Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Dustproof Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, your choice can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is a linear option, renowned for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an appealing choice for those who prefer a smooth and responsive typing experience that minimizes resistance and provides a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch is a tactile option, offering a noticeable bump when the actuation point is reached, making it ideal for typists who enjoy some feedback with each keystroke while also benefiting from dust resistance. Both switches cater to different preferences: the Chiikawa is perfect for gamers and users who value speed and a subtle auditory finish, whereas the Dustproof Brown suits those who prioritize tactile feedback and durability. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Brown, it becomes clear that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings and nylon for their bottom housings. This shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing results in a similarly sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile for both switches. The rigidity of the polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant auditory experience, especially beneficial for users who appreciate the aesthetics of RGB lighting since both switches sustain this visual functionality through their translucent materials. Consequently, users can expect a brightness and clarity from both switches when RGB lighting is employed, enhancing the overall gaming and typing experience.
On the flip side, the nylon bottom housing of both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Dustproof Brown creates a deeper, fuller sound profile. As nylon absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, it adds a plush quality to the auditory response when typing. This characteristic serves to complement the polycarbonate top by balancing the sound profile; while the top provides crispness, the nylon bottom introduces depth. As a result, both switches maintain a consistent yet nuanced auditory experience, marrying the clarity from the top with the warmth from the bottom, which ultimately enhances typing satisfaction.
Although the construction of both switches involves the same materials for their respective housings, their interaction yields distinct auditory effects due to the balance of each material's properties. For instance, pressing down on either switch will allow users to feel the impact of the nylon's sound absorption, making the bottom-out feel softer. Conversely, the swift release results in the brighter tones produced by the polycarbonate tops. Users can thus expect similar overall results regarding the auditory and tactile experience, given the combination of these material choices, even if the switches may have additional unique characteristics like actuation force or shape.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch, key differences emerge in their bottom out forces despite their identical actuation forces. Both switches require 45 grams of actuation force to trigger a keystroke, making them similar in terms of the initial pressure needed to register a keypress, which can benefit typists looking for a light touch during prolonged use. However, the bottom out forces reveal a contrast; the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating a lighter feel overall, while the Dustproof Brown switch features a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This difference means that while both switches are light in terms of actuation, the Chiikawa will provide a softer landing when keys are fully pressed, making it more suitable for ergonomic use over extended periods. In contrast, the heavier bottom out in the Dustproof Brown gives a more substantial typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a firmer feedback when typing. Thus, if you seek a lighter option for longer sessions, the Chiikawa is the better choice, while the Dustproof Brown is ideal for those who appreciate added resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch features a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive feel that can be beneficial for gamers looking for quicker action. In contrast, the Dustproof Brown's 4 mm travel distance aligns closer to the traditional standard, catering to users who appreciate a more pronounced tactile feedback during typing. Therefore, while both switches cater to different preferences, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance may feel more abrupt, whereas the Dustproof Brown provides a deeper, more substantial experience. If you prioritize rapid response times, the Chiikawa may be the better choice, while those who favor a richer typing experience might lean towards the Outemu Dustproof Brown.
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 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched sound that can make typing feel lively and engaging. This characteristic leads to a distinct auditory experience, especially appealing to those who appreciate the sound that accompanies their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch lacks a defined sound profile, which leaves much to be interpreted. If you're seeking distinct auditory feedback, the Chiikawa switch stands out, while the Dustproof Brown likely contributes to a muted typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and easy to press down with minimal effort. This quality results in a smooth, linear feel that some users find delightful for fast typing or gaming scenarios. Conversely, the tactile nature of the Outemu Dustproof Brown switch typically provides a noticeable bump on actuation, giving users physical feedback when a keystroke has been registered. While the Chiikawa offers a fluid and effortless experience, the Brown switch provides a more defined and tactile engagement, catering to different preferences among typists.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch present distinctly different experiences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa is easily favored for those who enjoy a bright, crisp auditory experience paired with a very responsive linear action. Meanwhile, the Dustproof Brown's undefined sound profile and tactile feel cater to different user preferences. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what aspects of sound and feedback are most important to your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Brown tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and the kind of experience you seek. If you favor a lighter touch and a snappy, responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is likely the better option for you. Its medium-light actuation force of 45 grams not only makes it easy to type quickly but also allows for a bright sound profile that adds a unique auditory pleasure to your typing experience. This switch is particularly ideal if you're engaged in activities that require rapid inputs, such as gaming or programming, where speed and precision are paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more robust typing experience with tactile feedback, the Outemu Dustproof Brown's medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams will give you the satisfying resistance that many typists enjoy. The tactile bump can enhance your typing accuracy by providing clear feedback with each keypress, making it a great choice for those who value a deliberate and controlled input style, such as writing or content creation. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the applications you engage in, and whether you prefer a lighter linear feel or a more tactile response to guide your decision.
Mentioned in this article
