Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, users often seek a blend of feel, sound, and performance to enhance their typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its notably light actuation force and bright sound profile, offering a responsive and crisp high-pitched feedback that can make long typing sessions seem effortless. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass linear switch captivates with its unique blend of pastel aesthetics and distinct typing characteristics, including a notable airiness and hollow sound signature, despite its higher 62g bottom-out force. While the Chiikawa caters to users who appreciate a lighter feel and a bright, crisp auditory experience, the Sea Glass appeals to those who value a smooth and feathery typing sensation coupled with an intriguing sound profile. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Sea Glass, a notable difference in their top housing stands out. The Chiikawa's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a material known for its stiffness which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This quality not only enhances the overall auditory experience but also allows for better light transmission, making it an excellent choice for those who use RGB lighting. In contrast, the Sea Glass utilizes a unique blend of polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its top housing. While this blend also produces a bright sound profile, it is not as pronounced or sharp as that from polycarbonate. Thus, while both materials contribute to a clearer sound, the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top housing may lead to a more vigorous auditory result, particularly in terms of high frequencies.
Diving deeper into the bottom housing of these switches, we observe a contrasting approach. The Chiikawa employs a classic nylon material that is more absorbent and results in a deeper and fuller sound. This characteristic of nylon dampens higher frequencies and creates a rounder auditory profile, establishing a more subdued typing experience. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass also uses a polymer nylon blend for its bottom housing, albeit enhanced with UHMWPE. This unique combination continues to lean towards a brighter sound profile, yet it still lacks the depth associated with pure nylon. Consequently, the bottom housing in the Chiikawa is likely to generate a rounder auditory sensation during key presses compared to the Sea Glass, whose blend might retain a slightly crisper quality.
In terms of overall acoustic results, although the materials used in the top and bottom housings differ between the two switches, both can still yield satisfying auditory experiences. The characteristics of each switch's top and bottom housings complement each other, creating a unique sound when the switches are engaged. For the Chiikawa - 45g, the clearer and crisper top housing synergizes with the deeper bottom housing, resulting in a sound profile that is both defined and resonant. The Durock Sea Glass achieves a similarly balanced auditory experience, even with its polyblend top housing. Therefore, while distinct in materials, users of both switches will find that they can appreciate sound profiles that, in their own rights, provide enjoyable and enriching typing experiences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they require an equal amount of force to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly: the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Sea Glass requires a heavier 62 grams to reach the bottom. This makes the Chiikawa the lighter option overall, which may be more comfortable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. In contrast, the heavier bottom out force of the Sea Glass may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Thus, users seeking a softer touch will appreciate the Chiikawa, while those desiring a firmer feel might gravitate towards the Sea Glass.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Glass has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, ideal for those who favor quicker key presses and a more responsive feel, which is preferred by many gamers. On the other hand, the Sea Glass, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial and less abrupt typing experience. Both switches reflect modern trends in keyboard design, but they cater to different preferences regarding key travel and tactile feedback, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing or gaming styles.
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 Durock Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 switch is characterized by its bright and crisp auditory profile, producing a high-pitched sound that is distinct and pronounced when typing. This sound quality contributes to a lively typing experience, making each keystroke feel dynamic and engaging. On the other hand, the Durock Sea Glass switch offers a uniquely hollow sound signature, emanating a distinct dryness and airiness that contrasts with the Chiikawa's brightness. While the sound of a switch is influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the Sea Glass's softer and more subdued auditory quality adds an interesting dimension to its performance.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch highlights its very light actuation force, which allows for quick and responsive key presses that minimize finger fatigue. Typing on this switch is not only easy but also enjoyable, particularly for those who favor a light touch during their typing sessions. In comparison, the Durock Sea Glass switches are renowned for their frictionless and feathery characteristics. They provide an effortless typing experience with a mild yet smooth sensation upon keystrokes. This switch also caters to users seeking comfort during extended typing, as it combines the light actuation force with a gentle resistance that doesn't strain the fingers.
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Durock Sea Glass switches provide enjoyable typing experiences, though they cater to slightly different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa excels in offering a bright auditory profile paired with a light touch, appealing to those who enjoy a more responsive and dynamic typing experience. Conversely, the Sea Glass delivers a unique hollowness in sound coupled with a smooth and airy feel, which may be more soothing for some users. Regardless of the differences, both switches showcase qualities that make them effective choices for various typing environments, highlighting the subjective nature of switch preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Sea Glass linear switches ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prioritize a light touch, responsive feel, and a bright, high-pitched sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is an excellent option. Its 51-gram bottom-out force makes it ideal for long typing sessions where you seek to minimize finger fatigue. This switch shines in scenarios where speed and agility are paramount, such as competitive gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a más medium typing experience paired with a unique aesthetic, the Sea Glass switch—with its 62-gram bottom-out force—offers a satisfying compromise between strength and smoothness. The Sea Glass is not only visually appealing with its pastel colors, but it also provides a distinct dryness and airiness in sound that can enhance your typing experience in a quieter environment. Additionally, if you appreciate a frictionless, fluid keypress that feels surprisingly weightless, the Sea Glass will exceed your expectations. Ultimately, consider how each switch aligns with your specific needs, whether they be the nimbleness of the Chiikawa or the balanced feel of the Sea Glass, to find the perfect fit for your keyboard setup.
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