Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options that cater to distinct preferences are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who value responsiveness and enjoy a crisp, high-pitched sound while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Milk Tea switch features a tactile bump that provides noticeable feedback with each keystroke, appealing to users who prefer a more engaging typing experience and seek to enhance their typing accuracy. While the Chiikawa is ideal for gamers and typists who appreciate speed and a lighter touch, the Milk Tea may resonate with writers and coders who thrive on tactile feedback to inform their key presses. 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
N/A
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
Ly
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 Milk Tea switches, a notable difference arises from the construction of the top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material’s translucency is advantageous for RGB lighting, enhancing both aesthetics and light diffusion. In contrast, the Milk Tea incorporates a Ly top housing, a newer material that is characterized by a bright sound signature. While both materials aim to enhance the auditory experience, the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa emphasizes clarity and resonance, while the Ly top focuses on creating resonant clacks, demonstrating distinct sound profiles influenced by their respective material properties.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Milk Tea switches are made of nylon, a classic and well-regarded material in the keyboard switch community. Nylon is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to harder plastics. Consequently, when typing on either switch, users will experience a sound that embodies the softer, rounder characteristics typical of nylon. Since both switches share this bottom housing material, they exhibit similar acoustic qualities in that regard, affirming that nylon helps deliver a richer typing sound across both models.
Finally, the interplay between the different materials used in the top and bottom housings ultimately defines the overall sound and feel of each switch. With the combination of the polycarbonate top housing in the Chiikawa contributing to the keystrokes' punchy and clarified release sound, and the nylon bottom housing enhancing the overall fullness, the experience is multifaceted. In comparison, the Milk Tea with its Ly top still offers a bright sound signature while benefiting from the same deep resonance afforded by the nylon base. As such, even with different top housing materials, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience, tapping into the distinct advantages of nylon while establishing their own unique auditory profiles.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel equally light during typing or gaming sessions, which can enhance user comfort for longer durations. However, the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating that it requires slightly more force to press all the way down compared to the lack of a specified bottom out force for the Milk Tea switch, which makes it difficult to draw any direct comparison in that aspect. Consequently, the Chiikawa is characterized as the heavier option when considering bottoming out force, while both switches present a similar experience in terms of actuation. Users who prefer a lighter switch will find both the Chiikawa and Milk Tea appealing, but the additional bottom out force of the Chiikawa may be a consideration for those looking for a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it is clear that they differ significantly. The Bsun Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea is slightly longer at 4 mm. This difference means that the Chiikawa will offer a shorter feeling when typing or gaming, which can lead to quicker response times favored by gamers seeking performance. Conversely, the Outemu Milk Tea’s longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a deeper and potentially more satisfying tactile experience. Consequently, if you prefer responsiveness and speed, the Chiikawa’s 3.6 mm travel might be the better choice, while the Milk Tea's 4 mm travel is suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced depth in their typing experience.
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 Milk Tea 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 delivers a bright and crisp high-pitched profile that can be quite pleasing to the ear, especially for those who enjoy a more overt auditory feedback while typing. This characteristic, coupled with its very light actuation force, means that it will produce a clean and pronounced sound with each keypress. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch lacks specific sound-related characteristics available, which makes it challenging to present a compelling comparison in this regard. However, it's worth noting that the overall sound produced by either switch will also depend significantly on the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When examining the feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it responsive and easy to press. This quality can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a light touch and faster typing speeds. Meanwhile, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's specific tactile feel isn’t mentioned here, which leaves a gap in comparing their tactile feedback. The Chiikawa switch promises a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke experience, while the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea switch remains uncertain without definitive descriptions.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's characteristics are less defined, particularly in terms of sound and tactile feedback. If you prefer an engaging auditory experience and quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa switch will meet those needs. However, the lack of detailed information on the Milk Tea switch means it may appeal to a different set of preferences that are yet to be explored. Overall, both switches can cater to varying typing experiences, and your choice between them will depend on personal preference and the particular qualities you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
To sum up, when selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play a significant role in your decision. If you enjoy a responsive and quick typing experience that’s characterized by a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa switch, with its medium-light actuation force of 45g and crisp sound, is an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who benefit from the lighter actuation and want to minimize finger fatigue during extended sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile feedback that offers a more pronounced feel with each keypress, a switch like the Milk Tea would be more fitting. Although we lack detailed specifications on the sound and feel of the Milk Tea, tactile switches typically provide a satisfying bump that can enhance your typing accuracy and comfort, especially if you enjoy a more deliberate typing style. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you: the lightness and sound of the Chiikawa or the tactile feedback of the Milk Tea, as these factors will significantly affect your overall comfort and enjoyment while using your keyboard.
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