Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Phalaenopsis
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Phalaenopsis switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often hinge on the desired typing experience, and two options that stand out are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its light 45g actuation force and its bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound that many typists find exhilarating. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is also light at 37g, making typing effortless, while its 50g tactile force provides a satisfying tactile bump that adds a layer of feedback to each keystroke. While the Chiikawa may appeal to those who enjoy a smooth and silent typing experience, the Phalaenopsis offers the engaging feedback that can enhance typing accuracy and pleasure. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Phalaenopsis utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar acoustic profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The rigidity and translucency of polycarbonate contribute to this sound quality, making it an excellent choice for enhancing the RGB lighting effect within switches. The consistent use of polycarbonate ensures that both switches excel in delivering clear and resonant tones while supporting vibrant lighting aesthetics, leading to a visually appealing and acoustically rich typing experience.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials show a clear delineation between the two switches. The Chiikawa - 45g incorporates nylon for its bottom housing, a material known for its softer characteristics which result in a duller and rounder sound profile. This choice enhances the cushiony feel when bottoming out, making for a satisfying tactile experience. Conversely, the KTT Phalaenopsis features a polycarbonate bottom housing, contributing to a sound profile that remains consistent with the top housing. As a result, while it maintains the crispness associated with polycarbonate, it may lack the deeper resonance provided by the Chiikawa's nylon construction.
Ultimately, the differences in bottom housing material between the two switches lead to distinct tactile and auditory results. While both top housings offer similar sound profiles due to their shared polycarbonate material, the Chiikawa - 45g's nylon bottom results in a fuller sound and more cushioned feel, whereas the Phalaenopsis pairs the crispness of polycarbonate from top to bottom. Those seeking a more harmonious sound and tactile feel might prefer the Chiikawa, and those looking for consistency in sound quality may gravitate toward the KTT Phalaenopsis. Both designs yield satisfying results, but the user experience diverges due to their distinct bottom housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch present a fascinating comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Phalaenopsis switch the lighter option overall, appealing to users who prefer a less strenuous typing experience that can accommodate long periods of use, such as during work or extended gaming sessions. Although the bottom out forces are somewhat similar—with the Chiikawa being just slightly higher—they both offer decent resistance that can provide a substantial feel to the typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches largely depends on personal preference: those who favor a lighter touch may lean towards the Phalaenopsis, while others may appreciate the more robust feel of the Chiikawa.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, there is a notable difference. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Phalaenopsis measures at 4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter of the two, offering a more responsive and swift keypress, which can be particularly appealing for gamers who favor quick actions. Conversely, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Phalaenopsis caters to users who prefer a more tactile and pronounced keystroke, delivering a sense of depth during typing. Therefore, if you are seeking a quicker response, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more substantial feel might lean towards the Phalaenopsis.
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 KTT Phalaenopsis has an MSRP of $4.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Phalaenopsis for $4.15.
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 linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, delivering crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback during key presses. This makes it particularly suitable for users who appreciate a more vibrant and responsive soundscape while typing. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch presents a deeper and richer audio experience; often described as "bassy" and "thocky," it produces a satisfying, low-frequency sound that resembles a soft "thud" or a knock when the key is pressed or released. Overall, if sound quality is essential, users will find the Chiikawa switches to excel in brightness while the Phalaenopsis offers a more profound auditory pleasure.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa switch stands out for its very light actuation force, making it a highly responsive option ideal for those who prioritize speed and smoothness in their typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Phalaenopsis features a tactile bump that provides a clear distinction between actuation points, described as "stepped." This tactile feedback ensures that each key press is satisfying and deliberate, striking a balance between ease of use and engagement. Users seeking a more dynamic and noticeable feedback will likely prefer the Phalaenopsis, while those who prefer an effortless, fluid typing experience may lean toward the Chiikawa.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch have unique qualities that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who favor a light touch and a bright sound profile, providing a responsive and quick typing experience. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis distinguishes itself with its deeper sound and tactile feedback, appealing to users who appreciate a more engaged typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual typing style and preference regarding sound and feel, ensuring that both options deliver satisfying results in their own right.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you prioritize a swift and responsive feel with a high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams enables fast typing without overwhelming fatigue, making it suitable for those who value speed, such as gamers or touch typists who want quick keystrokes. However, if you prefer a more tactile and satisfying feedback with each keystroke, the KTT Phalaenopsis will be better suited to your needs. Its light actuation force of 37 grams combined with a noticeable 50-gram tactile bump creates a delightful typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue, which is ideal for long typing sessions. Additionally, if you enjoy a deeper, bassy, and thocky sound profile that enhances the acoustic feedback of each press, the Phalaenopsis is the way to go. Ultimately, your decision should align with whether you seek that linear speed and brightness of sound from the Chiikawa or the tactile satisfaction and comforting depth of the Phalaenopsis in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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