize a lighter overall feel during typing, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, whereas the Cherry MX Brown delivers a slightly firmer push at bottoming out.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, the Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, ideal for users seeking more responsiveness, as shorter travel distances can facilitate quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who favor a deeper keystroke, offering a more tactile feel that some users prefer for typing. Thus, if you prioritize faster response times, the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel distance is the better choice, while the Cherry MX Brown suits those who appreciate a more pronounced key press.
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 Brown 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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, distinct differences emerge. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its bright sound, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched note that offers a responsive auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Brown presents a more subdued and bassy auditory experience, featuring low-pitched sounds that resonate deeper, contributing to a rich and mellow typing atmosphere. The sound produced by the Chiikawa tends to be sharper, potentially making it more suitable for environments where you want your typing to be felt as much as heard, while the Cherry MX Brown’s quieter and lower frequencies could be preferable for a more understated typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of these two switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it responsive and smooth. This results in a delightful typing experience that feels effortless, allowing for rapid keystrokes with minimal feedback. Conversely, the Cherry MX Brown features a tactile bump that adds a noticeable texture during key presses. This tactile feedback can enhance the typing experience by providing a sense of confirmation upon actuation, although some may find that extra texture creates a slightly scratchy sensation. Ultimately, if you're seeking a soft and quick response, the Chiikawa - 45g stands out, while the Cherry MX Brown caters to those who prefer tactile cues without straying too far from a smooth typing experience.
In conclusion, when considering both the sound and feel of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, you find that each switch has its own strengths catering to different user preferences. The Chiikawa excites with its bright, crisp sound and ultra-light actuation, fostering a responsive typing environment, whereas the MX Brown offers a more subtle, rich sound along with tactile feedback for those who appreciate a bit of texture. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a lightweight and lively typing feel or a tactile, nuanced experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you favor a light and highly responsive typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound make it ideal for quick typing, especially for those who enjoy a clean auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more subtle, textured feel with gentle tactility, the Cherry MX Brown is better suited to your needs. The MX Brown's slightly higher actuation force, coupled with its bassy and low-pitched sound, delivers a more nuanced typing experience that many find satisfying in both typing and gaming contexts. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what type of feedback you enjoy—whether you lean more towards the sprightly responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the understated yet intentional feel of the MX Brown.
Mentioned in this article
