Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Rose
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Rose switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Rose offer two distinct yet appealing options for enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing users with a highly responsive experience characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound that creates an engaging typing atmosphere. In contrast, the KTT Rose captivates with its aesthetic appeal and impressive functionality; its use of progressive springs delivers a typing sensation that is both substantial and pleasant without feeling heavy, complemented by the rich, low-pitched sound of bassy raindrops. Choosing the right switch ultimately comes down to personal preference, whether you favor the Chiikawa’s lightness and clarity or the Rose’s well-rounded warmth and satisfying resistance. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Rose both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in comparable sound characteristics. This choice of material is pivotal in defining the acoustic properties of the switches, as polycarbonate's stiffness enhances the clarity and resonance of the sound produced. Both switches will exhibit a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile due to this feature, making them excellent choices for those who prioritize sound quality in their typing experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for brilliant RGB lighting effects, ensuring that both switches not only sound good but also look visually striking.
When it comes to the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Rose are constructed from nylon, which contributes to a richer and fuller sound profile. Nylon, being a softer plastic than polycarbonate, absorbs more vibrations and sound, resulting in a more subdued and rounder auditory experience. This characteristic of nylon complements the impact of the polycarbonate top housing, as the softer material further enhances the typing experience by providing a pleasant bottom-out sound. Therefore, users of both switches can expect a harmonious blend of sound profiles where the top housing enlivens the higher frequencies, while the bottom housing grounds the experience with deeper tones.
Ultimately, while the Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Rose differ in their housing configurations, the similarity in materials for both the top and bottom housings leads to similar acoustic outcomes. With polycarbonate in the tops and nylon in the bottoms, both switches will produce an engaging and dynamic sound profile. As a result, users can enjoy a typing experience that balances clarity and tonal depth, regardless of which switch they choose. The synergy between the polycarbonate and nylon materials across both models ensures that sound performance remains consistently high, allowing enthusiasts to select based on personal preference rather than sound quality alone.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, indicating a medium-light feel that can facilitate longer typing sessions and gaming experiences without excessive fatigue. In contrast, the KTT Rose's actuation force is unknown, but its bottom out force of 63.5 grams categorizes it as medium-heavy. This suggests that when it comes to bottoming out, the Rose requires significantly more force, providing a more substantial and push-back typing experience. Therefore, while the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option with a bottom out force of 51 grams, the Rose, being the heavier switch, offers a stronger feel for users who prefer that tactile experience. If the KTT Rose had an actuation force, it would likely align with its heavier bottom out force, resulting in a more demanding keystroke feel compared to the Chiikawa.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Rose linear switch, there is a notable difference between the two. The Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, whereas the Rose features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, providing a more responsive feel that may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation. On the other hand, the longer 4 mm travel distance of the Rose switch could be favored by those who appreciate a more pronounced depth during key presses, offering a sturdier tactile experience. If you're looking for a blend of responsiveness and heft, the difference in travel distance suggests that your preference will guide your choice between these two switches.
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 Rose comes in at $3.01 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp high-pitched tone, which can make it feel very lively when typing. This enhanced brightness allows for a distinctive auditory feedback that adds to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Rose switches produce a low-pitched sound reminiscent of bassy raindrops, offering a mellower auditory experience. The Rose switches feature a neutral sound profile that makes them versatile enough for various environments, be it for casual use or professional settings. With such a distinct difference in sound characteristics, users can choose based on whether they prefer a brighter response or a deeper, more subdued typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switches are known for their very light actuation force, which allows for quick and responsive keystrokes that can contribute to a fast typing speed. This can be particularly appealing for those who prioritize rapid inputs. On the other hand, the KTT Rose switches provide a mild and gentle typing experience with a polished finish, creating a smooth key travel that enhances comfort during prolonged use. The combination of the mild actuation and polished feel ensures that typing on the Rose switches feels luxurious yet approachable, making them a great option for users looking for a balance between comfort and responsiveness.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Rose linear switches cater to different preferences in both sound and feel, making them suitable for distinct typing styles. The Chiikawa is perfect for users who enjoy a bright, responsive switch with a high-pitched auditory feedback, while the Rose offers a more subdued, polished feel with a low-pitched sound profile that exudes comfort and versatility. Depending on individual preferences for sound and typing experience, either of these switches can provide a satisfying typing journey, ensuring that newcomers can confidently choose based on their specific requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Rose linear switches, it’s essential to consider your typing preferences and application needs. If you prefer a lighter actuation force that allows for quick and effortless typing, especially for gaming or fast-paced work tasks, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its bright, high-pitched sound profile can also be satisfying for those who enjoy auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you lean towards a typing experience that feels more substantial and offers a deeper sound, the KTT Rose switch may be the better fit. With its medium-heavy actuation force and low-pitched, mellow tones, the Rose provides a polished and mild experience, making it a versatile option suitable for both home and work environments. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches should be guided by the tactile feedback and sound characteristics you value most in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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