Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Silent Yellow Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade stand out as two compelling options, each catering to different preferences and typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, allowing for a very responsive and crisp typing experience. This makes it an appealing choice for gamers and typists who favor rapid key presses and a more straightforward feel, albeit with a pronounced auditory feedback. Conversely, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch offers a tactile experience characterized by a satisfying “thocky” sound, perfect for those who enjoy a more traditional typing feel without the disruptive noise often found in mechanical switches. As the third iteration in Outemu's silent tactile lineup, these switches come pre-lubed to enhance smoothness and reduce friction, making them ideal for a quiet yet engaging typing environment. Both switches have their unique advantages, whether you prioritize responsiveness and brightness or a silent, tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switch, there are significant differences in the materials used for the top housing, while the bottom housings of the two switches share similar properties. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its rigidity and translucence. This design choice results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, optimizing the switch for RGB lighting applications due to the clear aesthetic it provides. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade employs a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon’s softer composition helps to absorb sound waves, resulting in a rounder audio output and a typographic experience that emphasizes warmth instead of clarity.
The bottom housings of both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade are made from nylon, a classic material in the realm of keyboard switches. The characteristics of nylon contribute a consistent and muted acoustic experience with a softer feel when typing. This material absorbs sound, making both switches exhibit similar roundness in their sound profiles when the keys bottom out. Since both switches utilize nylon for their bottom housing, one can expect similar tactile feedback and audio qualities at the lower part of the actuation, leading to a cohesive typing experience in terms of sound absorption and dampening vibrations.
The distinctive use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Chiikawa - 45g, in contrast to the nylon top of the Silent Yellow Jade, underscores the fundamental differences in sound characteristics between the two switches. The Chiikawa’s design is oriented toward producing a sharper sound when releasing keystrokes, while the Silent Yellow Jade provides a more muted response. Even with these variances, the nylon bottom housings ensure that the tactile and auditory aspects of the switches remain grounded in a deeper, fuller feedback experience. Consequently, while users may find the top-end response noticeably different, the overall feel of typing can converge due to the joining influence of nylon in both designs.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different user preferences. The Chiikawa features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, contributing to a more effortless typing experience that can be beneficial for extended usage, such as during long work hours or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Silent Yellow Jade has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial feel that some typists appreciate for its tactile feedback and stability, especially suitable for those who favor heavier switches. While the Chiikawa switch is classified as medium-light and ideal for users seeking less strain, the Silent Yellow Jade falls into the medium-heavy category, appealing to those who prefer a more forceful keystroke. Consequently, users must choose between comfort over long durations with the lighter Chiikawa switch or the reassuring push that the heavier Silent Yellow Jade offers.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch, we see that the Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Silent Yellow Jade measures at 3.3 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option of the two, providing a more pronounced depth when pressed. On the other hand, the Silent Yellow Jade, with its shorter 3.3 mm distance, caters to those who prefer a more responsive feel as it allows for quicker actuation, which can be an advantage in gaming scenarios. While both switches offer unique tactile experiences, the choice ultimately depends on personal preference: the Chiikawa offers a heartier feel, while the Silent Yellow Jade appeals to those aiming for speed and efficiency.
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 Jade 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp high-pitched tone, contributing to a lively and responsive auditory experience when typing. This makes it an appealing choice for those who enjoy a pronounced audio feedback. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch provides a quieter yet satisfying "thocky" sound, which is often preferred by users seeking a more subdued typing noise while still enjoying a tactile feel. Given that sound is influenced by additional factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material, users can expect different auditory experiences depending on their specific setups.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly smooth and responsive, ideal for rapid keystrokes, thereby appealing to gamers and touch typists alike who benefit from a nimble feel. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch features a notable tactile bump, providing users with satisfying feedback upon activation. This switch is designed to offer a more pronounced change in resistance, adding a layer of satisfaction with each keystroke, which is especially appreciated during typing sessions or when performing tasks that require precision.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch offers a bright auditory profile and a light, smooth typing experience, while the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch presents a quieter, thocky sound and a notable tactile bump. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Chiikawa appealing to those who enjoy a more lively sound and responsiveness, and the Silent Yellow Jade appealing to users who favor a quieter and tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will rely on whether you prioritize sound dynamics or tactile feedback in your typing journey.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with an enjoyable, crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light actuation force allows for quick, responsive typing, making it ideal for gaming or fast-paced work where speed is crucial. On the other hand, if you favor a quieter, more tactile experience with a satisfying thocky sound, the Outemu Silent Yellow Jade is a great option. Its medium-heavy bottom-out force provides a more substantial feel, which can be beneficial for typing with precision and reducing accidental key presses. Additionally, the silent operation of these switches makes them ideal for shared workspaces or quieter environments. Ultimately, consider what matters most to you—whether it’s the sound, feel, or weight of the switches when making your decision.
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