Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Spring Breeze
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Spring Breeze switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, users often face the dilemma of choosing between different switch types that cater to varied typing preferences. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is celebrated for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those seeking responsive feedback and a crisp, high-pitched auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a unique combination of nylon housing and a POM stem, delivering a deeper sound that stands out among typical clicky switches. This makes it particularly appealing to users who appreciate the satisfying auditory feedback of a click while typing. While both switches have their distinct advantages—whether it's the speedy actuation of the Chiikawa or the resonant clicks of the Spring Breeze—each caters to different typing experiences. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 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
Nylon
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 comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Spring Breeze, it becomes clear that the two switches utilize different materials for their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g employs polycarbonate for its top housing, which is noted for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This translucency is especially beneficial for showcasing RGB lighting, enabling an aesthetically pleasing display. Conversely, the Outemu Spring Breeze features a nylon top housing, which, being a softer material, results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Thus, while the Chiikawa's polycarbonate may cater to clarity and bright tones, the Spring Breeze's nylon brings warmth and depth, reflecting distinct auditory characteristics based on the material choice.
However, both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings, which provides a similar depth in the sound experience during typing. As nylon absorbs sound more than harder plastics, both the Chiikawa - 45g and Spring Breeze offer that favored deeper, rounder sound profile. This similarity in bottom housing contributes to an overall continuity in sound quality when a key bottoms out. Therefore, despite the contrasting materials used in the top housings, the consistent use of nylon at the bottom leads to comparable experiences in terms of feel and auditory feedback when keys are pressed down fully.
The interplay of these housing materials influences how a switch's sound profile manifests during key presses. For the Chiikawa - 45g, the polycarbonate top provides a pronounced clarity when releasing a key, while the nylon bottom ensures a smooth and resonating bottom-out feel. In the case of the Outemu Spring Breeze, the nylon top results in a more subdued key release sound, combined with the rounder bottoming-out experience provided by the same nylon material in the bottom housing. Ultimately, users looking for a more vibrant RGB aesthetic might lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who prefer a mellower auditory experience may gravitate towards the Outemu, yet both can deliver satisfying typing experiences owing to their shared bottom housing material.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, whereas the Spring Breeze features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while both switches fall into the medium-light category, the Spring Breeze requires less force to initiate a keystroke, making it potentially more suitable for extended typing sessions. Conversely, the Chiikawa, with a higher actuation force, offers a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a tactile typing experience. As a result, the Spring Breeze is the lighter option overall, with the Chiikawa being heavier in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch, we find notable differences that can influence a user’s typing experience. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Spring Breeze offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that if you opt for the Chiikawa switch, you'll experience a shorter, more responsive keystroke, which is often preferred by gamers for improved reaction times. Conversely, the longer travel distance of the Spring Breeze may appeal to those who appreciate a more tactile feel and depth in their key presses, potentially offering a more satisfying typing experience. Therefore, if you're seeking responsiveness, the Chiikawa switch is the better choice; however, if you prefer a more traditional and pronounced key press, the Spring Breeze's longer travel distance will be more suitable.
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 Spring Breeze 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 Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp high-pitched tone that provides an engaging auditory experience during typing. This lively sound enhances the feedback of each keystroke, making typing feel both responsive and dynamic. In contrast, the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch offers a deeper sound produced by its unique material composition, which includes a nylon housing and POM stem. This combination results in a distinct click that is more pronounced than typical clicky switches, lending a richer auditory presence to each activation. While both switches have appealing sound characteristics, the Chiikawa provides a higher-pitched response while the Spring Breeze favors a more resonant, deeper click.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, resulting in a smooth and effortless typing experience. This lightness allows for rapid keystrokes, making it an appealing option for typists and gamers alike who appreciate quick, fluid motions. Conversely, the Spring Breeze clicky switch delivers a tactile and engaging typing sensation due to its click mechanism, providing clear feedback upon actuation. Users of the Spring Breeze can expect a more rounded typing experience, where the tactile bump and accompanying click serve to enhance the pleasure of typing, making each stroke feel deliberate and satisfying.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa shines with its bright and responsive auditory signature and feather-light actuation, making it perfect for those who prefer a quick and lively typing experience. The Spring Breeze, on the other hand, offers a deeper sound and a more tactile feel, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy that distinct clicky feedback with each keystroke. Depending on your preferences for sound and tactile sensation, both switches provide unique advantages that can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Spring Breeze clicky switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you favor a responsive feel with light actuation and a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds a playful character to your typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typists or gamers who prioritize speed. On the other hand, if you appreciate the satisfying tactile feedback of a clicky switch and prefer a deeper sound profile, the Outemu Spring Breeze may be more to your liking. Its slightly heavier bottom-out force gives a more substantial feel, which can enhance the typing experience for those who enjoy a solid tactile response with each keystroke. In essence, consider the Chiikawa for a nimble and bright typing experience, and opt for the Spring Breeze if you desire a robust and resonant clicky feedback.
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