Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Purple Click
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Purple Click switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switch can significantly affect your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that many users find enjoyable. This makes it an excellent option for those who prioritize speed and a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch, known for its satisfying click and pronounced tactility, strikes a different balance. This clicky switch offers both auditory feedback and a tactile sensation that many typists find invigorating, combining a light keystroke with a satisfying crunch that keeps the typing experience engaging. Both switches cater to specific preferences: the Chiikawa for those seeking a sleek and swift feel, and the Purple Click for users who enjoy pronounced feedback with each keypress. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that is right 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
1.90 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Purple Click both feature polycarbonate for their top housings, which provides a distinct clarity and sharpness to their sound profiles. This similarity in material choice ensures that users will experience a higher-pitched and crisper auditory feedback when utilizing either switch. Polycarbonate is known for its rigidity, which enhances sound resonance, making both switches ideal for setups where RGB lighting is a priority, as the translucence of polycarbonate beautifully showcases the lighting effects. Therefore, in terms of top housing materials, both switches promise a vibrant and clear representation of sound, contributing to an engaging user experience.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Purple Click utilize nylon, a material renowned for its ability to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile. While the top housing’s polycarbonate enhances the clarity during key release, the nylon bottom ensures that the bottom-out sound is softer and rounder. This combination allows for a distinct sound experience—while both switches share the high-pitched quality from their polycarbonate tops, the nylon bottoms introduce a richer and more muted sound during actuation. Thus, though they share the same top housing material, the nylon bottom differentiates their auditory feedback, affecting overall switch performance.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate tops with nylon bottoms in both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Purple Click results in a balanced sound profile that leverages the strengths of each material. Users will find similarities in the sharpness and clarity resulting from the polycarbonate, while the nylon lends depth to the overall auditory experience. This blend of materials influences how each switch feels during use, particularly in terms of sound quality at different keypress stages—pressing down versus releasing the key. Ultimately, both switches aim for an intricate balance of sound characteristics, creating a unique typing experience that holds a common thread in their material choices for enhanced performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we see some distinctions in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Purple Click requires a lighter actuation force of 40 grams. This makes the Chiikawa switch slightly heavier to press compared to the Purple Click, which may be preferable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel. In terms of bottom out forces, the Chiikawa's is 51 grams, whereas the Purple Click has a bottom out force of 55 grams, again indicating that the KTT switch offers a firmer response at the bottom of the press. Consequently, while both switches are considered medium-light, the Chiikawa - 45g is the heavier option in terms of actuation force, but both switches provide a relatively comfortable typing experience for those who prefer lighter key presses. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch may opt for the KTT Purple Click, while those who enjoy a more tactile push may prefer the Chiikawa linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Chiikawa having a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Click measures 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch, with its shorter travel distance, can offer a more responsive feel, which is often favored by gamers seeking quicker actuation times. On the other hand, the Purple Click's longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a deeper keypress. This distinction highlights the trade-off between speed and depth—if you prioritize responsiveness, the Bsun Chiikawa would be the better choice, whereas the KTT Purple Click may cater more to users who enjoy a fuller typing experience. Ultimately, users can choose based on their preference for either a brisk or hearty press.
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 Purple Click has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Purple Click for $2.55.
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 linear switch is renowned for its bright, high-pitched auditory profile that delivers a crisp and responsive output with each keystroke. This light, airy sound makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a satisfying auditory experience that isn't overwhelming. In contrast, the KTT Purple Click switch produces a crunchy, resonant sound that is commonly associated with clicky switches, akin to the delightful noise of stepping on autumn leaves. The Purple Click offers a sharper, more immersive auditory experience, making the typing sound particularly engaging and satisfying. Both switches provide distinct sound profiles, but the Chiikawa focuses on a lighter pitch, while the Purple Click delivers a delightful clickiness that stands out.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, contributing to a smooth and effortless typing experience that is particularly responsive. This can make it ideal for extended typing sessions, as the light pressure required allows for quick, fatigue-free input. On the other hand, the KTT Purple Click switch offers a more invigorating feel with pronounced feedback, providing a sense of both tactile and auditory satisfaction. The stepped nature of the switch gives it a noticeable actuation point, enhancing the typing experience by making it feel snappy and reactive, though it may require a slightly firmer press compared to the Chiikawa. When comparing the two, the Chiikawa leans towards a smoother, lighter feel, while the Purple Click provides a more tactile and pronounced experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click switch have their unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa is perfect for those who appreciate a bright, crisp sound paired with a very light typing experience. In contrast, the Purple Click is well-suited for users looking for a satisfying clicky sound and a more tactile feel. Depending on your sound and feel preferences, either switch can provide an enjoyable typing experience, making the choice largely subjective to your individual typing style and sensory preferences.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Purple Click clicky switch depends largely on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you appreciate a soft and responsive feel with a lighter actuation force, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its 51-gram bottom-out force contributes to a highly responsive experience, making rapid keystrokes and long typing sessions more comfortable without causing fatigue. The bright sound profile will keep your typing lively, ensuring a satisfying auditory environment, ideal for those who favor a smoother and less tactile experience. Conversely, if you thrive on tactile feedback and enjoy the engaging sensation of a pronounced click with each keypress, the KTT Purple Click switch is your go-to choice. With its 55-gram bottom-out force, this switch offers a balanced tactile response that makes typing feel invigorating and dynamic, perfect for providing the satisfying 'clack' many typists crave. The crunchy and resonant sound adds an immersive layer to your typing experience, catering well to those who enjoy the auditory feedback that accompanies each keystroke. Ultimately, both switches have their unique strengths; your choice should reflect whether you prioritize tactile feedback and sound (Purple Click) or a lighter, smoother typing experience (Chiikawa - 45g).
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