Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie present distinct features that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, which results in a highly responsive and crisp typing experience. Ideal for those who appreciate a quick response and a high-pitched auditory feedback, this switch is perfect for gamers or typists who thrive on speed. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, known for its medium-weight all-POM construction, offers a "thocky" sound profile that adds a satisfying element to typing while ensuring exceptional smoothness with each keystroke. This switch strikes a balance between comfort and performance, making it suitable for long typing sessions without compromising on quality. While both switches have their distinctive traits that appeal to different users—whether you value a light and bright feel or a smooth and solid typing experience—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
48g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, a notable distinction arises in the construction of the top housing. The Chiikawa utilizes polycarbonate, which is known for its higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This stiffer plastic allows for a more resonant sound that enhances the overall auditory feedback when typing. The transparent nature of the polycarbonate is particularly advantageous for those using RGB lighting, as it allows the colors to shine through vividly. In contrast, the Sea Salt Smoothie's top housing is made from POM, which tends to produce a deeper, more muted sound profile. This characteristic results in a less resonant typing experience. Consequently, while both switches aim to provide an engaging auditory experience, their sound characteristics diverge significantly due to the differences in their top housing materials.
The bottom housing of the two switches also presents a contrast, with the Chiikawa featuring nylon and the Sea Salt Smoothie using POM. Nylon is a classic choice for switch housings, contributing a richer and fuller sound due to its softer composition. This material is effective in absorbing sound, thereby creating a rounded auditory experience during key presses. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Sea Salt Smoothie shares similarities in sound profile depth with its top housing, resulting in a unique auditory experience that also leans towards muted tones. While both switches have deeper sound profiles from their bottom housings, the Chiikawa's nylon provides a distinct fullness, contrasting with the Sea Salt Smoothie's more consistent sound quality through both housing components.
Despite the differences in construction materials, users can still achieve a satisfying typing experience with both switches by focusing on their respective sound profiles. Each switch's bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the unique characteristics of each switch. With the Chiikawa's nylon providing a deeper and fuller sound and the Sea Salt Smoothie's POM offering a muted and pleasant auditory experience, both switches cater to different preferences while still delivering enjoyable results. Therefore, understanding how each housing material contributes to the overall performance can allow users to select the switch that best suits their typing style and auditory desires.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, a clear distinction emerges in their actuation forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sea Salt Smoothie comes in slightly heavier at 48 grams. This difference indicates that the Chiikawa switch is lighter, allowing for easier keystrokes and potentially less finger fatigue during prolonged typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, providing a slight tactile feedback upon bottoming out. The bottom out force for the Sea Salt Smoothie is unknown, which makes it difficult to compare this aspect directly. Overall, those who prefer a lighter switch for extended use may lean towards the Chiikawa, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might opt for the Sea Salt Smoothie, especially given its higher actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switch, we find that they have slight differences. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sea Salt Smoothie has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that if you're looking for a switch with quicker actuation, the Chiikawa is the better option, offering a more responsive feel that many gamers might prefer. On the other hand, the Sea Salt Smoothie, with its longer travel distance, might appeal to those who enjoy a more pronounced depth when typing, providing a more substantial tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will largely depend on whether you favor a quicker response or a deeper, more rewarding key press.
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 Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie has an MSRP of $3.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Salt Smoothie for $2.70.
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 is characterized by a bright, high-pitched sound profile that delivers a crisp auditory feedback with each keystroke. This vibrant sound can make the typing experience feel lively and engaging. On the other hand, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie offers a thocky sound profile, providing a satisfying low-end resonance as keys are pressed. This contrast creates a distinctly different acoustic experience: while the Chiikawa is sharp and airy, the Sea Salt Smoothie is more rounded and deep. However, it's essential to remember that sound can vary significantly based on factors like the keyboard chassis and keycap material.
When examining feel, the Chiikawa - 45g stands out with its very light actuation force, making it an incredibly responsive switch that allows for effortless typing. This can be particularly appealing for users who prefer a more agile typing experience or those who type quickly. Conversely, the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie, as a medium-weight switch, provides a tactile balance that may appeal to typists seeking a bit more resistance while still delivering smooth keystrokes. The additional weight in the Smoothie may enhance control and deliberate typing for some users, creating an engaging feel that differs from the nimble Chiikawa switch.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences. If you are drawn to a lighter, more vibrant typing sound with exceptionally low actuation force, the Chiikawa may be your best choice. In contrast, if you prefer a deeper, thocky sound with a balanced typing feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie would likely suit your needs. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying experience, but they cater to differing preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to select based on what matters most to them.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Sea Salt Smoothie largely depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter actuation with a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa switch will suit you well, especially if you appreciate rapid typing or gaming where responsiveness is key. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it ideal for those who prefer less resistance, allowing for quicker keystrokes. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch that combines a thicker, more satisfying sound with a smooth feel, the Sea Salt Smoothie is an excellent choice. Its reputation for exceptional smoothness and a "thocky" sound profile makes it perfect for a more deliberate typing experience, whether you are writing long documents or enjoying a steady typing rhythm. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal preferences for sound and tactile feedback, ensuring that your keyboard setup feels just right for your needs.
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