Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Quinn
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Quinn switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch for your typing pleasure, the choice often boils down to the nuances offered by each type. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is a lightweight linear switch, renowned for its low actuation force and bright sound profile, making it incredibly responsive and suited for those who favor a quick and smooth keystroke experience without any tactile distractions. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn stands out as a tactile switch, offering a fulfilling keystroke that combines crisp tactility with a deep, resonant sound. Its nylon housing contributes to the unique auditory experience, providing a rich and immersive feedback that keyboard enthusiasts often cherish. While the Chiikawa enhances speed and efficiency with its lightness and bright sounds, the Quinn amplifies tactile feedback and auditory satisfaction. Each switch has its distinct advantages depending on your typing style—whether you crave speed or an engaging tactile 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
59g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
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 double-stage gold-plated
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Quinn switches, a notable distinction emerges between their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer composition. This material's clarity and resonance are especially advantageous for users who appreciate the enhanced auditory experience, particularly in RGB lighting setups where translucency plays a crucial role. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn utilizes a nylon top housing, which is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound. Nylon's softer texture allows it to absorb more sound, resulting in a sound profile that is considerably rounder and more muted compared to the piercing clarity offered by polycarbonate.
Conversely, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Quinn switches share the same material for their bottom housings: nylon. This commonality means that both switches will exhibit the deeper and fuller sound profile associated with nylon housing when the switches are bottomed out. Since the bottom housing significantly influences the sound and feel when the key is pressed all the way down, users can expect a consistent feel and deeper, rounded sound when actuating either switch. This shared nylon bottom contributes to a balanced auditory experience, regardless of the differences present in their top housings.
In summary, the key differences between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Quinn largely stem from the materials used in their top housings, leading to distinct sound profiles during key release. While users will enjoy the clarity and crispness from the Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top, the Gateron Quinn's nylon top will deliver a warmer and fuller auditory offering. However, due to both switches sharing nylon in their bottom housings, they will share common acoustic traits during actuation and bottoming out. This similarity allows users to achieve a cohesive typing experience, blending the nuances of both materials effectively, thereby facilitating a versatile keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch with the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it relatively medium-light and ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch, especially for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch has a higher actuation force of 59 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. This means that for users who enjoy a more substantial typing experience, the Quinn may be more appealing. Overall, the Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Quinn is the heavier one, catering to different preferences based on typing style and comfort. While the forces differ, both switches provide distinct feedback and responsiveness, ensuring that users can choose based on what feels best for their needs.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch, we find a slight difference. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Quinn has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer of the two switches, offering a deeper feel that some users may prefer for a more tactile experience. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn’s shorter travel distance caters to those seeking quick response times, which is especially beneficial for gamers who thrive on speed. While both switches can deliver satisfying results, those looking for a more pronounced depth may find the Chiikawa more appealing, whereas users prioritizing responsiveness might gravitate towards the Quinn.
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 Gateron Quinn has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Quinn for $5.50.
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 switch delivers a bright and crisp auditory experience, producing a high-pitched sound that accentuates the responsiveness of its keystrokes. This creates an engaging typing atmosphere that many users find appealing. On the other hand, the Gateron Quinn switch offers a more complex sound profile that marries a deep, resonant quality with a clacky and low-pitched tonality. The Quinn's sound is characterized by a rich bassy undertone, giving each keypress a sense of depth, while still maintaining clarity and sharpness, resulting in an immersive auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its notably light actuation force, providing a responsive and effortless typing experience. This switch emphasizes a sleek and direct keystroke, enabling rapid typing with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Gateron Quinn switch excels in offering a tactile and snappy feel, combined with a bouncy response that allows for a lively and engaging typing rhythm. Its polished design ensures smooth key travel, while the accented tactility provides a satisfying feedback without being overwhelmingly pronounced, allowing for prolonged typing sessions without fatigue.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Quinn switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences. While the Chiikawa is all about a bright sound and lightweight feel, the Quinn brings a rich, resonant depth and a snappy tactile experience. Each switch can create an enjoyable typing experience, and your choice ultimately hinges on whether you prefer a lighter, crisper feedback or a deeper, more tactile sensation. Both will enhance your keyboard experience, albeit in distinct ways.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Quinn tactile switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a lighter actuation force and want a crisp, high-pitched sound with a very responsive feel, then the Chiikawa switch may be ideal for you. This switch is particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who appreciate quick key presses without the added physical resistance, allowing for a more fluid typing experience. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force accompanied by a rich and immersive auditory profile, the Gateron Quinn tactile switch is the way to go. Its deeper sound and pronounced tactile feedback enhance the typing experience, making it great for users who enjoy a more textured feel and appreciate the resonance of each keystroke. Ultimately, your decision should reflect what you value most in your keyboard experience—whether it's the lightness and responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the satisfying depth and tactility of the Quinn.
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