Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Gold
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Gold switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves choosing between options that cater to different preferences, such as the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch. The Chiikawa switches are celebrated for their bright sound profile and light 45g actuation force, which makes them incredibly responsive and ideal for users who prefer a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke experience. This can be especially appealing to gamers and typists who value speed and efficiency. On the other hand, the Outemu Gold switch brings a tactile delight to typing with its clicky feedback, allowing users to hear and feel each keystroke, making it a preferred choice for those who enjoy a more mechanical typing experience that provides satisfying auditory and tactile signals. Both switches have their unique advantages, appealing to different user preferences and typing styles. 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
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
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 Gold share a designation for their housing materials that results in strikingly similar acoustic characteristics. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which facilitate a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the material's relative stiffness. This commonality means that when RGB lighting is utilized, both switches will enhance the visual effects through their translucency, allowing the light to pass through vividly. Consequently, users can expect a comparable auditory performance when engaging with either switch, enhancing the overall typing experience regardless of the specific switch mechanism in use.
On the flip side, the housing materials for the bottom sections differ across the two switches, each incorporating nylon as their primary material. This classic switch housing, known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile, plays a crucial role in the acoustic output of the switches. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a rounded and more muted sound upon bottoming out. This means that while the top portion of each switch contributes to the higher frequencies, the bottom housing subtly complements this with a rounded sound foundation, ensuring a well-rounded auditory experience for both switches.
In summary, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Gold utilize identical polycarbonate materials for their top housings, their nylon bottom housings work in tandem to provide distinct yet harmonious sound profiles. The similarity in top housing ensures that users will enjoy sharp, crisp sounds, while the softness of the nylon bottom housing enriches the experience with full and deeper tones. Thus, regardless of personal preference for one switch over the other, users can expect to achieve a similar auditory quality, fused by the unique characteristics inherent in both the polycarbonate and nylon materials employed respectively.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, allowing for a similar ease of activation when typing. However, their bottom out forces differ noticeably, with the Chiikawa requiring 51 grams to bottom out and the Outemu Gold needing a heavier 60 grams. This makes the Chiikawa switch the lighter option overall, providing a less strenuous typing experience, which can be particularly beneficial for extended use during work or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Gold, with its higher bottom out force, offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to users who prefer a firmer tactile response. Thus, while both switches facilitate the same actuation force, their variations in bottom out force create distinct typing experiences suited to different preferences.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch exhibit distinct travel distances, which influence their overall feel and responsiveness. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Gold boasts a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, providing a more responsive experience, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers looking for quicker actuation times. Conversely, the slightly longer travel distance of the Outemu Gold may appeal to users who prefer a more pronounced key press, offering a satisfying depth that some find more comfortable. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences regarding response times versus key travel comfort.
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 Gold 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 is known for its bright sound profile coupled with a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This auditory characteristic contributes to a lively experience, making it engaging for users who enjoy the feedback of each keystroke. On the other hand, there is no specific information available regarding the sound profile of the Outemu Gold clicky switch, which leaves its acoustic characteristics unknown. However, it’s essential to remember that the final sound of a switch can vary significantly depending on the keyboard it’s mounted on and the type of keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press. This feature caters well to users who prefer a lighter touch when typing, allowing for quick and effortless key presses. In contrast, there is no information available about the tactile feedback of the Gold switch, which makes it difficult to assess how its feel compares to that of the Chiikawa switch. Without this data, it's uncertain how the tactile experience of the Gold might align with the Chiikawa’s light and responsive nature.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch exhibits a bright sound profile and light actuation, which can enhance the typing experience, the Outemu Gold clicky switch lacks detailed information regarding both its sound and feel. Consequently, if you prefer luminous sound and a light touch, the Chiikawa switch offers those advantages. However, anyone considering the Gold switch would need to explore user reviews or hands-on testing to determine its qualities, as its specifics remain unknown.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Gold clicky switch, your preferences in typing experience and sound profile will guide your choice. If you lean towards a more tactile and responsive feel along with a lighter actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, especially if you enjoy a quick and agile typing experience with a bright, crisp sound. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams ensures that you'll find it particularly comfortable during long typing sessions, making it suitable for both gaming and everyday use. On the other hand, if you prefer a firmer typing experience and appreciate the auditory feedback that comes with clicky switches, the Outemu Gold is the way to go. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a more pronounced tactile feel, ideal for those who enjoy the satisfaction of a solid keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you prioritize the smoothness and responsiveness of a linear switch or the satisfying click and tactile feedback of a clicky option.
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