Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Peach
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Peach switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, choice of switch can significantly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Peach are both linear switches that cater to different preferences, despite their shared category. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, offering a responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound that can elevate the tactile feedback of your keystrokes. In contrast, the Outemu Peach switches are designed for those who gravitate towards a quieter experience; they feature a feathery light touch and are silenced, making them ideal for linear switch enthusiasts who desire a more subdued auditory profile while typing. While the Chiikawa may appeal to users who enjoy an energetic and pronounced sound feedback, the Peach is perfect for those who prefer a more muted, polished experience. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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 Peach switches, a distinct difference arises between their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, renowned for its rigidity and translucence, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This construction allows for a resonant and clear auditory experience, particularly advantageous if RGB lighting is employed, highlighting the aesthetic benefits of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Outemu Peach employs a nylon top housing, which is characterized by its softer composition that absorbs sound, leading to a deeper and more rounded acoustic signature. This divergence in materials results in two distinct auditory experiences, where the Chiikawa - 45g delivers crisper sounds while the Peach leans into a warmer, fuller sound profile.
Both switches, however, share a similarity in their bottom housings, both being composed of nylon. This commonality means that the fundamental sound characteristics created by the bottom housing will be largely identical for both switches. The nylon bottom housing in the Chiikawa - 45g echoes a deeper, fuller sound profile, which is consistent with the experience provided by the Peach. This shared nylon construction means that regardless of the distinct top housing materials, users can expect a similar bottom-out feel and sound, with a property favoring muted acoustics resulting from the softer nylon.
In terms of overall experience, while the contrasting materials of the top housings lead to different sound profiles when pressing keys, the use of nylon for both switches’ bottom housings integrates a degree of consistency. The Chiikawa - 45g's polycarbonate top housing delivers a distinct clarity and brightness in sound release, while the nylon bottom housing ensures a well-rounded and deeper sound upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Peach maintains a similar depth in sound regardless of the top material, but provides a less amplified sound release due to its nylon top. Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housings contributes to a unique typing experience for each switch, while both maintain a degree of acoustic familiarity due to their shared nylon bottom material.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, we see some notable differences and similarities in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Peach switch has a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that for users who prefer a lighter switch, the Outemu Peach would be the better choice, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out, making it potentially more comfortable for longer typing or gaming sessions. However, the Chiikawa switch, being slightly heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces, may appeal to those who desire a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches offer a relatively light feel, the Outemu Peach is the lighter option, making it suitable for those who favor an easier keystroke, whereas the Bsun Chiikawa provides a bit more resistance, appealing to users who enjoy a firmer feel during typing.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch, the Chiikawa measures 3.6 mm while the Peach has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This signifies that the Chiikawa switch offers a slightly longer travel distance, making it more appealing for users who enjoy a deeper feel when pressing their keys. In contrast, the shorter 3.3 mm distance of the Peach switch may be favored by gamers seeking quicker response times, as shorter travels often facilitate faster actuation. Therefore, if you prioritize responsiveness, the Outemu Peach may be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more tactile depth might lean towards the Bsun Chiikawa. Ultimately, your choice will reflect your personal preference for travel distance and the feel of each switch.
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 Peach comes in at $3.40 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 provides a bright and crisp auditory experience, often characterized as high-pitched and clear, making it quite lively when typing. This sound profile is perfect for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing, adding a touch of engagement to the experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Peach linear switch offers a more muted sound, which is softer and quieter compared to the Chiikawa switches. Its neutral sound profile ensures that it is less intrusive, making it suitable for environments where noise minimization is essential, while still providing a satisfying feedback to the user.
When it comes to the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its very light actuation force, promising a responsive and agile typing experience that feels almost effortless. However, specific descriptors of its feel weren’t provided, leaving some aspects to the imagination. In contrast, the Outemu Peach linear switch is characterized by its mild, subtle, and polished feel. This switch offers a gentle resistance that is not too light, making it approachable for a wide range of users. The polished finish of the Peach enhances smooth key travel, providing a refined typing experience that balances comfort and precision.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Peach linear switches offer lightweight typing experiences, they do so in different auditory and tactile manners. The Chiikawa excites with its bright sound and very light actuation force, while the Peach delivers a muted sound profile with a smooth and subtle feel. For enthusiasts, choosing between them may depend on whether you prioritize a lively auditory response or a quieter, more neutral typing atmosphere. Those who appreciate distinct auditory feedback may prefer the Chiikawa, whereas the out-of-the-box muted essence of the Peach would be more suited for shared or quiet spaces. Ultimately, both switches have their unique charm, catering to specific preferences within the realm of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Peach linear switch largely depends on your typing preferences and your environment. If you enjoy a crisper sound profile and a more tactile response with a light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g might be your ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams, coupled with its bright sound, delivers a delightful typing experience, making it particularly suitable for those who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, if you prefer a quieter, muted typing experience that still feels light and effortless, the Outemu Peach would suit you better. With its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and a polished, subtle feel, the Peach is perfect for environments where noise reduction is important, such as shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions. Ultimately, consider whether you favor sound and feedback or silence and a feather-light touch; both switches cater to different needs but offer enjoyable typing experiences.
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