Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Cherry MX Purple RGB
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the decision often comes down to personal preference and the typing experience you seek. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch known for its light 45g actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a distinctly responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that appeals to those who enjoy smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is a tactile option that provides a satisfying bump during each keypress, offering a medium-strength resistance and refined tactile feedback developed in collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a more pronounced response with each keystroke, ideal for both gaming and typing. Ultimately, the decision between the Chiikawa and MX Purple RGB switches hinges on whether one prioritizes a smooth and rapid typing experience or a tactile engagement with clear feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The comparison between the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB highlights notable differences influenced by their distinct compositions. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which introduces a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, allowing for clearer sound resonance, especially advantageous for those who favor a high-pitched auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of RGB lighting but also maximizes its effectiveness, making the illumination more vivid. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB opts for a nylon top housing, characterized by a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, leading to a rounded audio experience that can evoke a more subdued typing feel compared to the Chiikawa.
Interestingly, both switch designs share a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to consistent auditory characteristics in terms of sound profile. This commonality ensures that both switches deliver a deeper, fuller sound when the key is pressed down. The nylon material retains its classic reputation, effectively absorbing shock and offering a tactile experience that many users appreciate. Even though the Chiikawa's top housing enhances brightness and clarity due to its polycarbonate construction, the deeper auditory quality imparted by the nylon bottom acts as a balancing mechanism. This means that while users will experience distinct sound qualities on the top housing—sharper with the Chiikawa and rounder with the MX Purple—the resulting experience can still be harmoniously coordinated through the consistent nylon bottom.
As a result of these differing materials, the typist can anticipate varying auditory sensations based on which switch they choose. The Chiikawa - 45g, thanks to its polycarbonate top, provides a lively and resonant experience when the switch releases, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB delivers a warmer and fuller auditory effect. Nevertheless, since both switches share a nylon bottom housing, they maintain a depth of sound that appeals to users looking for a consistent auditory experience while typing, regardless of the chosen model. Ultimately, while the tonal qualities might differ, the use of nylon in both switches fosters a connective sound profile that enhances the user experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch, we find that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally suited for those who prefer a medium-light typing experience. However, the bottom out force varies significantly; the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, giving it a bit more resistance when pressed all the way down. In contrast, the Cherry MX Purple RGB does not provide a defined bottom out force, as that information is unknown. This means that while both switches require the same initial force to actuate, the Chiikawa switch may feel heavier when bottoming out, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke action. Consequently, for users seeking a lighter feel for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Chiikawa switch may be the preferred choice, while those favoring a firmer push may find satisfaction in the additional resistance offered by the bottom out force of the Chiikawa.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch differ notably in their travel distances, making them suited for different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that if you're looking for a response time that caters to fast-paced gaming or rapid typing, the Chiikawa switch might be the more appealing option due to its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker actuation. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile feedback and deeper keypress, the Cherry MX Purple RGB with its 4.0 mm travel distance would likely provide a more satisfying experience. Therefore, the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, while the Cherry MX Purple RGB is the longer one, catering to users with distinct typing preferences.
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 Purple RGB has an MSRP of $6.19 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Purple RGB for $5.79.
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 linear switch is noted for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound that resonates clearly with each keypress. This makes it quite pleasing for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is known for a more refined auditory experience that emphasizes a subtle tactile bump, which contributes only a medium noise level. While both switches have distinct sound signatures, the Chiikawa is likely to be more noticeable in a quiet environment due to its higher-pitched sound, whereas the MX Purple provides a softer, more subdued typing sound.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, which makes it highly responsive. This means that even a gentle press can register a keystroke, resulting in a light and effortless typing experience. Conversely, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch offers a short, medium-strength tactile bump, creating a more intentional feel as you type. This tactile feedback helps to reassure the user with a noticeable response, making it suitable for those who enjoy a bit more resistance and a defined moment during their keypresses.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Purple RGB switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa is characterized by its bright auditory feedback and incredibly light action, while the MX Purple offers a more refined tactile sensation with a reliable bump and medium resistance. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you favor a lighter, crisp typing experience or a more tactile engagement with a defined feedback. Both switches have their unique strengths and can deliver enjoyable typing experiences in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Purple RGB tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a switch that offers a bright sound profile and quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force allows for a smooth and effortless typing experience, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require rapid key presses without unintentional bottoming out. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more tactile feedback with a defined bump, the Cherry MX Purple RGB switch is your go-to option. Its refined tactile experience can enhance your typing accuracy, especially if you enjoy the sensation of felt feedback for each keypress. Moreover, the collaboration with keyboard enthusiasts ensures a solid design that caters to users seeking a reliable, responsive switch with weightier tactile characteristics. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether you prefer the crispness and responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the tactile satisfaction of the Cherry MX Purple RGB.
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