Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Silent Ocean

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Ocean, both linear switches, present unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its light actuation force of 45 grams, providing an incredibly responsive feel that allows for quick keystrokes, along with a bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback during use. This makes it an excellent choice for typists who favor a lively and engaging typing experience. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Ocean emphasizes a quieter environment, making it suitable for those who prioritize a more subdued sound while typing, allowing for a more focused workspace without intrusive noise. Both switches offer distinct advantages depending on your typing style and environment. 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 Ocean Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Ocean both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which plays a crucial role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. Polycarbonate's properties as a stiffer plastic contribute to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience during typing. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches provide a clear and resonant sound, which is particularly enhanced when RGB lighting is used, thanks to the translucency of the material. As such, users of either switch can expect similar auditory results, which can be an essential factor for those who prioritize sound clarity in their keyboard experience.

In stark contrast, both switches employ nylon for the bottom housing, leading to a distinct difference in the overall sound profile. Nylon's softer composition absorbs sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart, resulting in a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This means that while the top housings of both switches contribute to the sharper sound, the nylon bottom housing tends to produce a rounder and more subdued bottom-out sound. This deliberate choice of materials in the bottom housing greatly influences the tactile feedback and acoustics when the key is pressed down, creating a harmonious balance between the brightness of the top and the warmth of the bottom.

In summary, even though the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Ocean utilize the same materials for their respective housings—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—they create a nuanced sound profile through the interaction of these materials. Users can expect a similar bright and crisp sound from the tops, complemented by a deeper and fuller sound produced by the nylon bottoms. This thoughtful combination allows both switches to deliver a distinctive yet comparable typing experience, making them appealing choices for keyboard enthusiasts who appreciate both clarity and depth in sound.

Weight

Comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch reveals notable differences in their bottom out forces, although their actuation forces are the same. Both switches feature an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally light in terms of the force needed to register a keystroke, which can be advantageous for those looking for a more comfortable typing experience over long hours. However, the Chiikawa's bottom out force is 51 grams, contrasting with the Silent Ocean's significantly higher bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar actuation feel, the Chiikawa switch provides a lighter overall experience with less resistance at the bottom of the stroke, making it ideal for users who prefer a less taxing typing experience. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean, with its heavier bottom out force, would appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial push feel and prefer the tactile feedback of a greater resistance when pressing keys down fully.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference positions the Chiikawa as the shorter option, catering to those who prefer a more responsive keystroke, which is beneficial for gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the Silent Ocean, with its traditional 4 mm travel distance, may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial feel and depth in their typing experience, avoiding the sometimes abrupt sensation associated with shorter travel distances. Ultimately, if you're after a quicker response, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, whereas the Silent Ocean offers more of a hearty typing depth.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched tone that enhances the typing experience. This responsiveness contributes to a satisfying auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, while the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch is known for its smooth operation, specific details about its sound characteristics are not provided. However, given that it is designed as a silent switch, one can infer that it may produce softer, less intrusive sounds compared to the Chiikawa, though the exact auditory experience would depend on factors like board and keycap choice.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is distinguished by its very light actuation force, making it an excellent option for users who prefer a nimble typing experience with quick key presses. Conversely, details about the tactile feel of the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch are unknown, which leaves an uncertainty about its actuation force and overall responsiveness. However, silent linear switches often prioritize a smooth experience without tactile bumps, suggesting that both switches will deliver a linear feel, albeit with the Chiikawa offering a lighter touch.

Considering the characteristics of both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switches, users can expect distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa stands out with its bright sound and light actuation, perfect for those who enjoy auditory feedback and responsiveness. Meanwhile, while the Silent Ocean's sound profile remains unspecified, its design as a silent switch suggests a more subdued auditory experience. Overall, if sound and feel are critical to your typing preferences, the Chiikawa offers a clear and lively option, while the Silent Ocean may appeal to those prioritizing a quieter environment.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Ocean linear switch largely depends on your personal typing preferences and the environment in which you use your keyboard. If you value a light actuation force for quick, responsive typing and enjoy a brighter sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is a compelling choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams allows for fast keystrokes, making it ideal for gaming or typing where speed is prioritized. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feedback and a quieter typing experience, the Outemu Silent Ocean, with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 65 grams, would be more suitable. This switch provides a firmer feel that can enhance your typing confidence, especially in shared or quieter workspaces. Therefore, consider your typing style and the noise level of your environment when making your decision between these two switches.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent Ocean Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more