Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Dustproof Green
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Green can significantly impact your typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a notably responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. This makes it an excellent option for gamers and typists who appreciate speed and smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green is a clicky switch that provides a tactile feedback and an audible click, ideal for those who enjoy a more traditional typing experience and prefer a switch that emphasizes each keystroke with a satisfying sound. This can enhance typing accuracy by offering clear auditory and tactile cues. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences and typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
65g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Green utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a similar auditory experience. The polycarbonate's stiffness results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile that many users appreciate. This characteristic is especially noticeable when RGB lighting is integrated into the switches, allowing the translucent quality of the polycarbonate to shine through beautifully. A clear polycarbonate top housing establishes a vibrant aesthetic while enhancing sound clarity, ensuring that users enjoy a well-rounded auditory experience, whether gaming or typing.
In contrast to their identical top housings, the bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Dustproof Green share a common material—nylon. This choice of nylon is significant because it offers a deeper and fuller sound profile in comparison to its polycarbonate counterpart. As a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively, producing a duller and rounder auditory effect. This feature is particularly important during key presses, as the impact of the bottom housing plays a crucial role in how the switch feels and sounds when actuated. Users can expect an enriching tactile experience that complements the crispness of the polycarbonate top.
In summary, while both switches utilize the same polycarbonate for their top housing, creating a sharp and clear sound profile, they also feature nylon in the bottom housing to achieve a fuller auditory experience. The combination of these two materials means that users can enjoy an engaging typing experience, benefiting from the resonant qualities of the top housing while simultaneously feeling the earthy sound dampening provided by the nylon. This blend of materials allows both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Dustproof Green to deliver an impressive balance of auditory and tactile feedback, catering to enthusiasts looking for both performance and aesthetics in their keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch, the differences in their actuation and bottom out forces highlight their distinct characteristics. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option that is ideal for extended typing sessions or prolonged gaming, as it requires less force to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Dustproof Green has a significantly heavier actuation force of 65 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, catering to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel. This makes the Chiikawa the lighter switch and the Dustproof Green the heavier. Consequently, users seeking a comfortable, fatigue-reducing experience should opt for the Chiikawa, while those desiring a more tactile and resistant feedback should choose the Outemu Dustproof Green.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Dustproof Green switch offers a longer travel distance, which can provide a more pronounced feedback experience for those who appreciate a hearty depth when typing. On the other hand, the Chiikawa switch's shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm may appeal to gamers or users who prefer more responsive key presses, as it allows for quicker actuation. Ultimately, if both switches were to be compared for their responsiveness or feedback, the Chiikawa would likely be favored for quicker actions, while the Dustproof Green could be preferred for a more tactile 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 Dustproof Green 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 characterized by its bright, crisp sound profile, making it delightful for typing enthusiasts who appreciate a higher-pitched auditory feedback. This quality stems from the switch's design, contributing to a pleasant experience with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch lacks a detailed description of its sound qualities, leaving an unknown aspect regarding its acoustic performance. Generally, clicky switches tend to have a more pronounced "click" sound due to their mechanism, but without specifics, it is difficult to make a direct comparison.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, which allows for responsive and effortless typing, ideal for users who favor quick keystrokes without much resistance. This lightness can lead to a more agile typing experience, making it suitable for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed. In contrast, the feel of the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch remains unspecified, making it hard to gauge how it compares to the Chiikawa switch in terms of tactile feedback and overall typing experience. Clicky switches generally offer a satisfying tactile bump, but without a clear description, we cannot determine how this will affect the user experience.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile and light actuation force, catering to those who enjoy a responsive and crisp typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch presents an unknown auditory and tactile quality, which makes it challenging to fully assess how it matches up against the Chiikawa. While sound and feel are crucial elements in selecting a switch, the lack of detailed information on the Dustproof Green means that users may need to try them out individually to see which one aligns with their preferences. For similar outcomes in sound and feel, careful consideration of these qualities will be essential when experimenting with different switches.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Dustproof Green clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you will be using your keyboard. If you value a lighter actuation force that allows for nimble and responsive keystrokes, and you appreciate a crisp sound profile for more enjoyable typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially for long typing sessions or gaming where quick actions are beneficial. This switch’s medium-light bottom out force makes it ideal for those who prefer a less tiring typing experience. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more tactile feedback with a satisfying click while typing and don't mind a heavier weight, the Outemu Dustproof Green can provide you with that distinctive sound and feel that many typists find satisfying. Its heavy bottom out force may be better suited for someone who enjoys a more deliberate typing experience, allowing you to feel each keystroke more distinctly while also minimizing accidental key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences—your decision should align with the priorities you have in terms of feedback, actuation force, and sound.
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