Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Orange each present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, known for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, offers a responsive experience that delights those who favor a high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the KTT Orange switches provide a bouncy typing feel thanks to their 22mm long spring, alongside a slick, frictionless experience resulting from their excellent factory lubing. With a polycarbonate milky top and a vivid orange nylon bottom, the KTT Orange contrasts the Chiikawa’s lighter sound profile with a deeper, more subdued sound. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa - 45g appeals to users seeking a quick, tactile response, the KTT Orange is designed for those who prioritize smoothness and a robust feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Orange both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a similar sound profile characterized by clarity and crispness. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, not only enhances the acoustic resonance of the switches but also allows for dynamic RGB lighting, thanks to its translucency. When it comes to achieving a higher-pitched, sharper sound, both switches exhibit this shared characteristic due to their common top housing material. Therefore, users can expect a visually appealing aesthetic alongside the benefits of bright and vivid RGB effects in both switches.
However, the bottom housing materials of the Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Orange create a notable contrast in acoustic performance. The Chiikawa - 45g is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, a traditional choice that tends to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. In comparison, the KTT Orange features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which mirrors the sharpness of the top housing and promotes a crisper sound profile. This differentiation implies that while both switches excel in clarity due to their polycarbonate tops, the Chiikawa's nylon bottom offers a more rounded auditory experience, enhancing the tactile feedback when bottoming out.
In summary, the divergence in bottom housing materials between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Orange leads to distinct sound characteristics despite their common polycarbonate top. Users of the Chiikawa - 45g will enjoy a combination of crispness from the polycarbonate top and deeper tones from the nylon bottom, while those using the KTT Orange will experience a consistently sharp sound profile across both housings. Depending on personal preference for sound dynamics, users can choose between a fuller auditory experience or a sharper one, indicating the unique benefits both switches bring to the table despite having similarities in their top housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, both switches exhibit comparable parameters, with slight variations. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the KTT Orange features an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Chiikawa switch is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing sessions, especially for users who prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the KTT Orange, being marginally heavier, may appeal to those who favor a more substantial feel when typing. Despite these differences in weight, both switches fall within the medium-light category, providing a similar typing experience overall, making them suitable options for users looking for comfort or a more tactile feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, there is a subtle yet clear distinction. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Orange switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you prioritize responsiveness, the KTT Orange may be the better choice for quicker actuation, appealing to gamers seeking fast response times. On the other hand, if you appreciate a more pronounced depth when pressing a key, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying feel. Ultimately, while both options are relatively close in travel distance, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a slightly more substantial experience than the KTT Orange.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone when typing. This characteristic can create an engaging auditory experience that some users may find particularly satisfying, especially in a quiet environment. In contrast, the KTT Orange switch features a low-pitched sound profile, which is more mellow and bass-heavy, providing a softer auditory feedback. This difference in sound can significantly affect the typing experience; for those who prefer a sharper sound, the Chiikawa might be more appealing, while those who enjoy a more subdued auditory environment may favor the KTT Orange.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch boasts a notably light actuation force that makes it highly responsive, allowing for quick key presses and a very tactile experience, but specific details on its overall feel are less pronounced. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch is characterized by its bouncy nature, providing a lively, elastic feedback sensation that adds to the overall typing enjoyment. The frictionless quality of the Orange allows for smooth and effortless key travel, minimizing resistance and creating a fluid typing experience. Thus, while both switches may offer enjoyable typing experiences, the Chiikawa is more about lightness and responsiveness, whereas the KTT Orange emphasizes bounce and slickness.
Ultimately, when comparing the two switches, users will find distinct auditory and tactile characteristics that can cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is ideal for those who favor a bright sound and light actuation force, while the KTT Orange will appeal to those who appreciate a low-pitched sound with a bouncy and frictionless feel. Depending on your typing style and sensory preferences, either switch can provide a satisfying experience, though they will yield notably different sensations and sounds while typing.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch largely depends on the kind of typing experience you prefer. If you enjoy a bright and responsive typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is the way to go, especially if you appreciate the feeling of a medium-light actuation force that allows for rapid key presses. This switch will suit those who often engage in fast-paced typing or gaming, as its lighter touch can enhance speed and agility. On the other hand, if you prefer a more bouncy and fluid typing experience, the KTT Orange switch would be your best pick. With its bouncy feel and refined, frictionless travel, this switch is ideal for those who enjoy a softer, more cushioned touch along with a mellow, low-pitched sound as you type. Essentially, if you seek a lively and elastic feedback sensation with a low-pitched tone, the KTT Orange is the perfect companion for your keyboard setup. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal preferences in sound, feel, and responsiveness to create a typing experience that feels just right for you.
Mentioned in this article
