Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Bsun Ragdoll
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Ragdoll switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming experience, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Ragdoll both offer unique characteristics that cater to different user preferences, despite both being linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g distinguishes itself with its remarkably light actuation force, allowing for quick and responsive typing, complemented by a bright, high-pitched sound that provides auditory feedback to typists. In contrast, the Bsun Ragdoll boasts a Y3 stem for smooth key travel, paired with a nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that delivers a distinct clacky sound, appealing to those who enjoy a bit more auditory richness in their keystrokes. While the Chiikawa - 45g may be ideal for users seeking speed and a lively auditory experience, the Ragdoll may attract those who prefer a smoother key press with a deeper sound resonance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Y3
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
21mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Ragdoll differ notably in their top housing materials, with the Chiikawa utilizing polycarbonate while the Ragdoll is constructed with nylon. The polycarbonate top housing of the Chiikawa is characterized by its rigidity, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is a distinct advantage for those who prefer a more pronounced audible feedback when typing. In contrast, the Ragdoll’s nylon top housing lends a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition, which effectively absorbs sound rather than amplifying it. Thus, users of the Chiikawa may find the typing experience to be more vibrant and aggressive, while Ragdoll users might appreciate a warmer and more muted acoustic signature.
Despite the differences in their top housings, both switches share a common feature in their bottom housing, which is made from nylon for both the Chiikawa - 45g and Ragdoll. This consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing across both models results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that forms the foundational acoustic quality for each switch. As nylon is known for its softer attributes, it will provide a more rounded sound that enhances the overall typing experience. Consequently, while users may notice differences in sound and feel at the top of the stroke due to the contrasting top housing materials, the bottom housing allows for a cohesive sound experience that ties the two models together.
In terms of how these materials influence the overall typing experience, it’s important to consider the roles each housing plays during use. The top housing is predominantly responsible for the sound produced upon release of the key, while the bottom housing contributes significantly to the sound and feel when bottoming out. Thus, while the Chiikawa - 45g’s polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper auditory feedback, the shared nylon bottom housing ensures both switches deliver a consistent, well-rounded bottoming out experience. Therefore, although the top housings differ, users can expect similar underlying sound characteristics from both models, thanks to the commonality found in their nylon bottom housings.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Bsun Ragdoll linear switches both exhibit an actuation force of 45 grams, making them equivalent in terms of the force required to trigger a keystroke. This similarity means that users will experience a comparable typing feel when engaging either switch, allowing for sustained typing sessions without excessive fatigue. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly; the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Ragdoll's is 52 grams. This makes the Ragdoll marginally heavier when fully depressed, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. In summary, while both switches are equally light regarding actuation force, the Ragdoll's slightly higher bottom out force provides a firmer feel for those who appreciate a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch, we find that they differ slightly, with the Chiikawa having a travel distance of 3.6 mm and the Ragdoll measuring 3.8 mm. The Ragdoll’s travel distance is longer, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a deeper typing experience. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa allows for quicker key presses, appealing primarily to gamers who value faster response times. Therefore, if you prioritize quickness and responsiveness, the Chiikawa may be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial feel when typing may lean towards the Ragdoll. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference between a slight reduction in depth for speed versus a fuller depth for tactile satisfaction.
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 Bsun Ragdoll has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ragdoll for $3.29.
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 is best known for its bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This lends a certain clarity to each keystroke, making it particularly appealing for users who enjoy an audible feedback while typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offers a clacky sound due to its nylon-fiberglass bottom housing that can enhance the overall auditory experience. The distinct characteristics of these switches suggest that users seeking a specific sound profile might gravitate towards one or the other, although it's important to note that the final sound will also be affected by the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, which contributes to a highly responsive typing experience, making it easier to double-tap or execute rapid commands without much physical effort. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a light, effortless feel beneath their fingers. In contrast, the Ragdoll linear switch features a Y3 stem that allows for smooth travel, providing a satisfying linear response without the tactile feedback found in other switch types. This smoothness can appeal to users who prioritize a fluid keystroke motion over other sensations.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa switch shines with its bright, crisp sound and light touch, while the Ragdoll provides a deeper, clackier tone paired with a smooth linear feel. Depending on your preferences for sound and typing sensation, you can tailor your keyboard setup to match your style, ensuring a delightful typing experience that suits your personal needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Ragdoll linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a light and responsive switch that provides a bright and crisp sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its lower actuation force makes it ideal for fast typists or gamers who require swift key presses with minimal effort. On the other hand, if you are seeking a smoother key travel experience with a slightly more pronounced acoustic feedback, the Ragdoll would serve you better. Its Y3 stem design enhances the travel experience, while the nylon-fiberglass housing produces a clacky sound that some find more satisfying, especially for typing over longer durations. Therefore, consider what you value most: if responsiveness and a lighter feel are essential, go with the Chiikawa - 45g; if you prefer smooth travel and more acoustic feedback, the Ragdoll will likely meet your needs. Ultimately, both switches have their distinct characteristics, making them well-suited for different typing preferences.
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