Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Huano Sakura

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Sakura are two compelling options that cater to different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, making it exceedingly responsive and perfect for users who appreciate a crisp, high-pitched acoustic feedback during typing. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switches provide a feather-light touch coupled with medium acoustics, making them well-suited for extended typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches are linear in nature and offer a smooth keypress without tactile bumps, their distinct sound profiles and actuation forces set them apart. Ultimately, your choice may depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback or comfort during prolonged use. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Sakura switches, significant differences emerge, particularly in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which allows for a more vibrant resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting integration, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Huano Sakura employs a POK (polyketone) top housing, offering a smooth typing experience due to its low friction coefficient and remarkable durability. While both materials excel in their own right, they create distinctly different auditory experiences; polycarbonate emphasizes a crisper sound, whereas POK is known for its smoothness with clacky undertones.

Interestingly, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housings, which creates a shared characteristic between them. Nylon is a classic choice in the switch market due to its acoustical properties that promote a deeper and fuller sound profile. Its relatively soft nature allows it to absorb sound waves more effectively, leading to a more muted and rounded auditory experience. This shared material choice means that when assessing bottom-out sound and feel, both the Chiikawa - 45g and Huano Sakura will exhibit similar characteristics, resulting in a consistent typing experience in this regard. Despite their contrasting top housing materials, the use of nylon in both switches creates a harmonious bridge that unites their performance in terms of feel and sound when pressed down.

Overall, the integration of different materials in the top housing—polycarbonate in the Chiikawa and POK in the Sakura—brings forth a unique interplay of sound profiles that can cater to specific preferences among users. While both switches use nylon in their bottom housings, influencing the same deeper sound quality, the top materials will largely define the experience of key release and typing cadence. Users seeking a sharper sound might lean towards the Chiikawa due to its polycarbonate top, while those prioritizing a smoother feel might prefer the Sakura with its POK housing. Nonetheless, with nylon as a common element in both switches, enthusiasts can still expect a commendable level of depth in sound and tactile response when typing.

Weight

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sakura switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that users who prefer a lighter feel may find the Sakura more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons, as it requires less force to press down. On the other hand, the Chiikawa provides a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who enjoy a heavier typing experience. Consequently, while both switches serve different preferences, the Sakura is suited for those seeking minimal resistance, whereas the Chiikawa caters to users who favor a moderate amount of force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch is equal, measuring at 3.6 mm. This identical travel distance means that users can expect a similar feel and response when pressing down on keys equipped with either switch. With the same travel distance, both switches will deliver comparable performance, allowing for a seamless experience whether one opts for the Chiikawa or Sakura.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This makes it quite engaging for users who appreciate auditory feedback from their keystrokes. In contrast, the Huano Sakura switch features medium acoustics that cater to a more subdued auditory experience. While both switches have their unique sound characteristics, the Chiikawa's bright notes may appeal to those who prefer a more vibrant typing experience, whereas the Sakura can provide a quieter environment, which might be beneficial for extended typing sessions or shared workspaces.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is highlighted for its very light actuation force, allowing for exceptionally responsive keystrokes that require minimal pressure. This can make typing feel effortless and quick. The Huano Sakura switch, on the other hand, also offers a feather-light touch, making it comfortable for prolonged typing without fatigue. While both switches cater to users seeking a lightweight experience, the Chiikawa may bring a bit more immediacy due to its extremely low actuation force compared to the Sakura's slightly firmer response.

In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Sakura linear switches provide lightweight typing experiences but cater to different auditory preferences. The Chiikawa excels with its bright sound and very light actuation, making it responsive and exciting to type on, while the Sakura offers a balance of comfort with its medium acoustics but also maintains a feather-light touch. Depending on your priorities in sound or typing feel, both switches can deliver satisfying results, and your choice may ultimately hinge on whether you prefer a livelier sound profile or a quieter one during your typing sessions.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Sakura linear switch, it's essential to consider your typing preferences and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard. If you favor a more responsive and lively typing experience, along with a brighter sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is likely your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams contributes to its crisp actuation, making it suitable for rapid typing and dynamic work. On the other hand, if you're looking for a switch that allows for comfortable, extended typing sessions without fatigue, you'll want to lean toward the Huano Sakura. With its lighter bottom-out force of 45 grams and medium acoustics, the Sakura provides a smooth, feather-light touch that’s well-suited for prolonged use, making it ideal for writers or those who spend long hours at the keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your specific typing style and sound preferences: go for the Chiikawa if you desire a more energetic typing experience and the Sakura if comfort and lighter actuation are your priorities.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Huano Sakura Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more