Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Cream Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Cream Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Cream Yellow offer distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch renowned for its very light actuation force of 45 grams, delivering a swift and responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound profile that many typists find enjoyable. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, particularly for gaming or fast-paced typing tasks. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow features a tactile design, providing noticeable feedback with each keystroke that many users appreciate for the satisfying sensation it offers, making it ideal for typists who value precision and confirmation with every press. While both switches cater to different user preferences—lightweight responsiveness versus tactile feedback—each has its own unique benefits. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Cream Yellow switches differ significantly in their top housing materials. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, which lends it a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is due to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound production. Aesthetically, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, making it an excellent choice for visually striking keyboards. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow switches utilize a nylon top housing that is characterized by its softer, more absorbent properties. This leads to a deeper, fuller sound profile, offering a more subdued and rounded acoustic experience, markedly different from the sharper tones of the Chiikawa.
When it comes to the bottom housings, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Cream Yellow employ nylon material. Here, they align closely in terms of sound characteristics, producing a deeper and fuller typing experience. The nylon's softness inherently dampens vibrations and sound waves, creating a more muted bottom-out sound for both switches. This similarity means that despite the variance in top housing material, users will experience similar characteristics in terms of sound from both switches when pressed down, as the nylon bottom housing dictates much of the perceived sound profile during typing.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials create distinct sound profiles for both switches, while the identical nylon bottom housings mean they share similar characteristics in terms of sound dampening and feel. This duality allows for a unique typing experience: the Chiikawa - 45g may deliver a more pronounced resonance during release, while the Cream Yellow evokes a fuller and softer acoustic signature. Users seeking a more vibrant and responsive top-end sound may lean towards the Chiikawa, whereas those who prefer a balanced and subdued typing experience could favor the Outemu Cream Yellow. However, both switches are capable of delivering an overall satisfying performance, particularly due to their shared nylon bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for an equally responsive typing experience that many users might find suitable for extended periods of use, whether during work or gaming. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Chiikawa switch having a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Cream Yellow requires a heavier 60 grams. This difference in bottom out force suggests that while the actuation feels relatively light for both switches, the Cream Yellow provides a more substantial resistance when pressed all the way down, catering to those who prefer a firmer tactile experience. In summary, for a lighter feel and a smoother typing experience, the Chiikawa is the better choice, while the Cream Yellow offers a heavier bottomed-out experience for those who enjoy a more robust key press.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch, we find distinct differences that may cater to varying preferences among users. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Cream Yellow boasts a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This means that if you prioritize a more responsive typing experience, the Outemu Cream Yellow might be the better choice, as shorter distances allow for quicker actuation, which is often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Chiikawa's longer travel distance provides a more pronounced depth that some users may find more satisfying and stable for typing. Therefore, for a preference leaning towards responsiveness and speed, the Outemu Cream Yellow is the superior option due to its shorter travel distance, while the Chiikawa - 45g caters more to those who enjoy a more substantial keystroke feel.
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 Cream Yellow 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone that can be quite pleasing when typing. This characteristic contributes to an overall lively typing experience, making it enjoyable for those who appreciate a more vibrant auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch does not have a well-defined sound profile available for comparison. It is important to remember that the sound of any switch can also vary significantly based on other factors, such as the choice of keyboard, keycaps, and the surface it’s placed on.
In terms of tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, which results in a responsive typing experience that may be easier on the fingers during extended use. This smooth action is particularly appealing to those who favor a lighter keypress without the additional physical feedback of a tactile bump. On the other hand, the feel of the Outemu Cream Yellow switch remains unspecified, leaving potential users to speculate about its tactile characteristics and overall typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offers a bright sound and a very light touch that enhances responsiveness, the qualities of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch are less defined. If you prioritize a lively auditory experience along with a lightweight and easy press, the Chiikawa may be the more suitable option. However, for those who are open to exploring tactile switches, understanding the Cream Yellow’s feel and sound will require direct hands-on experience or further investigation. Ultimately, both options could cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard landscape.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and use case. If you desire a light actuation and a bright, crisp sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, ideal for those who enjoy a more responsive feel without much finger fatigue. This switch would suit you well if you’re looking for something that allows for quick keystrokes, making it great for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel and a tactile bump that can help with typing accuracy, the Outemu Cream Yellow with its medium bottom out force would be more appropriate. Although this switch doesn’t have a specific sound profile highlighted, its appeal lies in the satisfying tactile feedback it provides, making it a solid option for traditional typing experiences. Ultimately, consider the weight and feedback of each switch in relation to your typing style and comfort level—this will ensure you choose the one that’s best for your individual needs.
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