Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Cherry MX Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing environment. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, delivering a highly responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched tone that many users find exhilarating. This makes the Chiikawa a great option for those who enjoy a more energetic feedback while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red offers a slightly heftier feel while operating silently, giving users the beloved characteristics of the classic MX Red without the noise, making it an ideal choice for quiet settings such as offices or shared spaces. Both switches cater to different user needs, with the Chiikawa appealing to those who appreciate auditory feedback and responsiveness, while the MX Silent Red caters to those who prioritize a quieter typing experience. 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
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Silent Red switches, notable contrasts emerge in the materials used for their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its clearer and crisper sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, allowing for a more resonant auditory experience. This material choice also enhances visibility for any RGB lighting effects, as the translucency of polycarbonate maximizes light diffusion. Conversely, the Cherry MX Silent Red utilizes a nylon top housing that, due to its softer nature, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs sound more effectively, leading to a more muted auditory experience.
Both switches share nylon as the bottom housing material, which results in a consistency in the sound profile attributed to the bottom housing. The nylon's capacity to absorb sound contributes to a rounder and less high-pitched bottom-out sound for both switches, indicating a similarity in this aspect of their design. This shared characteristic means that while the top housing materials create distinct sound profiles, the bottom housing unifies the auditory experience in terms of dampening the sound and offering a fuller sensation when a key is pressed down. As such, users of either switch can expect a similar sensation when bottoming out due to the soft properties of nylon.
Ultimately, the differences in top housing materials between the Chiikawa - 45g and Cherry MX Silent Red shape their overall auditory output while the shared nylon bottom housing provides a complementary effect in both switches. Users can anticipate a clearer sound and enhanced RGB light diffusion from the Chiikawa due to its polycarbonate top housing, while the Cherry MX Silent Red remains rooted in a more traditional, softer sound profile with less resonance on release. Regardless of the differences, these variations lead to unique yet enjoyable experiences based on personal preferences, effectively spotlighting how material choices significantly influence auditory and tactile feedback in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch in terms of actuation and bottom out force, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams. This weight can appeal to users who appreciate a lighter touch, facilitating longer typing sessions or extended gaming without tiring the fingers. However, a key difference emerges in their bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating that it requires additional force to fully depress the switch compared to the Silent Red, for which the bottom out force is not specified. While the precise bottom out force of the Cherry MX Silent Red is unavailable, it typically features a softer landing, making it less demanding on the fingers when striking bottom. Therefore, if you favor a lighter switch, the Chiikawa - 45g is the more pronounced option, while the Silent Red aligns with those who prefer a softer and somewhat more forgiving bottom out experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch, we find a slight difference between the two. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Silent Red has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer for quicker key presses. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile experience, as the extra millimeter can contribute to a sense of comfort and depth when typing. Ultimately, if you seek responsiveness, the Chiikawa switch will deliver slightly quicker results due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the Cherry MX Silent Red may be better suited for users favoring a deeper 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 Silent Red has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the MX Silent Red for $4.15.
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, high-pitched tone that offers a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This lively sound signature makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic response while typing. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red switch emphasizes a low-pitched, muted sound that significantly dampens noise. While the Silent Red produces a much quieter typing experience, it can also generate a “thocky” sound, which adds a satisfying depth to the keystrokes. However, enthusiasts pursuing a more vibrant auditory experience may find the Chiikawa's brightness preferable, while office environments or shared spaces will benefit from the stealth of the Silent Red.
Feel-wise, the Chiikawa - 45g offers an exceptionally light actuation force that provides a very responsive typing experience. This lightweight characteristic promotes quick key presses, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require rapid response times. In contrast, the Cherry MX Silent Red is designed with a slightly heftier actuation, leading to a more grounded feel when typing. Additionally, the Silent Red is noted for its textured feedback, which adds a layer of friction as keys are pressed, catering to users who prefer a tactile sensation beneath their fingertips. In this regard, the Chiikawa provides a smooth experience in comparison to the more textured feedback of the MX Silent Red.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Cherry MX Silent Red switches offer distinct characteristics suited to different preferences. The Chiikawa shines with its bright and crisp sound alongside a very light and smooth feel, appealing to those who desire an energetic typing experience. Conversely, the Silent Red’s muted yet thocky sound and heavier, textured feel cater to individuals in need of a quieter option without sacrificing the satisfaction of tactile feedback. Depending on your typing style and environment, either switch may deliver a fulfilling experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Silent Red linear switch ultimately boils down to personal preferences and your typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force and a more tactile sound experience, the Chiikawa switch would be an excellent fit, especially if you appreciate a bright, crisp typing sound that can energize your keystrokes. However, if you find yourself in a noise-sensitive setting, such as a shared workspace or a quiet home office, the MX Silent Red might be the better choice due to its muted sound profile and satisfying thocky feedback. The Cherry MX Silent Red's balance of a slightly heftier feel combined with its discreet operation allows for a smooth typing experience without disturbing those around you. Ultimately, your specific needs regarding sound and tactility will guide your decision, making either switch a suitable candidate based on your priorities.
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