Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Red Panda
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Red Panda switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, two noteworthy contenders are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Red Panda. The Chiikawa - 45g, recognized for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, offers a very responsive typing experience that caters well to those who prefer fast and precise keystrokes. Its high-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory element, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy an upbeat typing atmosphere. On the other hand, the Outemu Red Panda presents a different tactile journey with its light-medium tactility and a satisfying bassy sound that brings a unique raindrop-like bottom-out experience accompanied by a clackier upper sound. This switch is particularly well-suited for users who appreciate tactile feedback and enjoy the auditory nuances of typing. While both switches have their distinct charms—one leaning towards a linear design with a crisp, light touch and the other offering a tactile sensation with deeper sound profiles—differences in typing experience remain crucial in making the right choice. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Red Panda, it becomes evident that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing. This similarity results in a shared acoustic profile characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The inherent properties of polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic allow for improved resonance and clarity, making both switches well-suited for users who appreciate a pronounced sound when typing. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances their aesthetic appeal, particularly for setups that include RGB lighting, as it allows the illumination to shine through effectively, creating a visually appealing experience.
However, the bottom housing of both switches introduces a contrasting element in the overall sound profile. Both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Red Panda feature nylon as their bottom housing material. Nylon, known for its softer characteristics, absorbs sound and contributes to a deeper and fuller auditory experience. This means that while both switches produce a crisp sound when a key is released due to their polycarbonate tops, the bottom-out sound will be more muted and rounded, courtesy of the nylon material. Users can expect a satisfying combination of both sharper and deeper auditory feedback, providing a pleasant typing experience that is nuanced yet cohesive.
Ultimately, despite the differences in their bottom housing materials, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Red Panda can deliver a similarly enjoyable typing experience due to their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing. The unique attributes brought forth by each material contribute to a well-rounded sound profile that balances clarity with resonance. This interplay between the sharper sound from the top and the fuller tones from the bottom allows users to experience the best of both worlds, resulting in a distinctive and dynamic keyboard feel. Whether you choose one switch over the other, the core sound characteristics remain consistent, making both options excellent choices for tactile enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option that can be more comfortable for prolonged typing sessions and gaming. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda switch has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, categorizing it as a medium-force switch. This means that the Chiikawa switch is lighter overall, while the Red Panda offers a heftier push feel, appealing to users who prefer a more substantial typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch for extended use, the Chiikawa is the better choice; however, for a firmer press, the Red Panda would be more appropriate.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, the Chiikawa offers a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Red Panda has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer switch, providing a deeper feel with more feedback when pressed, which some users may find more satisfying. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Red Panda can lead to quicker response times, making it a more suitable choice for gamers who prioritize speed. Depending on individual preferences, those who enjoy a more pronounced keystroke may opt for the Chiikawa, while those seeking enhanced responsiveness might prefer the Red Panda. Overall, both switches cater to different user needs based on their distinct travel distances.
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 Outemu Red Panda comes in at $3.40 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 linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, providing a crisp, high-pitched noise during typing. This sharp sound can be highly responsive, giving instant auditory feedback with each keystroke. In contrast, the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch offers a more complex auditory experience with a combination of a light-medium tactile bump, a bassier, raindrop-like bottom-out sound, and a clackier, higher-pitched top-out sound. While the Chiikawa produces a more consistent and bright tone, the Red Panda’s sound can be described as thocky, contributing to a deeper and more satisfying aural feedback that many users find enjoyable.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g presents a notably light actuation force, making it highly responsive and effortless to press. This characteristic allows for quick and smooth keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a lightweight typing experience. On the other hand, the Red Panda tactile switch is described as having a mild tactile response. This means it provides a gentle feedback during typing, making it accessible to a wider range of users without being overly aggressive or jarring. The difference in feel between the two lies in the Chiikawa's focus on minimal resistance compared to the Red Panda's softer tactile bump, which can be comforting rather than intrusive.
Overall, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switches cater to different preferences, they each provide unique sound and feel experiences. The Chiikawa is ideal for those who appreciate a light and bright typing experience, while the Red Panda offers a more nuanced auditory profile with a mild tactile feature. Whether you prefer the crisp and responsive nature of linear switches or the gentle feedback of tactile options, you can find satisfaction in both, as they each cater to different typing styles and preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Red Panda tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch that delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound with minimal resistance, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its lighter actuation force enables quick typing and is particularly advantageous for gaming or fast-paced tasks where agility matters. On the other hand, if you appreciate a tactile experience with a more pronounced bottom-out sound, the Red Panda switch provides a delightful balance between a gentle tactility and a satisfying thocky sound profile, making it ideal for both casual typing and a more immersive typing experience. Moreover, its slightly heavier actuation force offers a more grounded feel, which can be appealing for users who enjoy a little feedback in their keystrokes. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your typing habits—lean towards the Chiikawa for speed and lightness, or opt for the Red Panda if you're drawn to tactile feedback and deeper sound.
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