Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Cherry MX Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the realm of mechanical keyboard switches, two prominent options that users often consider are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Red, both of which fall under the category of linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those seeking quick and responsive keypresses, paired with a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red delivers a slightly heftier feel and a deeper sound profile, offering a robust and satisfying auditory experience paired with reliable responsiveness. While the Chiikawa may attract users who prioritize a lightweight touch and a lively sound, the MX Red can appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key feel and a fuller auditory resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right 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 housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Red offer a fascinating contrast that significantly influences their acoustic profiles and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucency. This enhancement results in a sharper, more resonant sound when keys are released, making it particularly effective for RGB lighting applications. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red opts for a nylon top housing, which is softer and absorbs more sound, producing a deeper and rounder tone. The differing properties of the materials used in the top housings create two distinct auditory experiences that cater to different preferences: vibrant and clear versus soft and subdued.
However, both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a commonality that unites them in terms of sound profile. The nylon in both the Chiikawa - 45g's and the Cherry MX Red's bottom housings promotes a deeper, fuller sound, thereby creating a cohesive auditory experience during typing. With both switches sharing this bottom housing material, the type of sound generated when pressing the keys is more similar, leading to a consistent bottom-out feel. This unity in the bottom housing means that users will experience similar acoustic characteristics at that phase, regardless of the top housing material distinctions.
Ultimately, the unique combination of housing materials in these switches showcases their individual traits while still allowing for similarities through the common use of nylon in the bottom housing. Users can expect a sharper and crisper feedback from the Chiikawa - 45g during key release due to its polycarbonate top housing, while enjoying a deeper resonance upon bottoming out due to the nylon base common to both switches. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red offers a rounder sound profile throughout. Therefore, while the top and bottom housings diverge, their effective integration results in a noteworthy blend of auditory qualities that enhance the user experience across various typing styles.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Cherry MX Red linear switch, both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which indicates that gamers and typists can expect a similar keystroke engagement experience from both options. This weight allows for a medium-light touch, making them suitable for long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, meaning that it requires a bit more force to press the key all the way down, providing a more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Red is unknown, leaving a gap in the comparison regarding how it feels when fully pressed down. Overall, those seeking a lighter typing feel would gravitate towards the Chiikawa switch due to its defined bottom out force, while the MX Red may appeal to users who prefer an alternate tactile experience, albeit without the full clarity on its bottoming out characteristics.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This difference indicates that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, which can provide a more responsive feel, making it appealing for gamers seeking quicker key presses. Conversely, the Cherry MX Red offers a deeper travel distance that some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. If you opt for the Chiikawa switch, you are likely to enjoy snappier feedback, while the MX Red may give a more tactile sense of depth during use. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize responsiveness or a more pronounced 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 Cherry MX Red has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Red for $4.00.
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 the sound profile, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out for its bright and crisp auditory characteristics. Users can expect a high-pitched sound when typing, creating an engaging experience that feels very responsive. In contrast, the Cherry MX Red linear switch is known for its slightly deeper sound, often described as thocky. This means it delivers a rich and satisfying auditory experience, reminiscent of a deep "thud" or soft "knock" upon actuation. Both switches, however, can produce different sounds depending on accompanying factors such as the keyboard build and keycaps used, but you can clearly anticipate a lighter, more airy sound from the Chiikawa switch compared to the deeper tones of the MX Red.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, which allows for quick and effortless key presses. This makes it an inviting option for typists seeking a responsive experience that demands minimal effort. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Red switch presents a heftier feeling, which may lend itself to a more substantial typing experience but lacks the same ethereal lightness. While both switches are linear and smooth in their travel, the Chiikawa is likely to feel more nimble compared to the distinctly more grounded feel of the MX Red.
Overall, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Cherry MX Red linear switches are designed for an enjoyable typing experience, they cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Chiikawa excels in a bright and lightweight feel, producing a crisper sound, ideal for those who prefer a quick response. Conversely, the MX Red offers a deeper, more thocky sound alongside a heftier feel, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial keypress. Choosing between them ultimately depends on whether a user prioritizes responsiveness and lightness or prefers a more robust typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Red linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a more responsive switch with a light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g could be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams combined with its bright sound profile and crisp actuation make it ideal for fast and precise typing, particularly if you enjoy a lively auditory experience while you type. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a satisfying and deeper sound, the Cherry MX Red may be more suited to your needs. Its slightly heftier weight and robust auditory feedback create what many describe as a rewarding typing experience, making it perfect for both gaming and sustained typing sessions. Ultimately, your decision should consider whether you prioritize weight and sound depth over lightness and crispness, leading you to enjoy your keyboard to its fullest.
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