Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Silent Grey

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Grey present two compelling but distinct options tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, renowned for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivers a responsive linear experience that many gamers and fast typists appreciate, thanks to its crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey switches provide a quiet yet tactile sensation with their pronounced bump, making them ideal for those who seek a more subdued sound while still enjoying the satisfying feedback of a tactile switch. While the Chiikawa excels in speed and auditory excitement, the Silent Grey prioritizes a serene, smooth typing experience without compromising on tactile pleasure. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Grey both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes similarly to their acoustic profiles. Polycarbonate is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound due to its stiffness as a material. This characteristic allows for a more resonant sound, making both switches suitable for users who enjoy a clear auditory feedback when typing or gaming. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the RGB lighting effects, allowing for vibrant illumination that adds aesthetic appeal to mechanical keyboard setups. Thus, both switches benefit from the sound clarity and lighting compatibility provided by their shared top housing material.

On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches are made of nylon, a classic material known for yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer composition allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a more subdued bottom-out feel when the key is pressed down. This material choice contributes to the overall dampening effect and provides a rounder auditory experience, which can be preferable for users seeking a more muted typing environment. Therefore, the Chiikawa - 45g and the Silent Grey exhibit similar qualities in their bottom housings, enhancing the tactile feedback while also producing a fuller sound.

While both switches share the same materials in their respective top and bottom housings, they will provide a distinctive feel based on the interaction between these materials. The nylon bottom will influence the bottom-out sound and tactile sensation, while the polycarbonate top will shape the sound when the key is released. This harmonious blend results in switches that are fundamentally similar, yet may deliver slightly different nuances in their overall acoustic and typing experiences. Users can expect consistent results in sound clarity from the polycarbonate top, along with a satisfying depth from the nylon bottom across both switch models.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as a medium-light switch. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This makes the Chiikawa switch lighter overall, which may appeal to those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to press. The Silent Grey, with its heavier forces, might be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial tactile feedback and typing experience. As a result, if you favour lighter switches for comfort, the Chiikawa would be a better choice, while the Silent Grey would suit those seeking a firmer key press.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Chiikawa switch will provide a quicker response, appealing to gamers or users who favor shorter travel distances for enhanced speed and efficiency. In contrast, the Silent Grey’s longer travel distance may offer a more traditional feel, suitable for those who enjoy a deeper, more substantial typing experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a more responsive option, the Chiikawa switch with its 3.6 mm distance is preferable, whereas the Silent Grey could be ideal for users who appreciate a greater depth in their key presses. Overall, the Chiikawa is the shorter travel switch, while the Silent Grey is the longer one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a bright and high-pitched sound profile, resulting in a crisp and clear auditory feedback when typing. This lively sound can be quite engaging and is well-suited for users who enjoy a more pronounced acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch focuses on delivering a quiet typing experience. Its design prioritizes silence through dampening features while still offering a satisfying tactile feel, making it an excellent choice for those who want to minimize noise without sacrificing the audible feedback that comes with a pronounced tactile bump.

When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its light actuation force, making it highly responsive and easy to press. This quality allows for rapid key presses and could be very appealing to typists or gamers who value speed. In contrast, the Silent Grey switch provides a distinct tactile bump that enhances the typing experience by offering clear feedback on actuation, which can contribute to better typing accuracy and pleasure, even though it is less about rapid actuation. The bumps in the Silent Grey switches meld with a smooth keystroke, creating a balance of tactile satisfaction without the overwhelming noise.

Overall, both switches cater to different preferences, demonstrating the diversity within mechanical keyboard experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is ideal for those who prioritize a bright sound and light actuation for speedy typing, while the Silent Grey is tailored for users who appreciate a quieter, more refined tactile feedback without compromising on comfort. By choosing either switch, users can experience distinct auditory and tactile sensations that cater to their individual needs, ensuring satisfaction in their keyboard setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you favor a responsive and light typing experience, along with an engaging sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g might be the switch for you. Its medium-light actuation force and distinctly crisp auditory feedback allow for quick keystrokes, making it particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who enjoy a tactile pop with every keypress. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter and more tactile experience, the Outemu Silent Grey is an excellent option. With its higher bottom-out force and pronounced bump, it provides satisfying feedback while minimizing noise, making it ideal for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where discretion is key. Therefore, consider your typing style, sound preferences, and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard to make the best choice between these two effective switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Grey Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more