Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Silent Green offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, with its light 45g actuation force, is celebrated for its bright sound profile and responsiveness, providing a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy an energetic soundscape. In contrast, while the Outemu Silent Green is also a linear switch, it is engineered to minimize noise, making it ideal for quiet environments or for users who prefer a more subdued typing experience. Both switches appeal to those seeking linear performance, yet they present unique qualities; the Chiikawa excels in providing an engaging auditory experience, while the Silent Green caters to users prioritizing noise reduction. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Silent Green switches, a clear distinction can be observed in their bottom housing compositions despite both featuring polycarbonate for the top housing. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This property is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances sound clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, making both switches visually appealing. Therefore, in terms of top housing, users can expect a similar auditory experience, characterized by clarity and brilliance when typing or gaming.
However, the differences become apparent when examining the bottom housing. The Chiikawa - 45g employs nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for producing a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This results in a sound profile that is duller and rounder compared to the sharper sound produced by the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Silent Green. The nylon material effectively absorbs sound, enriching the overall acoustic experience and contributing to a tactile depth that contrasts sharply with the sound dynamics of the Silent Green, which maintains a more consistent and high-pitched profile throughout. Consequently, the bottom housing choice significantly influences the overall sound and feel of each switch, especially in terms of the bottom-out sound when the key is fully pressed.
In summary, while the top housings of both the Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Silent Green switches share the same polycarbonate material, providing a bright sound profile, their bottom housings introduce a crucial differentiation. The use of nylon in the Chiikawa provides a fuller auditory experience, while the polycarbonate bottom of the Silent Green continues to emphasize clarity and sharpness. This means that, although the top plastics yield similar effects, the individuality of each switch's sound profile is largely shaped by their bottom housing materials. Users looking for a more rounded and dampened typing experience might lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a crisper and more resonant sound might find the Silent Green more to their liking.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, making them feel similar upon initial keystrokes. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Chiikawa switch requiring 51 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Green has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that, although both switches have the same actuation force, the Silent Green will provide a more substantial resistance as you bottom out, which some users may prefer for a stronger tactile feedback. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch can be considered the lighter option overall, as its bottom out force is lower. This can make the Chiikawa more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the Silent Green might appeal more to those who enjoy a heftier key feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Green features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you're looking for a quicker response time, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, as its shorter travel distance can facilitate faster key presses, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, the Silent Green's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying, deeper feel for those who appreciate a heartier key press. Thus, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is the shorter option, offering a snappier response, while the Outemu Silent Green boasts a longer travel distance, catering to users who prefer a more substantial 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 Silent 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switches produce a bright, high-pitched sound profile that is crisp and responsive when typing. This auditory quality can provide a stimulating feedback to the user, making them feel engaged with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has no specific sound characteristics provided. However, it is generally understood that silent switches tend to minimize noise during operation, making them ideal for quiet environments. Thus, while the Chiikawa switch can be lively and perky, the Silent Green likely leans toward a more subdued sound profile.
When evaluating the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by a very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and requiring minimal effort to register a keystroke. This quality can enhance typing speed and decrease finger fatigue during long typing sessions. In comparison, there is no explicit description of the feeling of the Silent Green switch; however, silent switches often aim for a smooth travel without any tactile bumps, leading to a consistent feel throughout the key press. Overall, if the Silent Green maintains that smooth, linear characteristic, both switches could potentially provide an enjoyable typing experience, albeit with different sound profiles.
In conclusion, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound and light actuation force, greatly enhancing the typing experience with auditory feedback and responsiveness. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, while lacking specific sound details, likely provides a quieter operation and potentially a smooth feel, making it suitable for those who prioritize minimal noise. Ultimately, each switch caters to different preferences, with the Chiikawa offering a more lively experience, while the Silent Green caters to those who favor silence without sacrificing feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and a snappy, responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is the better option for you, particularly if you enjoy a crisp sound profile that adds a bit of auditory feedback to your typing experience. This switch might be more suited for gaming or fast-paced typing, where a quick response and lighter resistance are advantageous. On the other hand, if you prefer a sturdier feel with a heavier bottom-out force and want to minimize noise, the Silent Green switch would be the optimal choice. The medium resistance combined with its quieter operation makes it ideal for office settings or shared spaces where noise reduction is key. Ultimately, consider your typing style, the acoustics of your environment, and whether you lean towards a more tactile or subdued experience to make the best decision between these two switches.
Mentioned in this article
