Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Poro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Poro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, personal preferences for sound and feel can make a significant difference in your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, renowned for its bright sound profile and ultra-light 45g actuation force, provides a notably responsive typing experience. Its crisp and high-pitched sounds can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy an energetic and lively auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the HMX Poro is celebrated for its silky smooth keystrokes and meticulously lubricated design, enabling an effortless glide with each keystroke. With a similarly light actuation force, the Poro offers a satisfying poppy and clacky sound that many users find enjoyable. While both switches fall within the linear category, they appeal to different tastes in typing feel and sound dynamics. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Poro, a distinct difference arises in the composition of their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. The stiffness of polycarbonate enhances sound clarity and resonance, particularly benefiting RGB lighting setups due to its translucency. Conversely, the HMX Poro features a nylon top housing, an established classic in switch materials. The nylon's softer nature results in a deeper and fuller sound, absorbing more sound waves and thus delivering a duller and rounder auditory experience. This fundamental divergence in top housing materials leads to contrasting sound profiles, catering to different preferences in keyboard acoustics.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing material, as both the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Poro utilize nylon. This shared component means that when typing, users will experience fuller sound qualities thanks to the absorption characteristics of the nylon. Regardless of the difference in the top housing, both switches create a balanced auditory experience, with the bottom housing contributing significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel during keystrokes. Consequently, while the Chiikawa gives a snappier sound upon release due to its polycarbonate top, the HMX Poro delivers a more muted experience throughout.
In terms of overall performance, the variations in top housing do render each switch unique but allow for similar end results, especially when it comes to the typing experience. Users of both switches will find that the nylon bottom housing ensures a satisfying feel during operation, leading to a harmonious blend of sound for both. The auditory contrast offered by the polycarbonate and nylon combinations ultimately caters to diverse preferences, allowing enthusiasts to select a switch that aligns with their distinct typing and listening inclinations. Thus, regardless of the materials in play, both the Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Poro provide an engaging typing experience, albeit with varied sonic signatures.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, both switches demonstrate similar actuation forces of 45 grams, allowing for a comparable typing experience when it comes to triggering keystrokes. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Chiikawa requiring a bottom out force of 51 grams while the Poro requires only 50 grams. This makes the Poro marginally lighter overall. The Chaikawa's higher bottom out force may appeal to those who enjoy a firmer conclusion to each keystroke, which can enhance the tactile feedback during typing or gaming. Conversely, the lighter feel of the Poro might be more suitable for users seeking longer typing sessions without fatigue. In summary, while both switches have the same actuation force, the slightly lower bottom out force of the Poro gives it a slight edge for those preferring a lighter touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch, the differences are subtle but significant. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Poro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, leading to a quicker response time that many gamers might prefer for its speed and efficiency. Conversely, the Poro's 3.7 mm travel distance offers a more substantial press, which can provide a sense of depth that some users find more satisfying. Ultimately, if a user favors responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 45g would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional feel may lean towards the HMX Poro.
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 Poro has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Poro 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
In terms of sound, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise that gives noticeable auditory feedback during typing. This can make for an engaging experience, especially when you're seeking a sound that adds some character to your keyboard. On the other hand, the HMX Poro linear switch offers a satisfyingly poppy and clacky sound profile, which is attributed to its ultra-light actuation force. This auditory distinction can lend itself to an enjoyable typing experience that feels dynamic, but ultimately, both switches will produce sound influenced by other factors such as the choice of keyboard case and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is noted for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and allowing for quick keystrokes with minimal effort. This feature is excellent for fast typists or gamers looking for immediate key activation. The HMX Poro linear switch is equally praised for its silky smooth keystrokes, which have been meticulously lubricated for effortless gliding. With both switches offering a light actuation force, users can expect a similarly comfortable and enjoyable typing experience, particularly suited for those who favor quick and fluid motion in their keystrokes.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 45g excels with its bright sound and lightweight responsiveness, the HMX Poro emphasizes a smooth typing experience with its poppy acoustics. Both switches feature light actuation forces that can provide similar levels of responsiveness, making them strong contenders for anyone in search of linear switches. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize the crispness of the Chiikawa sound or the silky texture of the Poro feel, but either option will enhance your typing experience in delightful ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Poro linear switch ultimately hinges on your typing preferences and desired experience. If you're someone who values a more pronounced sound and responsiveness in your keystrokes, the Chiikawa - 45g may be your best bet, given its bright sound profile and medium-light 51g bottom-out force, which strikes a balance between comfort and feedback. This switch excels in scenarios where you want a tactile, engaging experience, particularly if you enjoy the crisp, high-pitched sound that accompanies each strike. On the other hand, if you prefer an ultra-light and smoother typing experience, the HMX Poro linear switch stands out with its 50g bottom-out force and meticulously lubricated design, offering silky smooth keystrokes that glide effortlessly. This switch is ideal for prolonged typing sessions where comfort and a quieter typing experience are paramount, especially if you appreciate a more subdued yet satisfying clacky sound profile. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style, whether you prioritize responsiveness and sound or a smooth, effortless glide.
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