Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Cherry MX Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard, the specific switches can greatly influence your typing experience, particularly between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its very light actuation force of 45g, which offers a highly responsive feel when typing, complemented by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched noise — appealing to those who enjoy a lively auditory feedback during their keystrokes. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver is designed with gamers in mind, featuring a low spring resistance that allows for instant actuation, marking it as a top choice for competitive play where speed is essential; its full height adds to the overall durability and tactile presence. While both switches cater to different needs—one emphasizing a light touch and high-pitched sound, and the other prioritizing rapid response in gaming contexts—each has its own merits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that’s right 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
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 Speed Silver, distinct differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its rigidity and translucence, which contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is favorable for users who prioritize clear sound signatures, especially when utilizing RGB lighting due to the housing's ability to transmit light effectively. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver utilizes a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile owing to its softer plastic composition. The nylon absorbs sound more efficiently, resulting in a more muted auditory experience, appealing to users who favor a rounded acoustic feel while typing or gaming.
The bottom housings of both switches present an interesting convergence, with both the Chiikawa - 45g and the MX Speed Silver employing nylon material. This shared characteristic promotes a deeper, fuller sound profile, as nylon's softer plastic qualities lead to sound absorption. Consequently, users can expect a similar auditory experience in terms of bottoming out. The nylon in the bottom housing significantly influences the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is engaged. This consistency between the bottom housings allows for a cohesive experience when typing, with both switches providing a plush, satisfying response during use.
Overall, while the Chiikawa - 45g and Cherry MX Speed Silver switches differ in their top housing materials and the sound profiles they produce, they share a commonality in their nylon bottom housing, yielding comparable tactile experiences during activation. The distinct characteristics of polycarbonate and nylon in the top houses lead to markedly different sound profiles, while the shared nylon in the bottoms ensures a uniform experience regarding the actuation feel. Consequently, users who appreciate the sharper sound from the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top will find a unique contrast with the fuller acoustics of the MX Speed Silver, but both will deliver comfort and depth through their nylon bottoms.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally light when pressing down to register a keystroke. This similarity allows users to expect comparable typing experiences in terms of the initial push required to actuate a key. However, the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, suggesting a slightly heavier feel when the key is fully depressed, providing a definitive stopping point. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Cherry MX Speed Silver is listed as unavailable, leaving a gap in comparison for complete key travel experience. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the heavier option due to its bottom out force, while both switches are relatively light in actuation. This makes the Chiikawa - 45g suitable for typists or gamers who enjoy a more pronounced key press at the bottom while still benefiting from a lighter actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Speed Silver has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness in your typing or gaming experience, the Speed Silver would be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance, which can contribute to quicker actuation. Conversely, if you prefer a more pronounced tactile experience with a bit more depth, the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel distance might feel more satisfying. Ultimately, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Chiikawa is the longer option, and the Speed Silver is shorter, making each suitable for distinct user experiences.
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 Speed Silver 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 Speed Silver 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright, crisp, and high-pitched tone that can enhance the overall typing experience, particularly for those who appreciate an expressive auditory feedback when they type. In contrast, the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch offers a thocky, low-pitched sound that is deeper and richer, providing a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke. While the Chiikawa switch is lively and sharp, the MX Speed Silver leans toward a more subdued and bass-heavy tone, making sound preference quite subjective and ultimately dependent on the specific keyboard build and keycap choice.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Chiikawa - 45g boasts a very light actuation force, creating a responsive and swift typing experience that can be particularly advantageous for fast typists. However, specific descriptions of its tactile feel beyond the actuation force are not available. In comparison, the Cherry MX Speed Silver switch features a textured, scratchy feeling due to noticeable friction when pressed. This texture can provide a more engaging typing experience for some users, while others might find it slightly off-putting compared to a smoother switch.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switches deliver distinctive characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa is perfect for those who enjoy a bright auditory feedback paired with a light touch, while the MX Speed Silver caters to gamers seeking rapid response and a robust, thocky sound. Ultimately, your choice between the two will depend on your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, and it's essential to consider the impact of your keyboard build and keycaps on these qualities as well.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Cherry MX Speed Silver linear switch, consider your primary usage. If you’re someone who enjoys typing for extended periods and appreciates a lighter touch with a responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force and bright sound profile not only contribute to a pleasurable typing experience but also enhance productivity with its quick response. Conversely, if you're a gamer focused on achieving the fastest possible responses, the MX Speed Silver will serve you better. Its rapid actuation and low spring resistance provide the edge needed for competitive gaming, ensuring every keystroke registers instantly. Furthermore, if you appreciate a rich, thocky sound that resonates with a deeper pitch when you type, you’ll find the MX Speed Silver’s audio feedback satisfying, whereas the Chiikawa's crisper tones will appeal to those seeking a high-pitched sound. Ultimately, your personal preferences and intended use will help guide your decision, so weigh your options carefully between comfort and speed.
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