Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Piano
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Piano switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Piano offer distinct experiences for typists and gamers alike, each catering to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience with its responsive feel. On the other hand, the Durock Piano switches stand out for their unique proprietary material blend, offering a satisfaction-inducing gliding push feel paired with a deep, creamy sound signature that many users find immensely pleasant. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who appreciate a quick and lively response with an airy sound, the Durock Piano attracts users seeking a smoother, softer typing experience with a more muted aural charm. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Mystery material
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary POM blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Piano, one can observe notable differences that influence the overall sound profile of each switch. The Chiikawa’s top housing is made of polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness and translucence, which contributes to its characteristic higher-pitched, crisper sound profile. This clarity is particularly effective in amplifying the effects of RGB lighting, making the polycarbonate housing not only functional but also visually appealing. In contrast, the Durock Piano utilizes a proprietary POM blend for its top housing. While the exact composition of the POM blend is unclear, it is noted for producing a uniquely satisfying sound profile that leans towards the deeper spectrum. The choice of POM suggests that the Piano’s sound signature will differ from that of the Chiikawa, emphasizing a more rounded auditory experience.
When evaluating the bottom housings of both switches, both employ materials known for their sound-absorbing characteristics. The Chiikawa features a nylon bottom housing, celebrated for its ability to create a fuller, more profound sound profile, thanks to its softer nature which dampens higher frequencies. This contrasts with the Durock Piano's proprietary POM blend bottom housing, which, while also yielding a deep sound, might differ in texture and resonance due to its unique formulation. Consequently, while both switches aim for a satisfying auditory experience, the nuances between nylon and the POM blend could lead to different bottom-out sounds and overall tactile feedback when typing.
Ultimately, despite the distinct characteristics of their materials, both the Chiikawa - 45g and Durock Piano may offer satisfying typing experiences that cater to different preferences. If one seeks clarity and sharpness, the Chiikawa's polycarbonate upper combined with nylon would provide that aesthetic, while the Durock Piano's POM blend may appeal to those longing for a deeper resonance. Even with varying materials, the interaction between the two housing components will ultimately dictate the switch's overall performance and sound profile, leading to an engaging experience in both cases. Therefore, users interested in either switch should expect satisfying results, albeit through different auditory pathways.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Durock Piano linear switch, there is a distinct difference in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, requiring a moderate amount of pressure to trigger a keystroke, while the Durock Piano switch does not have a specified actuation force, making it difficult to determine its responsiveness. However, the Piano has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams compared to the Chiikawa's 51 grams. This indicates that while the Chiikawa is classified as medium-light, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Durock Piano, with its medium-heavy profile, will provide a sturdier feel under the fingers. Overall, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter switch, appealing to those who prefer less resistance, whereas the Durock Piano caters to users who appreciate a more substantial push feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch exhibit distinct travel distances, with the Chiikawa measuring 3.6 mm and the Piano 4 mm. This difference indicates that the Chiikawa offers a shorter travel distance compared to the Piano. For users who favor quicker response times, particularly gamers, the Chiikawa's shorter travel distance may provide a more responsive feel, allowing for faster actuation. Conversely, those who prefer a more pronounced depth when typing or gaming might find the Piano's longer travel distance of 4 mm to be more satisfying, as it offers a fuller keystroke experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will hinge on individual preferences regarding responsiveness versus depth in tactile feedback.
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 Durock Piano has an MSRP of $6.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Piano for $5.57.
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 its bright, high-pitched tone, which delivers a responsive and airy auditory experience during use. On the other hand, the Durock Piano linear switch boasts a deeper, bassy sound that produces a rich and pleasant noise with each keystroke. The contrast between the Chiikawa's crisp sound and the Piano's creamy acoustic signature can greatly influence the overall typing satisfaction, depending on personal preference for sound depth and richness. It's important to remember that sound perception can also vary depending on the keyboard build and keycap materials used.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch features a very light actuation force, making it responsive and giving it a fast-to-press quality that many typists may find enjoyable. In contrast, the Durock Piano switch is designed to provide an ultra-smooth typing experience with a frictionless and silky feel, promoting effortless key presses. While both switches offer satisfying experiences in their own right, the Chiikawa may suit those who favor a lighter touch and quick response, while the Piano caters to those seeking a buttery smooth keystroke.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Durock Piano linear switches cater to distinct typing experiences based on sound and feel preferences. While the Chiikawa delivers a bright auditory cue with a very light touch, the Piano offers a deeper auditory experience with frictionless, silky keystrokes. Ultimately, each switch brings unique qualities to the table, allowing newcomers to tailor their mechanical keyboard experience to their specific tastes in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Piano linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and intended use. If you lean towards a lighter touch and appreciate a bright, crisp sound when typing, the Chiikawa - 45g may be your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams allows for quick, responsive keystrokes, making it ideal for fast typing and gaming scenarios where swift actuation is paramount. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with a deeper, richer sound profile, the Durock Piano switch with its medium-heavy bottom-out force of 63.5 grams would likely suit you better. Its frictionless and silky feel provides a smooth typing experience that enhances comfort during prolonged use—perfect for those who spend long hours on their keyboards. In essence, consider the Chiikawa for speed and brightness or the Piano for a luxurious, deep tonal experience, allowing you to select the switch that resonates most with your unique typing style and sound preference.
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