Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko Rosewood
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Rosewood switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Rosewood present two compelling yet distinct options, both classified as linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and vibrant sound profile, offering a quick response and an engaging typing experience accentuated by its crisp, high-pitched tones. In contrast, the Akko Rosewood switches provide a more subdued but equally satisfying auditory feedback, characterized by a deep, thocky sound enhanced by a thin layer of factory-applied lubricant, delivering a notably smooth and rich typing experience. While both switches cater to users seeking linear actuation, the decision ultimately hinges on personal preference regarding sound and tactile feedback. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
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
Nylon
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Rosewood, a distinct difference emerges in the top housing, with the Chiikawa utilizing polycarbonate and the Rosewood employing nylon. The use of polycarbonate in the Chiikawa - 45g offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, attributed to the material's stiffer nature. This makes it particularly advantageous for users who appreciate a more resonant auditory experience, especially when RGB lighting is present. On the contrary, the Rosewood's nylon top housing brings forth a more subdued and rounded sound quality that is characteristic of softer plastics, resulting in deeper, fuller keystrokes. This fundamental difference influences not only the sound produced while typing but also the overall aesthetic and functionality of the switches in various environments.
Interestingly, both switches feature nylon in their bottom housings, contributing to a cohesive acoustic profile in terms of the bottom-out sound and feel. Due to nylon's softer composition, both switches will produce a similar deep and rich sound when pressed, which is celebrated by typists who prefer a more muted auditory feedback. This shared bottom housing material is likely to diminish the differences introduced by the top housing materials to some extent, ensuring that the full auditory experience during a keypress is somewhat uniform between the two types, fostering a sense of familiarity for users who may switch between them frequently.
The split in housing materials raises essential considerations regarding how each portion influences the overall feedback during typing. While the Chiikawa - 45g's polycarbonate top amplifies the crispness of sound on release, the nylon bottom, shared with the Rosewood, adds depth during the key press. Thus, typists using both switches will encounter a blended tactile experience influenced by the unique properties of their respective top housings. Users seeking to achieve a similar auditory experience may find the Chiikawa's top housing's brightness complements the Rosewood’s warmth, suggesting that when each housing is engaged, the combined results can deliver a balanced typing experience that caters to a diverse range of preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, notable differences in actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa - 45g has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Rosewood features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Rosewood easier to press, ideal for those seeking a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Although the bottom out forces are relatively close, with the Chiikawa being slightly heavier at 51 grams compared to the Rosewood's 50 grams, the overall experience is more substantial with the Chiikawa due to its higher actuation force. Therefore, for users who prefer a firmer push feel, the Chiikawa may be the better choice, while those favoring a lighter touch might gravitate toward the Rosewood switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch, the Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Rosewood switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference suggests that gamers who prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times might lean towards the Chiikawa switch, which offers a more responsive feel. On the other hand, the Rosewood switch, with its longer travel distance, may appeal to those who enjoy a more traditional and hearty depth in their key presses, providing a less abrupt experience. Therefore, if you're looking for a faster response, the Bsun Chiikawa switch is the preferable option, whereas the Akko Rosewood is better suited for those who appreciate a deeper key travel.
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 Akko Rosewood has an MSRP of $3.89 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Rosewood for $3.11.
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 produces a bright and crisp sound profile that can be described as high-pitched and sharp, making it quite audible during typing. This quality tends to give an energetic feel to the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko Rosewood linear switch generates a deeper, thocky sound due to its thicker construction and factory-applied lubricant, which adds a level of dampening and resonance that can feel satisfying during use. While both switches deliver distinct auditory experiences, the Chiikawa is more lively and immediate, while the Rosewood leans towards a richer, more substantial resonance.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by its very light actuation force of 45g, which allows for quick and effortless key presses. This can create a very fluid typing experience, especially appealing for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming. In contrast, the Rosewood switch feels more substantial and can provide a slightly heavier typing experience. Its smoothness, coupled with the lubrication, creates a refined feel that enhances typing comfort, making it ideal for users who prefer a bit more resistance in their key presses. While both switches provide a linear feel, the Chiikawa stands out for its lightness and responsiveness, while the Rosewood focuses on a smoother and more tactile sensation.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko Rosewood linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa offers an engaging and bright auditory feedback with a very light touch, making it perfect for those who favor agility. The Rosewood, with its deeper, thocky sound, provides a more substantial feel that can enhance typing comfort and satisfaction for those who enjoy a traditional linear experience with a touch of luxurious smoothness. Depending on individual preferences, both switches could meet the desired attributes, but will distinctly influence the overall typing experience based on their unique sound and feel characteristics.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko Rosewood linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you favor a lighter actuation force and enjoy a bright, responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the switch for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams allows for quick key presses, making it ideal for fast-paced typists or gamers who thrive on responsiveness and speed. On the other hand, if you appreciate a deeper sound and a more substantial feel, the Akko Rosewood linear switch, with its light bottom-out force of 50 grams, can provide that satisfying thocky sound that many users desire. The factory-applied lubricant enhances the smoothness and acoustic profile, creating a rich auditory experience. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you prioritize a bright, crisp typing sound with responsiveness, or a deeper, more satisfying thocky sound combined with a silky feel. Choose the Chiikawa for speed and brightness, or opt for the Rosewood for a rich sound and smooth action.
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