Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves comparing various options to meet their typing needs and preferences. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, stands out for its very light actuation force and distinctive bright sound profile, delivering a highly responsive experience perfect for fast-paced typing and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Silver, another linear switch, is known for its smooth travel and quick actuation, making it an excellent choice for users who enjoy an effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. While both switches offer the advantages of linearity — promoting a noise-free typing experience — the Chiikawa's crisp, high-pitched sound may appeal to those who enjoy auditory feedback, while the Outemu Silver attracts those who prioritize speed and subtlety. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Silver switches share similar housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. The choice of polycarbonate in the top housing is particularly beneficial as it contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness enhances clarity and resonance, which is especially advantageous when incorporating RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows for vibrant backlighting effects. As both switches employ polycarbonate for the top housing, users can expect a comparable auditory experience, characterized by a bright and clear sound when engaging with the keys.
On the contrary, the nylon bottom housing in both switch types diverges from the properties of polycarbonate. Nylon is known for its softer composition, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This material absorbs more sound compared to its stiffer counterparts, creating a duller and rounder auditory experience. In the context of both the Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Silver, the nylon bottom housing contributes to an overall pleasant typing experience with more muted bottom-out sounds. Because the bottom housing carries a more substantial influence on the feel and sound during the keystroke’s bottoming out, both switches will deliver a cushioned sensation that complements the crispness of the polycarbonate top.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Silver switches utilize the same housing materials—polycarbonate for the top and nylon for the bottom—their combined properties result in a well-rounded acoustic performance. The polycarbonate top enhances brightness and clarity, while the nylon bottom dampens and enriches the sound profile, creating a balanced auditory feedback. Typing experiences across these two switches will be notably similar due to the shared materials, though users may still notice unique characteristics based on the overall design and tuning of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, which means they require the same amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly. The Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it relatively medium-light, while the Silver has a much heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This disparity means that while both switches offer a similar initial feel when typing, the Silver will provide a more substantial experience upon bottoming out, likely preferred by users who enjoy a firmer response. Consequently, for those who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing or gaming sessions, the Chiikawa is the better option, while the Silver suits individuals looking for a stronger tactile response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silver’s travel distance is 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, which can offer gamers faster response times due to the reduced distance needed to register a keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Silver, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced feel when typing. If you value responsiveness and quick actions, the Chiikawa would be a suitable choice; however, for users who appreciate a more robust typing experience, the Silver would be the better fit.
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 Silver 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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that is particularly satisfying when typing. This auditory feedback, coupled with its very light actuation force, helps create an engaging typing experience. In contrast, there is limited information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Silver linear switch. However, it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by the specific keyboard build, including the type of switch plate, keycap material, and overall construction. Therefore, while the Chiikawa's distinctive sound is highlighted, the Silver may exhibit a different auditory profile, depending on various external factors.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, making it extremely responsive. This means that typists can expect a fast and effortless keystroke, allowing for quick and fluid typing with minimal resistance. However, without specific descriptions of the feel for the Outemu Silver, it's difficult to draw direct comparisons. If the Silver offers a similar linear feel, users might find it comparable in terms of smoothness and actuation, but this remains speculative.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound and very light actuation force, contributing to a unique and engaging typing experience. Without detailed information on the Outemu Silver's sound and feel characteristics, it’s challenging to provide a direct comparison. However, if both switches possess linear traits, users could generally expect a responsive typing experience with both options, though the auditory feedback of the Chiikawa is notably distinctive.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Silver linear switch, your personal preferences and typing style will play significant roles. If you prefer a lighter touch and a more responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its medium-light feel and crisp, high-pitched sound profile make it particularly enjoyable for fast typists or gamers who appreciate quick actuation without excessive force. On the other hand, if you favor a sturdier feeling with more resistance, the Outemu Silver's medium-heavy 65g bottom-out force may suit you better. Although it lacks the distinctive sound character of the Chiikawa, the firmer feedback can enhance the sense of control, especially for those who type with more deliberate keystrokes or engage in rigorous gaming sessions. Ultimately, your choice will hinge on whether you value a lighter and more energetic typing experience or a heavier and more grounded feel at your fingertips.
Mentioned in this article
