Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Red

Overview

When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Red both present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force of 45 grams, making it notably responsive and resulting in a crisp, high-pitched sound that many users find satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who enjoy tactile feedback and a lively auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Outemu Red switch is a favored option among gamers and typists seeking a smoother, uninterrupted keystroke experience, though it lacks the distinct sound profile that the Chiikawa offers. Ultimately, both switches serve specific needs—whether you prefer the playful acoustics and light touch of the Chiikawa or the solid, linear feel of the Outemu Red. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Outemu Red Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Red switches, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing and nylon for their bottom housing. This similarity in materials leads to a comparable auditory experience for both switches. The polycarbonate top housing is known to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality results from the stiffness of the polycarbonate, which enhances clarity and resonance. Furthermore, its translucency makes it an ideal choice for RGB lighting, as it allows the light to shine through effectively, creating an aesthetically pleasing result. Thus, users can expect a bright and articulate sound when typing on either switch due to their identical polycarbonate top housings.

Contrasting the bottom housings reveals a similar use of nylon, which contributes to both switches' sound profiles in different ways. The nylon material is recognized for its ability to absorb sound, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This gives both switches a more rounded sound as it dampens sharper frequencies produced during typing. Though the top housings enhance the clarity and brightness of sound, the nylon bottoms balance this with a more muted, low-frequency response. The combination of these materials allows both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Red to present a well-rounded auditory profile while still maintaining unique characteristics based on their top and bottom combinations.

In summary, even though the qualitative impacts of each material are distributed differently across the two switches, the overall user experience draws from the strengths of both polycarbonate and nylon. When pressing either switch, the nylon bottom provides a soft, full sound that resonates with the tactile feel of the switch's travel, while the polycarbonate top ensures a bright ping when letting go of a key. This interplay means that both the Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Red can achieve similar results in terms of sound profile, thanks to their shared use of materials. Consequently, users can be confident that they will find a uniform auditory experience across both options, despite subtle differences in feel and acoustics during use.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it slightly lighter than the Outemu Red, which requires an actuation force of 46 grams. This marginal difference in actuation force may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, particularly beneficial during prolonged use. However, in terms of bottom out force, the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Outemu Red has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. This means that the Chiikawa switch remains lighter overall, which may enhance longer-duration typing by reducing fatigue. In summary, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a lighter typing experience with its lower actuation and bottom out forces, whereas the Outemu Red provides a more substantial feel due to its slightly heavier actuation and significantly heavier bottom out force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is 3.6 mm, which is shorter than that of the Outemu Red linear switch at 4.0 mm. This difference of 0.4 mm makes the Chiikawa switch more responsive, appealing to gamers who favor quicker key presses for faster actions. On the other hand, the longer 4.0 mm travel distance of the Outemu Red may provide a more traditional feel that offers a sense of depth with each keystroke, which some users appreciate for a more tactile experience. Ultimately, if you're looking for a snappier response, the Chiikawa is the better choice, while those who prefer a more pronounced travel feel might lean towards the Outemu Red.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This clarity makes it quite pleasing for those who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. Unfortunately, the sound characteristics of the Outemu Red linear switch are unspecified, leaving a gap in our understanding of its acoustic profile. However, it’s important to remember that the overall sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard’s construction and the keycap materials used, so users might still achieve a satisfying auditory experience with either switch.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press. This can be especially appealing for users who favor quick, effortless keystrokes and speedy typing. In contrast, the specific tactile qualities of the Outemu Red switch haven’t been detailed, making it difficult to compare directly. Nonetheless, as both switches belong to the linear category, one can expect a smooth keystroke with minimal resistance from either, facilitating a gliding motion without a tactile bump.

In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out for its bright sound and light actuation, appealing to those who prioritize responsiveness and auditory feedback. While the sound profile of the Outemu Red remains a mystery, both switches are likely to provide a smooth typing experience typical of linear switches. Ultimately, personal preference will play a crucial role, and users might find similar overall experiences in terms of feel, with the Chiikawa offering distinct clarity in sound that could enhance the typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when selecting between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, your personal preferences and usage scenarios will ultimately guide your decision. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g switch will likely be your best choice. Its lower actuation force makes it ideal for fast-paced gaming or extensive typing sessions, where quick and accurate keystrokes are essential. Furthermore, the Chiikawa's bright sound can add a fun auditory element to your typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier feel and are looking for a more balanced switch that can withstand substantial typing pressure, the Outemu Red may be more suitable for you. The additional weight can provide more tactile feedback, which some users find beneficial for typing accuracy over long durations. Ultimately, consider your typing style, sound preference, and how much pressure you like to apply with each keystroke to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Red Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more