Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch presents unique advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, resulting in a highly responsive experience along with a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the Outemu Brown, known for its tactile feedback, offers a more pronounced bump during key presses, making it ideal for users who appreciate tactile reassurance while typing. While the Chiikawa switch may appeal to those who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke and an auditory flourish, the Outemu Brown caters to those who thrive on tactile sensations to enhance their typing precision. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Brown switches exhibit striking similarities, particularly concerning their top housing. Both switches employ polycarbonate for the top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer resonance, enhancing the auditory experience when typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting setups, allowing the lights to shine through and creating visually appealing effects. This shared characteristic implies that users can expect similar sound quality and aesthetic benefits from both switches' top housings.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Brown are both constructed from nylon, a traditional material in switch design that delivers a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs more sound, dampening the overall acoustic output and resulting in a duller, rounder sound when compared to harder plastics like polycarbonate. This material choice creates a unique interaction when typing on these switches, as the bottom-out feel is significantly affected by the nylon bottom housing, leading to a softer touch that promotes comfort during extended use. Thus, while both switches share similar acoustic and aesthetic traits in their top housing, the nylon bottom housing sets them apart by fostering a distinct typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Brown switches creates a harmonious balance of sound and feel. The polycarbonate contributes to a bright and resonant sound when a key is released, while the nylon allows for a more muted and satisfying bottom-out experience upon pressing down. This duality means that regardless of the specific model, users will find a comparable auditory landscape, with the top and bottom housings each contributing their unique qualities. Ultimately, while both switches sport similar housing materials, the interplay of their respective properties provides an enjoyable, multilayered typing experience that caters to diverse preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch present distinct characteristics in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Brown's actuation force of 53 grams, catering to those who enjoy easier keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions. When it comes to bottom out force, the Chiikawa switch measures at 51 grams, whereas the Brown switch has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This heavier bottoming out can provide a more substantial typing experience for users who prefer a firmer feel. In summary, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter option in both actuation and bottom out forces, making it suitable for long-term use, while the heavier feel of the Outemu Brown offers a different tactile experience that some users might prefer.
Travel distance
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm, it is clear that the Chiikawa switch has the shorter travel distance. This difference can impact your typing or gaming experience; those who favor a more responsive feel may prefer the Chiikawa switch due to its shorter travel, enabling quicker actuation. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown's longer 4 mm travel provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find more comfortable or satisfying during use. Therefore, if you’re looking for speed and quicker responses, the Chiikawa switch would be ideal, while for a fuller typing experience, the Outemu Brown could be the better choice.
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 Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise that can enhance the auditory feedback during typing. The light actuation force contributes to this lively sound, making it particularly responsive. Meanwhile, the Outemu Brown switch has no specific sound qualities mentioned, which leaves a gap in understanding how it may compare in this aspect. Generally, switches like the Brown may have a more muted sound, but without explicit details, it's difficult to make a direct comparison.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, resulting in a smooth and responsive typing experience. This lightness allows for quick and effortless key presses, fostering a more fluid typing rhythm. Conversely, the Outemu Brown switch typically features a tactile bump that provides feedback without being overly stiff. This tactile quality can appeal to those who prefer some resistance while typing, potentially giving a more structured feel compared to the Chiikawa's lighter action.
In conclusion, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offers a bright sound profile and very light actuation, which makes it responsive and potentially enjoyable for those who prefer an energetic typing experience. In contrast, while the Outemu Brown's sound quality remains unspecified, its tactile feedback is likely to provide a different feel that some typists might find preferable. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel; however, the Chiikawa is likely to deliver a notably different auditory and tactile experience than the more neutral-feeling Brown switch.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you enjoy a lightweight feel with a responsive touch that allows for quick key presses, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially for gaming or tasks that require rapid actions. Its medium-light actuation and bright, crisp sound profile enhance the typing experience, making it ideal for those who favor speed and a satisfying auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured typing experience with tactile feedback, the Outemu Brown is worth considering. Its medium-heavy bottom out force makes it suitable for those who enjoy a pronounced bump at the actuation point, providing a balance between speed and deliberate typing. This switch is perfect for users looking to enhance their typing accuracy and overall feel, especially in writing or programming. Therefore, assess your specific needs and preferences; if you want a lighter, quicker response, go for the Chiikawa, while if you desire tactile feedback and a more substantial key feel, the Outemu Brown is the way to go.
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