Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch for your typing needs, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch introduces a fascinating dynamic. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a highly responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that many users find exhilarating. This makes it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who prefer speed and agility in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive switch stands out with its deeper, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Its medium weight and unique design, featuring a long pole stem, contribute to a satisfying sharp bottom-out that appeals to users who appreciate a more tactile experience, enhancing their typing precision and overall enjoyment. While both switches cater to different preferences—one embracing a swift and lively touch and the other delivering a rich tactile sensation—they each offer compelling reasons to choose them. 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
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The comparison of housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Olive reveals key differences that will impact the overall sound profile and typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g employs a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This is primarily due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which contributes to a clear and resonant tone. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate is advantageous for those who utilize RGB lighting, as it allows for vibrant illumination to shine through. In contrast, the Olive features a POM (polyoxymethylene) top housing, which results in a more muted sound profile characterized by a deep and pleasing tone. This difference in materials exemplifies the divergence in auditory properties, with the Chiikawa leaning towards brightness and clarity, while the Olive emphasizes warmth and richness.
Examining the bottom housings of both models further highlights the contrasts in their acoustic characteristics. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a nylon bottom housing, a classic choice that provides a deeper and fuller sound by absorbing more sound waves due to its softer composition. Consequently, users are likely to experience a rounded bottom-out sound that complements the agile response of the top housing. Conversely, the Olive features a POM bottom housing, which similarly aims to produce a muted and unique sound, albeit with possibly less depth than that of the nylon. Both the Chiikawa and Olive achieve their distinctive sound profiles through the interplay of their bottom housing materials, with each switch's bottom housing shaping the tactile feedback and acoustic experience during key presses.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Bsun Olive utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, the overall sonic experiences they create can bear similarities due to the comprehensive impact of both components. The Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top allows it to shine with clarity and brightness, particularly during release sounds, while its nylon bottom softens and deepens the impact when bottoming out. On the other hand, the Olive’s POM materials contribute a unique depth and warmth across both key press and release phases. Thus, despite differing materials, users may find comparable auditory pleasures in each switch, as both designs effectively harmonize their distinct acoustics through their unique combinations of housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally responsive during typical typing. However, they diverge significantly in terms of bottom out force. The Chiikawa's bottom out force is 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, while the Olive requires a heavier 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This difference means that while both switches feel similarly light when initially pressed, the Olive provides a more substantial resistance at the bottom of the keystroke, which some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. Consequently, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter switch overall, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions, whereas the Olive's heavier feel may appeal to those who seek a more substantial push.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch, we see a clear distinction. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Olive switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that, in terms of responsiveness, the Olive switch may provide a quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who prefer rapid actuation. On the other hand, the Chiikawa offers a more pronounced depth at 3.6 mm, catering to those who appreciate a more substantial keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for depth versus speed, with the Olive being the shorter option and the Chiikawa the longer.
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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 switch produces a bright and crisp tone that is notably high-pitched, lending a lively and uplifting auditory experience while typing. This light, airy sound profile is made even more pronounced by the switch's lightweight actuation force, resulting in a particularly responsive feel. In contrast, the Bsun Olive switch offers a deeper, more resonant sound thanks to its all-POM housing. With a more pronounced bottom-out noise, the Olive switch creates a satisfying auditory experience characterized by a sharp, pronounced click that resonates with each keystroke. Together, the sound profiles of these switches present very distinct auditory cues, albeit influenced by factors such as the keyboard's material and keycaps used.
When examining the tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its smoothness and light actuation, providing a quick and easy typing experience without the distraction of pronounced tactile bumps. This results in a fluid typing motion that allows for rapid interactions. On the other hand, the Olive switch offers a notably different experience, providing an invigorating feel with its medium tactile feedback. Described as an "accented" switch, its tactile sensation is noticeable but not overwhelming, making it distinctive without being overly harsh. Its sharp, snappy response enhances typing precision, resulting in an engaging experience that many users find pleasurable. Overall, the Chiikawa is more about a lightweight and fluid feel, while the Olive focuses on a robust tactile sensation that engages the typist.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Bsun Olive switches offer contrasting auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa appeals to those who enjoy a light, responsive action combined with a bright sound, making it well-suited for rapid typing and gaming. Conversely, the Olive's deep sound and pronounced tactile feedback provide a richer, more immersive typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, allowing newcomers to select a switch that aligns best with their typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch fundamentally comes down to your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile. If you value a responsive typing feel with a lighter actuation force and appreciate a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 45g will likely serve you well, especially if you're looking for a switch that minimizes finger fatigue over lengthy typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy switch that offers more pronounced tactile feedback, a deeper sound profile, and a satisfying auditory experience with each keystroke, the Olive would be the better choice. Its invigorating and snappy performance can enhance your typing experience, particularly if you enjoy feeling a distinct bump with each press. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches hinges on whether you prioritize light touch and sound or tactile feedback and weight, so consider your typing habits and environment carefully before making your choice.
Mentioned in this article
