Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Perky
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Perky switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Perky offer distinct experiences despite both being linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its remarkably light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a highly responsive typing experience that produces an enjoyable, high-pitched sound with each keystroke. This makes it an excellent choice for users who thrive on speed and auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the HMX Perky stands out with its softer, glittery nylon housing, delivering a more neutral and profoundly satisfying typing experience. With a shorter travel distance, the Perky switch offers a condensed feel that some users may prefer for a streamlined workflow. While the Chiikawa promotes a lively and crisp engagement, the Perky offers a polished, clacky feel that caters to those seeking a smoother experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
T2
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
22mm extended single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Perky switches present a compelling study in the contrast of housing materials, particularly with their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, known for its sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the audio feedback when typing. In contrast, the HMX Perky features a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer plastic of nylon absorbs sound waves more effectively, leading to a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa - 45g is geared towards a bright and pronounced sound ideal for RGB lighting displays, the Perky offers a more muted acoustic profile that caters to users who prefer a softer typing experience.
However, when examining the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Perky use nylon, creating a notable similarity in the sound signature and feel at the bottom of the stroke. Nylon’s softer composition in both switches leads to a fuller sound and a more cushioned feel upon bottoming out, making them comparable in this respect. In this way, users can expect a relatively consistent auditory feedback and tactile experience when the key is fully pressed, regardless of the differences in their respective top housings. This shared bottom housing contributes to a balanced experience when typing, blending the deeper characteristics of nylon with the distinct profiles contributed by their respective top materials.
Ultimately, the contrasting materials in the top housings lead to diversity in sound profiles and aesthetics, while the shared nylon bottom housing fosters a cohesive typing feel. For enthusiasts keen on customizing their switches or seeking particular sound profiles, the Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Perky provide unique characteristics suited to varying preferences. While one may lean towards the resonant clarity of polycarbonate for vibrant RGB effects, the other may favor the plush acoustic depth of nylon that can create a warm typing sensation. With their differences and similarities in housing materials, both switches can effectively cater to the desires of different users while maintaining a comparable performance where it counts.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit some nuances in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which positions it as a medium-light option, while the Perky is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches require a similar amount of force to initiate a keystroke, but the Chiikawa provides a bit more resistance at the bottom out stage, making it feel slightly more robust during typing. In terms of weight, the Perky switch is the lighter option, which may appeal to users seeking a more effortless typing experience for extended periods, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel might prefer the marginally heavier Chiikawa. Overall, while both switches are designed for a comfortable typing experience, their differing actuation and bottom out forces cater to distinct user preferences for tactile feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Perky linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm and the Perky at 3.4 mm. While both switches provide a shorter travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Chiikawa offers a slightly longer distance, catering to those who appreciate a more pronounced keypress. This slight difference means that users who prefer a deeper engagement while typing may find the Chiikawa more satisfying, while gamers seeking a quicker response time might prefer the Perky's shorter travel. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your personal preference for depth and responsiveness when pressing keys.
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 HMX Perky has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Perky for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch produces a bright and crisp high-pitched tone upon actuation. This auditory characteristic makes each keystroke feel responsive, adding an element of satisfaction to typing sessions. In contrast, the HMX Perky switch is marked by its clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy quality that mirrors the Chiikawa's brightness but leans towards a more percussive and lively auditory experience. Both switches promise an engaging typing sound, though the Chiikawa might lean more towards a delicate brightness while the Perky stands out with a pronounced clackiness.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g features a very light actuation force, contributing to a quick and responsive typing experience. However, specific details about its smoothness or overall tactile feedback are not provided. On the other hand, the HMX Perky switch boasts a polished and silky feel, which indicates that users can expect a refined and minimal friction experience while typing. The Perky's combination of smoothness and reduced resistance could make for a consistently enjoyable keypress, heightened by its shorter travel distance, which allows for quicker and less tiresome typing sessions.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Perky linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences suitable for different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in producing a bright and responsive sound, while the Perky provides a clacky and satisfying auditory feedback. On the feel front, the Chiikawa is light and agile, while the Perky promises a smooth and polished typing experience. Ultimately, your choice may come down to whether you prioritize a more delicate audio signature or a refined tactile sensation during use, as both switches are designed to enhance your typing experience in their own distinctive ways.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Perky linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a brighter sound profile and desire a switch that is highly responsive with a medium-light actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its crisp, high-pitched sound and light feel make it an ideal option for fast typists and gamers who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more polished and silky experience with a slightly lighter actuation force, the HMX Perky switches could be more suitable for you. Their clacky sound and smooth key travel enhance your typing experience, especially if you're looking for a short travel distance that allows for rapid inputs and a satisfying overall feel. Consider what factors matter most to you—whether it's sound, actuation force, or typing sensation—and choose accordingly to optimize your mechanical keyboard experience.
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