Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Yellow stand out as appealing options for those who prefer linear switches, yet they cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its impressively light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched feedback that many find exhilarating. This design enables quicker key presses, making it an excellent choice for gamers or typists who value responsiveness and a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow offers a more subdued experience, focusing on quiet performance without sacrificing smooth linear travel. This makes it ideal for environments where noise reduction is important, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. While both switches provide a linear feel, their unique characteristics may appeal to different users based on their specific needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Yellow, it is evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The polycarbonate housings contribute to a sound profile that is distinctly sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper due to the stiffness of the material. This characteristic enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced when a key is pressed. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate is beneficial for RGB lighting applications, making both switches aesthetically pleasing when illuminated. The similarity in their top housing materials indicates that users can expect a comparable performance in terms of sound quality when using either switch.
On the flip side, the nylon bottom housing in both models influences the overall auditory experience by providing a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, contributing to a more muted and rounded sound when the switch bottoms out. This shared material characteristic in both switches emphasizes that typing on either will yield a consistent tactile experience alongside the specific sound attributes they produce. The combination of polycarbonate on top and nylon on the bottom leads to a harmonious balance of sound, where the crispness from the top complements the richness from the bottom.
When considering the tactile and auditory outcomes from pressing either switch, the characteristics of the top and bottom housings suggest that users will find analogous results between the two. The sharper, more resonant sound when the switch is released, due to the polycarbonate, is mirrored by the deeper sound produced during a bottom-out, attributable to the nylon. Therefore, those seeking a key-switch experience characterized by clarity in sounding and a pronounced bottom-out sensation will find both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Silent Yellow serve well, despite any nuances. In essence, the commonality in material usage across both switches leads to a harmonious blending of sound attributes, ensuring a consistent performance for enthusiasts.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive and suitable for users who prefer lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions. However, they differ in their bottom out forces; the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Silent Yellow requires a slightly heavier push with a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that while both switches offer a similar initial feel during key presses, the Silent Yellow provides a more substantial feedback upon bottoming out, appealing to users who prefer a stronger resistance. Therefore, if you favor a lighter feel overall, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, while the Silent Yellow caters to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, we find a notable difference: the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Yellow has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that is often favored by gamers looking for quicker actuation. In contrast, the Silent Yellow, with its longer 4 mm travel distance, offers a more traditional and pronounced keypress that might appeal to users who prefer a deeper and more cushioned experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for depth and responsiveness, with the Chiikawa catering to those who enjoy a snappier response and the Silent Yellow satisfying those who value a more substantial keypress.
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 Yellow 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 switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone that's quite distinct when typing. This quality makes it particularly engaging for those who appreciate auditory feedback from their mechanical keyboards. In contrast, the description of the Outemu Silent Yellow switch is not provided, making it difficult to make a direct comparison on sound. However, the name "Silent Yellow" suggests a focus on reducing noise, which may imply a more muted or dampened sound profile compared to the Chiikawa switch.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press. This lightness can contribute to a fast and effortless typing experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more fluid keystroke without much resistance. Again, details about the feel of the Silent Yellow switch are not provided, leaving a gap in understanding how it might compare. Without specific information, one can only speculate that the Silent Yellow may have a distinctly different tactile experience, particularly if it emphasizes quieter, controlled keystrokes.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out for its bright sound and light feel, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy high responsiveness in their typing while appreciating auditory feedback. Meanwhile, the Outemu Silent Yellow's characteristics remain undisclosed, which means that anyone considering this switch would need to look for further details about its sound and feel. If you opt for either switch, be aware that external factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap material will play a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow linear switch, your choice will largely depend on your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and enjoy a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams allows for quick typing with less resistance, making it particularly appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing. The bright sound profile adds character to your keystrokes, giving a crisp auditory feedback that some users find satisfying. On the other hand, if you value a more solid typing experience with less noise, the Outemu Silent Yellow would be the better option. With a medium bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a more substantial feel without the pronounced sound, making it ideal for quiet environments like offices or shared workspaces. Ultimately, consider what aspects you prioritize more in your typing experience—whether it's the lightness and sound of the Chiikawa or the sturdiness and silence of the Silent Yellow. Your preferences will drive which switch enhances your mechanical keyboard experience the most.
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