Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Cold Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Cold Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Cold Plum stand out as excellent options, each appealing to different user preferences. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its light 45g actuation force and bright sound profile, contributing to a highly responsive typing experience that produces a crisp, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. This makes it an appealing choice for those who favor speed and agility in their typing. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum offers a more robust sensation with a thocky sound profile and a fully nylon construction, delivering smooth keystrokes combined with a satisfying auditory feedback. This switch is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a distinct and enjoyable typing feel, perfect for long typing sessions or gaming. While both switches are linear and cater to different tactile preferences, they each provide unique auditory and physical feedback that can significantly enhance your typing experience. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Cold Plum both exhibit unique sound profiles due to their differing top housings. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for providing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, enabling it to produce a more resonant sound when a key is pressed. Furthermore, the translucency of the polycarbonate material enhances its aesthetic appeal, especially in scenarios where RGB lighting is being utilized, allowing the colors to shine through vividly. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum incorporates a nylon top housing, which offers a notably deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon’s softer characteristics result in sound absorption, leading to a rounder and more subdued auditory experience compared to polycarbonate.
Contrasting the bottom housings of these switches reveals that both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Cold Plum utilize nylon materials, thereby exhibiting similar sound absorption qualities in their bottom housings. Here, nylon dampens the sound, creating a softer, rounder auditory experience when a key is pressed down or bottomed out. This shared material in the bottom housing means that both switches will produce a comparable acoustic signature when it comes to the bottom-out sound, blending with the distinct qualities of their respective top housings. In essence, while their top materials create differing sound profiles on key release, the nylon bottom housing ensures a level of consistency in the deeper sounds produced during key presses.
Ultimately, the varying top housing materials of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Cold Plum will lead to different auditory characteristics, while their identical nylon bottom housings provide a common ground. Users looking for a sharper and more vibrant sound may gravitate towards the Chiikawa with its polycarbonate top, whereas those who appreciate a deeper, mellower typing experience might prefer the Cold Plum’s nylon top. However, regardless of the choice, the shared nylon material in the bottom housing will ensure that the fundamental sound and feel during key presses correlate closely between the two switches, allowing for a comforting familiarity across different typing experiences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch present notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter feel that facilitates extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Cold Plum switch requires a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, appealing to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel while typing. This difference means that while the Chiikawa allows for easier keystrokes, the Cold Plum offers a firmer typing experience. Therefore, potential users should choose based on their preference for light vs. heavy switches: the Chiikawa is the lighter option, whereas the Cold Plum is heavier.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option, providing a range of motion that some users may find more satisfying as it allows for a more pronounced keystroke feel. On the other hand, the Cold Plum's 3.3 mm travel distance caters to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive keystroke, which can be particularly advantageous in gaming scenarios where swift input is crucial. If users prioritize a more abrupt and responsive typing experience, they may opt for the shorter Cold Plum switch, while those who appreciate more depth and feedback in their key presses might lean towards the Chiikawa. Overall, while both switches strive to enhance the typing experience, their differing travel distances cater to varying preferences in tactile feedback and responsiveness.
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 Cold Plum 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 features a bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound that resonates during typing. This lively auditory response tends to be more pronounced compared to other switches, offering a distinct and engaging experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Cold Plum switch produces a thocky sound profile, contributing to a more robust auditory feedback while typing. The fully nylon construction amplifies the smooth keystroke, resulting in a satisfying sound that many enthusiasts appreciate. Ultimately, while both switches deliver pleasing auditory experiences, the Chiikawa's bright tone contrasts sharply with the Cold Plum's deeper, thocky timbre.
When considering the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g stands out for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press. This low resistance can lead to a faster typing experience, perfect for those who prefer a light touch. Conversely, the Outemu Cold Plum's smooth keystroke offers a more substantial feel under your fingers, which some typists may find more comfortable for long typing sessions. The difference in actuation force can significantly influence how each switch feels during use, with the Chiikawa favoring speed and agility, while the Cold Plum leans toward a more substantial, deliberate typing experience.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Cold Plum linear switches present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa is ideal for users who favor a bright, responsive experience, while the Cold Plum provides a more thocky, smooth typing experience. Depending on your preferences for auditory feedback and typing feel, either of these switches could offer a pleasing experience, though they are likely to deliver distinct results based on their inherent qualities.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Cold Plum linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lightweight and highly responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force, combined with its crisp, high-pitched sound profile, makes it particularly suited for fast typists or gamers who appreciate rapid keystrokes and a bright auditory feedback. This switch excels in scenarios where quick input is crucial, such as in fast-paced gaming or bustling writing environments. On the other hand, if you seek a more robust typing experience with a satisfying thocky sound and a heavier actuation force, the Outemu Cold Plum switch may be the way to go. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force and smooth keystroke will appeal to those who enjoy a more tactile and deliberate typing feel, making it ideal for long typing sessions or casual gaming where comfort and sound play a significant role. By identifying your preferences regarding sound, feel, and actuation force, you can select the switch that best enhances your overall typing experience.
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