Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Everglide Sakura Pink
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sakura Pink switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sakura Pink offer compelling options for typists seeking a linear experience, yet they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa switch is celebrated for its bright sound profile and light 45g actuation force, delivering a crisp, high-pitched echo that enhances the tactile feedback for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience while typing. On the other hand, the Sakura Pink switch stands out with an even lighter actuation force of 35g, making it ideal for gentle typists seeking a seamless, frictionless operation that is both effortless and smooth. This switch adds a playful touch with its delightfully poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap, creating an engaging typing experience. While both switches share a linear design that allows for smooth keystrokes, the choice ultimately comes down to an individual's preference for sound, actuation force, and overall feel. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sakura Pink, both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which imparts a similar sharp, high-pitched, and crisp sound profile to each. This characteristic arises from the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing it to resonate more clearly than softer materials. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for users incorporating RGB lighting into their setups, as it enhances the illumination effect and visual appeal of the switch. The aesthetic similarities of both switches are bolstered by their shared use of polycarbonate in the top housing, which guarantees consistent sound qualities related to the upward keystroke.
However, the disparities in the bottom housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Everglide Sakura Pink lead to notable differences in their auditory experiences. The Chiikawa employs a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to produce a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer nature. This results in a duller and rounder acoustic profile when striking the key, contributing to a contrasting feel compared to the Sakura Pink, which utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing. As a stiffer plastic, the polycarbonate bottom creates a sound that is crisper and more resonant, elevating the top-out sound experience, thus portraying a more pronounced auditory feedback.
Ultimately, both switches provide unique auditory experiences by combining different properties of housing materials. While users can expect the top out sound to be sharp and clear due to the polycarbonate top housing in both switches, the bottom-out sound will vary significantly based on the material composition. Those seeking a fuller sound will lean towards the Chiikawa with its nylon bottom housing, while users favoring a more resonant and sharper tie will find the Sakura Pink's all-polycarbonate construction more appealing. Whether or not one prefers a specific sound profile will depend on individual taste, as each housing configuration leads to distinct tactile sensations that enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, there are notable differences in both 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 Sakura Pink switch has a lighter actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, thus providing a lighter typing experience overall. This means that users who prefer a gentler touch and longer typing sessions may lean towards the Sakura Pink due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces, making it easier on the fingers. Conversely, the Chiikawa switch, with its heavier actuation force, may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial response when typing or gaming. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, the Chiikawa is the heavier option, whereas the Sakura Pink offers a lighter feel, making them suited for distinct typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switch, a clear difference emerges. The Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sakura Pink has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa is the shorter option, offering a snappier response that may appeal to gamers looking for quick keystrokes. In contrast, the Sakura Pink provides a deeper press, which some users prefer for a more substantial feel during typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches may depend on whether you prioritize speed and responsiveness or a more grounded keypress experience, highlighting the trade-offs between shorter and longer 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 Everglide Sakura Pink has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sakura Pink for $3.89.
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 switch stands out with its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched tone that brings an energetic presence to typing sessions. This creates a vivid auditory experience, making the act of typing feel more engaging. On the other hand, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches produce a distinctly muted sound, which softens the auditory feedback compared to the Chiikawa. The Sakura Pink's poppy sound, reminiscent of bubble wrap being popped, offers a playful auditory signature that is subtle yet engaging, striking a balance between enjoyment and minimal distraction. Ultimately, while both switches have unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, the Chiikawa appeals to those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback, while the Sakura Pink offers a gentler experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its notably light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive typing experience. However, details about its specific tactile feel are less clear. In contrast, the Everglide Sakura Pink switches excel in providing an exceptionally smooth and effortless typing sensation. Their buttery and creamy characteristics describe a gliding effect as fingers move across the keys, combined with a frictionless operation that makes every keystroke feel seamless. The Sakura Pinks require minimal force to operate, enhancing comfort, especially during prolonged typing sessions, thus reducing any potential finger fatigue. Therefore, while both switches maintain light activation forces, the Sakura Pink delivers a noticeably smoother and more luxurious keystroke feel.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches both offer lightweight actuation, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light responsiveness create an engaging typing atmosphere, whereas the Sakura Pink provides a muted, playful auditory experience with a remarkably smooth and effortless keypress. Choosing between these switches ultimately hinges on individual preferences regarding sound and tactile feedback, as both bring distinct yet enjoyable qualities to mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sakura Pink linear switches ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and preferences. If you favor a lively, responsive typing experience with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its medium-light actuation force of 35g allows for quick, efficient keystrokes while producing a distinct auditory feedback that can enhance your typing enjoyment. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter touch and a buttery-smooth feel, the Evergreen Sakura Pink switches may be more to your liking. With a feather-light actuation force of 35g and an easy-to-press nature, they deliver a frictionless typing experience that minimizes fatigue, making them a superb choice for long typing sessions or for those who type delicately. Additionally, their muted sound profile adds a playful touch without overwhelming your environment. Ultimately, consider your typing habits and the sensations you enjoy most to make the best decision between these two engaging switches.
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