Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Haimu Neo White each offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its bright sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, creating a responsive typing experience that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound with every keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory feedback during their typing sessions. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White provides a medium weight with slightly reduced travel, resulting in a distinctive and satisfying typing feel that many users appreciate. The incorporation of a Ly stem in the Neo White switches ensures smooth actuation, making every keystroke feel effortless and fluid. While both switches are categorized as linear, their differences in sound profile, actuation force, and travel distance make them suitable for varied typing preferences. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Haimu Neo White both share a similar housing construction, utilizing polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom. The choice of polycarbonate for the top housing in both switches gives them a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness is conducive to sound resonance, which enhances the overall auditory experience when typing. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for those interested in RGB lighting, as it allows for an appealing showcase of colors. Both switches, therefore, benefit from enhanced acoustics and aesthetic compatibility when RGB lighting is utilized.
Contrasting with the top housings, the bottom housings of both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Neo White are made of nylon, which complements the polycarbonate topping by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's inherent softness contributes to its ability to absorb sound, in contrast to the crisper tone of polycarbonate. This combination creates a nuanced experience: while the top housing enhances brightness and clarity in sound, the nylon bottom housing effectively tempers that sharpness with warmth and depth. Consequently, the tactile experience of each switch is defined by how these two materials interact, leading to a balance between the brighter notes from the top and the fuller sounds from the bottom.
Ultimately, while the two switches employ the same materials for their housings, the interplay between the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom results in distinct auditory characteristics. When pressed, users will experience the nuanced qualities of both materials—crisper highs from the polycarbonate and rounded lows from the nylon. Therefore, even though the construction materials are identical, the combination of these distinct properties in their respective roles allows for a cohesive yet multifaceted sound profile. This alignment enhances the possibility of achieving similar auditory results, showcasing the effectiveness of material synergy in switch design.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Neo White switch lacks specified actuation force data but possesses a bottom out force of 58 grams, which places it in a medium category for pressure. This implies that while it may require more force upon bottoming out, the unknown actuation force could affect how responsive the switch feels during use. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, allowing for more prolonged typing sessions without fatigue, which is advantageous for work or extensive gaming. Conversely, the Neo White, with its heavier bottom out force, might provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a firmer keystroke. Thus, users looking for a lighter switch should consider the Chiikawa, while those desiring a heavier and potentially more tactile experience might lean towards the Neo White.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users will experience identical key travel, resulting in similar tactile feedback and responsiveness. As a result, both switches will provide a comparable typing experience due to their equal travel distance, ensuring that users who favor one over the other will find that their performance in terms of travel is consistent.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch produces a bright, high-pitched sound profile that is crisp and resonant during typing. This noticeable auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience, making it particularly appealing for users who appreciate a touch of expressiveness in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch has a more neutral sound, characterized by a moderate actuation force and a balanced sound profile. This makes it versatile enough for various environments, from quiet home office settings to bustling workplaces, allowing users to type without causing significant distractions.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its light actuation force, which translates to a highly responsive typing experience. This low resistance makes it easy to register keystrokes with minimal effort, creating an engaging and dynamic sensation for the user. Conversely, the Neo White switch offers a medium weight and a slightly reduced total travel, resulting in a smoother and more controlled actuation. This mild feel provides a gentle typing experience that caters to a wide range of users, striking a balance between comfort and feedback.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Haimu Neo White linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa excels in delivering a bright sound and a lightweight feel, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy responsiveness and crisp feedback. Meanwhile, the Neo White provides a more neutral sound and a mild tactile feel, appealing to users seeking a comfortable balance suitable for various contexts. Each switch has its unique characteristics, ensuring that no matter your preference, you'll find a satisfying option within these two choices.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a light and responsive feel, along with a bright, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g may be your go-to option. This switch shines in scenarios where quick actuation is key, making it a great choice for fast typists and gamers who appreciate a tactile audio feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feeling switch that offers a smoother actuation with a more neutral sound profile, then the Neo White is well-suited for you. Its medium actuation force means it provides a balance that can be beneficial for general typing tasks, blending comfort and performance effectively. In essence, opt for the Chiikawa - 45g if you're looking for agility and high pitch response, whereas the Neo White is a solid choice for a smooth and controlled typing experience. By weighing these characteristics against your own needs, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision that enhances your overall keyboard experience.
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