Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Everglide Rice Pudding
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience, and two popular options worth comparing are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Rice Pudding. The Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is praised for its very light actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and a bright acoustic profile. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding, categorized as a hall effect switch, offers a smooth and precise typing experience complemented by a deep, satisfying sound, appealing to enthusiasts who seek performance and versatility. While the Chiikawa switch might suit those who favor speed and agility in fast-paced typing or gaming, the Rice Pudding is ideal for users who appreciate a balanced and tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the perfect switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
38g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Custom stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Rice Pudding, we find that both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings. This choice leads to a distinctly sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile, due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, which enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Both switches can effectively showcase RGB lighting, owing to the translucency of the polycarbonate material, allowing light to pass through and create vibrant visual effects. As a result, users can expect a similar aesthetic and auditory experience from the top housing of both switches, contributing to an upgraded typing experience.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which is known for its deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material's softer characteristics allow it to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a more muted and rounded auditory feedback when typing. This contrast between the materials used in the top and bottom housings means that while the Chiikawa - 45g and the Rice Pudding share similar acoustic properties in the higher frequencies, they exhibit divergence in lower frequency responses. Thus, when pressing down on either switch, users may notice a fuller sound emanating from the nylon base, which distinguishes the overall feedback experience when typing.
The combination of polycarbonate in the top housing and nylon in the bottom housing for both switches culminates in a well-rounded typing feel and auditory response. Although they have different design characteristics, the materials balance each other to produce a cohesive sound profile while differentiating between the bottom-out and release sounds. Consequently, users can enjoy a dynamic typing sensation that capitalizes on the strengths of each housing material, all while retaining the core qualities inherent to polycarbonate and nylon. This harmonization allows for a consistent typing experience across both switch models, catering to enthusiasts seeking specific auditory and aesthetic preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rice Pudding switch has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. This means that the Rice Pudding switch requires less force to actuate, making it more suited for extended typing sessions or gaming, where a lighter weight may reduce finger fatigue. On the bottom out scale, the Chiikawa switch is heavier, with a bottom out force of 51 grams compared to the Rice Pudding's 48 grams. Overall, if a user prefers a more substantial typing experience with a firmer response, the Chiikawa would be the ideal choice, while those seeking a lighter touch and a potentially less tiring experience should opt for the Everglide Rice Pudding switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch measures 3.6 mm, while the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer option by just 0.1 mm, indicating that it may provide a slightly more pronounced tactile experience with each keystroke. For gamers or users who prioritize responsiveness, the shorter travel distance of the Rice Pudding switch could be more appealing, as it allows for quicker actuation. Conversely, those who favor a deeper keystroke may prefer the Bsun Chiikawa switch for its extended travel distance, which can create a more satisfying feel when typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches have their unique appeal based on travel distance preferences, the minor difference suggests that both can deliver similar performance based on individual user needs.
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 Everglide Rice Pudding has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rice Pudding for $6.79.
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 linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise that enhances the typing experience. The response of the Chiikawa switches is particularly notable, as the light actuation force contributes to a lively auditory feedback during use. On the other hand, the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch features a deeper sound, creating a more resonant and balanced auditory experience. While both switches offer engaging sounds, the Chiikawa excels in higher frequencies, while the Rice Pudding leans towards a fuller, more substantial tone. It’s worth noting that the overall sound can vary depending on the keyboard assembly and keycap choice.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a notably light actuation, making it effortlessly responsive and ideal for typists who prefer a quick and snappy experience without significant resistance. Its linear nature also means there's a smooth, uninterrupted travel from top to bottom, creating a fluid typing action. Conversely, the Everglide Rice Pudding switch provides a distinct balance of smooth operation with a satisfying tactile feedback, allowing for a more controlled typing experience. The Rice Pudding’s unique characteristics may cater to users who appreciate a bit more weight and presence in their keystrokes, enhancing precision and comfort for extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Rice Pudding switches offer unique and engaging qualities that can cater to different preferences. While the Chiikawa shines with its bright sound and ultra-light feel, the Rice Pudding impresses with a deeper auditory signature and a more substantial tactile interaction. Users may gravitate toward one over the other based on their sound preference and typing style, but both switches can deliver satisfying performance based on individual usage scenarios.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Rice Pudding hall effect switch really hinges on your specific typing preferences and intended use. If you value an extremely responsive and light actuation with a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 45g might be more to your liking. This switch is ideal for fast typing and gaming, where quick response times and a satisfying auditory feedback can enhance your performance whether you are writing or playing competitively. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that offers a more balanced typing experience with a smoother operation and a deeper sound profile, the Everglide Rice Pudding would serve you well. The light bottom-out force and its compatibility with versatile keyboards make it suitable not only for gaming but also for extended typing sessions where comfort and fluidity are key considerations. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a bright, highly responsive feel or a smooth, deeper sound experience paired with versatility in your keyboard setup.
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