Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Dustproof Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Blue offer distinct experiences suited to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its light actuation force and its bright sound profile, providing an incredibly responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound that appeals to those who prioritize speed and smooth keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue presents a clicky switch design that caters to tactile feedback enthusiasts who enjoy a pronounced auditory response while typing, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a more traditional mechanical feel. Choosing the Chiikawa is ideal for users seeking quick performance without noise interference, while the Outemu Dustproof Blue is perfect for those who thrive on audible confirmation with every keystroke. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Blue switches share a notable similarity in their top housing material, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a sound profile that is characterized by sharper, higher-pitched tones, resulting in a crisper auditory experience. Polycarbonate, being a relatively stiffer plastic, enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced by each switch, making it ideal for PC enthusiasts who enjoy RGB lighting. The translucency of the housing not only serves functional purposes by allowing for vibrant lighting effects, but it also caters to aesthetic demands for visually appealing setups.
However, the contrasting elements between the two switches come into play when we examine their bottom housing materials. Both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Blue employ nylon for the bottom housing, which gives a deeper, fuller sound profile during use. The softer nature of nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder materials, contributing to a more rounded auditory experience. Despite sharing the same nylon bottom housing, each switch will still deliver a unique feel based on the exact design and tuning parameters used, leading to subtle differences in feedback while typing.
In terms of performance, both switches will provide a harmonious combination of crisp highs from the polycarbonate top and deeper lows from the nylon bottom. Since the qualities of the respective materials are distinct but complementary, users can expect a well-rounded auditory experience regardless of the switch selection. By leveraging the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon, the Chiikawa - 45g and Dustproof Blue can achieve a balance that appeals to gamers and typists alike, highlighting how similar housing materials can yield comparable results while maintaining their individual characteristics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light switch that caters well to those who prefer less resistance for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Blue has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, positioning it within the medium-heavy category. This increased resistance provides a more substantial feel, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer keystroke. As a result, while the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, the Dustproof Blue offers a more pronounced tactile experience, making them suitable for different preferences depending on the user’s typing style and intended use.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch, there is a notable difference. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dustproof Blue switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, appealing to those who prefer a quicker, more responsive typing experience typical of linear switches, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking faster response times. On the other hand, the Dustproof Blue, with its longer travel distance, caters to users who enjoy a deeper, more tactile feel, which some might find more satisfying for typing or gaming. Thus, if you're after a swift response, the Chiikawa would be preferable, while those seeking a more substantial keystroke would likely gravitate towards the Outemu Dustproof Blue.
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 Dustproof Blue 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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound upon actuation, contributing to a lively auditory experience. This quality makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy a more engaging typing sound. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch lacks specific sound characteristics in the provided information, making it difficult to compare directly. However, typical clicky switches are generally known for their pronounced click sounds, creating a tactile and satisfying auditory feedback during typing sessions. It's important to remember that the sound produced by either switch will also be influenced by the keyboard's construction, keycap materials, and the overall acoustic environment.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is recognized for its very light actuation force, which allows for a responsive typing experience that can feel effortless and fluid. This makes it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch and appreciate a more agile typing style. Conversely, the feel of the Dustproof Blue switch is not specified in the available information, but typically, clicky switches tend to provide noticeable tactile feedback during actuation. This can create a distinct sensation that many typists enjoy, offering a sense of validation with each keystroke.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound and light actuation, making it suitable for users who prioritize responsiveness and a lively auditory profile during typing. The Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics and feel are less defined, but it is likely to provide a clicky tactile experience typical of such switches. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences—if one appreciates lightness and brightness with the Chiikawa, the Dustproof Blue may appeal to those seeking a traditional tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Blue clicky switch ultimately comes down to your personal typing preferences and the type of environment you’ll be using your keyboard in. If you favor a lighter touch and appreciate a smooth, linear feel without any tactile bump, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force and crisp sound profile allow for quick typing, making it ideal for those who type for extended periods or prefer a more responsive switch for gaming. On the other hand, if you desire a more tactile feedback experience and enjoy a noticeable auditory click with each key press, the Dustproof Blue switch may be more suitable for you. Its medium-heavy actuation force caters to users who prefer a sturdier typing experience, making it a great choice for heavy typists who enjoy the satisfaction of a pronounced click sound. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your typing style, whether you lean towards speed and smoothness with the Chiikawa or the tactile satisfaction of the Dustproof Blue.
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