Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Silent White

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent White both offer unique experiences despite being linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is especially renowned for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, resulting in a notably responsive typing experience, along with a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find satisfying. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a feedback-rich environment while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent White excels in creating a quieter typing environment, making it ideal for office use or shared spaces where noise levels are a concern. Its smooth linear action offers a consistent feel throughout the keystroke, appealing to gamers and typists alike. Both switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel, making it essential to consider your specific needs. 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 White Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g with the Outemu Silent White, it is important to note that both switches share identical materials in their top housing. Both feature polycarbonate, which is well-known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to its clear and resonant sound, making it an excellent choice for gamers and typists who favor precision in their keystrokes. Moreover, both switches benefit aesthetically from this translucency, enhancing RGB lighting effects and providing a visually appealing experience when illuminated.

In contrast, the two switches utilize nylon for their bottom housings, which introduces a significant difference in their overall acoustic characteristics. Nylon is recognized for its softer composition, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a more subdued and rounded sound from the bottom housing, which absorbs sound rather than amplifies it. This aspect of nylon allows for a more comfortable typing experience, as the noise produced when bottoming out is less sharp and jarring, which can be particularly beneficial for those who type for extended periods.

While both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Silent White offer similar sound profiles in their upper ranges due to the polycarbonate top housing, the bottom housing material plays a crucial role in differentiating their performances. The combination of a sharper sound from the top housing and a fuller sound from the bottom housing creates a unique auditory experience for each switch. Therefore, users looking for that perfect auditory balance can appreciate the signature sound qualities that each contributes, making both the Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Silent White excellent choices depending on personal preferences for acoustics and tactile feedback.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience similar keystroke triggers. However, their bottom out forces differ, with the Chiikawa switch requiring 51 grams to bottom out compared to the Silent White's 60 grams. This distinction implies that while the initial actuation feel is consistent for both switches, the Chiikawa switch offers a lighter overall typing experience due to its lower bottom out force. Therefore, for users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended typing sessions or gaming, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the more suitable option, while the Silent White, with its heavier bottom out force, may cater to those who appreciate a more substantial tactile feedback.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, the Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent White has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option, providing a fuller keystroke that some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the Silent White, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers or users seeking quicker response times, as less distance can lead to swifter key actuations. Therefore, if you prioritize speed and responsiveness, the Silent White would be the better choice, whereas those who prefer a more pronounced key feel may lean towards the Chiikawa switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is bright and crisp, producing a high-pitched sound that many typists find appealing and lively. This light sound can contribute to an engaging and energetic typing experience, making it ideal for users who appreciate auditory feedback while they type. Conversely, details regarding the sound characteristics of the Outemu Silent White linear switch are not provided, which leaves a gap in the comparison. However, it's important to note that the sound of any switch can vary based on the keyboard build, including the choice of keycaps and the material of the board, so each switch could produce differing auditory results in practice.

When considering the feel of the two switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it responsive and easy to press, which is beneficial for both fast typists and those who may prefer a lighter touch. Unfortunately, the feedback on the tactile sensation or overall feel of the Outemu Silent White switch is not disclosed, making it difficult to compare directly. However, if these switches share similar weight and linear characteristics, users may find their typing experience to be comparably smooth and fluid.

In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound and very light actuation force, providing a lively and responsive typing experience. In contrast, the lack of specific details for the Outemu Silent White linear switch leaves some aspects unknown, particularly how they may perform in terms of sound and feel. If you're drawn to a bright auditory experience coupled with a light actuation, the Chiikawa could be a great choice, while further information about the Silent White could reveal whether it aligns with your preferences for a quieter, possibly more muted typing solution.

Conclusion

In summary, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent White linear switch, consider the context in which you plan to use them. If you want a switch that offers a lighter actuation force with a bouncier feel, accompanied by a bright, crisp sound profile that enhances your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. This switch is particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers who appreciate quick responsiveness without too much resistance. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly more substantial feel with a higher bottom-out force, providing a balanced typing experience and somewhat muted acoustics due to the 'silent' technology, the Outemu Silent White is ideal. It’s particularly beneficial in environments where noise dampening is desirable, such as shared workspaces or during late-night typing sessions. Thus, your choice ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding actuation weight, sound levels, and the type of typing experience you desire.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Silent White Linear

$3.10 per 10

Learn more