Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Purple Star
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Purple Star switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Purple Star, both linear switches shine in their unique ways, catering to different preferences for typists and gamers alike. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and a very light actuation force, resulting in a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate a more auditory engagement with their keyboard. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star boasts an all-POM construction that offers a buttery smooth typing experience coupled with a neutral sound signature. Its similarly light 45g bottom-out force makes it an attractive option for those who prefer a subtler auditory experience while typing. While both switches excel in providing comfort and responsiveness, the choice ultimately hinges on whether you desire a more vibrant sound profile or a smooth, restrained experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Purple Star present an intriguing comparison in their use of materials for top and bottom housing. The Chiikawa's top housing is constructed of polycarbonate, a stiff plastic that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile characterized by clarity and resonance. This property makes it particularly advantageous for RGB lighting, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows light to pass through effectively, enhancing the visual aesthetics of a keyboard. In contrast, the Purple Star employs a POM (Polyoxymethylene) top housing, which lends itself to a different auditory experience. POM is known for generating a deeper, more muted sound, giving the switch a more unique and pleasant auditory quality that contrast with the Chiikawa’s crisper tones.
Examining the bottom housing reveals another divergence between these two switches. The Chiikawa utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a classic material in switch construction recognized for producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Because nylon is a softer plastic, it absorbs sound more effectively, resulting in a plush and round acoustic experience. Similarly, the Purple Star switches also gain their bottom housing from POM, which provides a muted sound that aligns with the characteristics of its top housing. Despite the contrasting materials above, both switches tend to share a commonality in their bottom housings; they endow the user with a deeper sound experience, though the Chiikawa’s nylon offers a slightly different acoustic resonance compared to the POM.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch impacts the overall typing experience and sound profile. Although the Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Purple Star utilize different materials for their top housings, each offers unique auditory benefits. The polycarbonate of the Chiikawa delivers brightness and clarity, while the POM of the Purple Star provides a softer, deeper sound. The effect of the bottom housing on the overall experience should not be understated either; despite their differing top materials, both switches' bottom housings serve to enhance the depth of sound, making them appealing to a wide variety of users. Whether one prefers the sharper clarity of polycarbonate or the muted depth of POM, both options ultimately create enjoyable typing experiences that cater to different preferences and needs.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch both offer unique characteristics 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 Purple Star features a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Purple Star the lighter switch overall. While both switches have relatively similar bottom out forces—51 grams for the Chiikawa and 50 grams for the Purple Star—the Chiikawa requires a bit more force to actuate. Users looking for a switch that allows for longer typing sessions might appreciate the lighter feel of the Purple Star, while those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may find the Chiikawa's heavier actuation force more satisfying. Overall, while both switches are close in force specifications, their subtle differences can influence user preference significantly.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Purple Star linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Purple Star has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option, offering a depth that may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial key press. In contrast, the Purple Star, with its shorter travel distance, might provide a quicker response time that some gamers seek for rapid key actions. Ultimately, if you choose based on these distances, you will experience differences in key feel and responsiveness, making your choice dependent on whether you favor depth or speed in your typing or gaming experience.
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 Star comes in at $4.88 per 10 switches.
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 switches are notable for their bright and crisp sound profile, producing an engaging high-pitched tone that can make typing feel lively. This makes them particularly responsive, as each keystroke resonates with a clear auditory feedback. In contrast, the KTT Purple Star switches deliver a low-pitched sound signature that is more bass-heavy and mellow. This neutral tone provides a more subdued auditory experience compared to the Chiikawa switches, creating a pleasant typing environment that is less likely to draw attention. However, it is important to note that the overall sound experience can also be influenced by other factors, such as the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switches provide a very light actuation force, making them extremely responsive but offering a decidedly distinct typing experience that is not fully detailed here. Meanwhile, the KTT Purple Star switches offer a mild typing experience characterized by gentle resistance during key presses, allowing for effortless activation. Their easy-to-press design minimizes fatigue, accommodating prolonged typing sessions with comfort. Although the exact qualitative differences in feel between the two switches may not be specified, the Purple Star's approachable traits provide a seamless typing experience that is likely to appeal to a broader audience.
Overall, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Purple Star switches both feature a light 45g bottom-out force, they offer contrasting experiences in terms of sound—one being bright and high-pitched, the other low-pitched and mellow. The Chiikawa switches are centered around a crisp feedback experience, whereas the Purple Star emphasizes a smooth and mild touch. Ultimately, both options are excellent for those who prefer lighter switches, but personal preference regarding the auditory and tactile experiences will influence which switch might be the best fit for an individual typist.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Purple Star linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing habits. If you seek a switch that offers a bright sound profile paired with a responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g could be the ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams allows for a lively and engaging typing experience, especially if you enjoy the satisfaction of crisp keystrokes. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and easy-to-press switch that minimizes finger fatigue during extended use, the KTT Purple Star is worth considering. With its light bottom-out force of 50 grams and a neutral sound signature, it excels in providing a comfortable and mellow typing experience—perfect for light typists. In essence, choose the Chiikawa for a more vibrant and engaging typing experience, while the Purple Star is better suited for those looking for a gentle and effortless keystroke.
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