Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Jerrzi Seashell
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Seashell switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Seashell both offer appealing choices for enthusiasts, showcasing distinct qualities that cater to varied preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is known for its impressively light actuation force and bright sound profile, providing a crisp, high-pitched feedback that many typists find responsive and satisfying. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer a tactile experience with minimal resistance, ideal for fast-paced typing. On the other hand, the Seashell switch is not only celebrated for its captivating purple aesthetic but also for its delightful combination of lightness and a clacky sound, which creates an engaging typing atmosphere. The Seashell's polished build contributes to a comfortable experience, making it suitable for longer typing sessions without fatigue. While both switches are linear and light, their unique characteristics lead to different auditory and tactile experiences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Seashell both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in a significantly similar auditory experience when typing. This choice of material, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of polycarbonate not only enhances sound clarity but also allows for impressive RGB lighting effects, bringing a visual dimension to the user experience. Whether opting for the Chiikawa or the Seashell, users can expect a resonant sound that accentuates the tactile feedback and aesthetics of their mechanical keyboards.
Contrasting with the top housings, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Seashell feature nylon for their bottom housings. This decision reinforces a key distinction in sound profile characteristics, as nylon’s softer texture tends to absorb sound rather than project it. The result is an overall deeper and fuller sound when typing, creating a more subdued bottom-out sound compared to a switch with a harder bottom housing material. Users will appreciate that while both models share similarities in their top housing sound production, the bottom housing contributes a unique tonal richness that enhances the typing experience.
When combining the traits of both top and bottom housings, the Chiikawa - 45g and the Jerrzi Seashell provide a well-rounded auditory experience. The polycarbonate top contributes a clear and high-pitched sound upon key release, while the nylon bottom cushions the impact and delivers a fuller sound on bottom-out. This interaction underscores the importance of housing materials in dictating the overall feel and sound of a switch. Users can enjoy a balanced auditory profile that harnesses the strengths of both materials, resulting in a satisfying experience whether they choose the Chiikawa or the Seashell for their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, we find that both switches have the same actuation force of 45 grams. This similarity suggests that users of either switch will experience a comparable tactile response when triggering keystrokes, making both options ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming due to their medium-light feel. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Chiikawa switch bottoming out at 51 grams, indicating a more substantial resistance when the key is fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Seashell is unknown, leaving a gap in our comparison for potential users who may prefer a firmer response. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is slightly heavier due to its bottom out force, providing a more pronounced feedback at the end of the key press, while the Seashell remains an option for those seeking the same actuation feel with an unspecified ending resistance.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Chiikawa - 45g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Seashell offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer of the two, allowing for a more pronounced keystroke feel, which some users may prefer for a hearty depth in their typing experience. In contrast, the shorter 3.4 mm travel of the Seashell may cater to those seeking increased responsiveness, making it potentially more suitable for gamers or fast-paced users who favor quicker key actuation. Thus, if you appreciate a more responsive and rapid typing experience, the Seashell would be the better choice, while the Chiikawa may satisfy those who prefer a more substantial keystroke.
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 Jerrzi Seashell has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Seashell for $2.30.
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 Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile that delivers a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback during typing. This makes it highly responsive and adds an engaging element to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch is similarly recognized for its clacky sound, producing a sharp, snappy noise with each keystroke. Its high-pitched quality adds an extra layer of excitement, appealing to those who enjoy a lively typing environment. Both switches share these bright and crisp sound characteristics, ensuring that users of either switch will enjoy that distinctive auditory feedback, though the actual sound can be influenced by the specific keyboard assembly and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by a very light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and reducing the strain on typists' fingers during extended sessions. However, specific descriptions regarding its tactile sensation are lacking. In contrast, the Seashell switch is described as feathery and easy to press, requiring minimal effort for activation. This low-impact typing feel is complemented by a polished finish, allowing for smooth key travel and reduced friction. Consequently, the Seashell switch not only promises comfort but also enhances the overall typing experience with its effortless actuation. While the Chiikawa lacks detailed descriptors for its feel, both switches should offer a similarly light and responsive typing experience.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Jerrzi Seashell linear switches offer enjoyable qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa is noted for its bright sound profile and light actuation, making it responsive and pleasant for casual use. Meanwhile, the Seashell combines aesthetic appeal with a clacky sound and an extremely comfortable typing experience due to its feathery actuation and smooth finish. While they each have unique characteristics, their similarities in lightness and responsive qualities mean that users are likely to enjoy comparable experiences, albeit with different auditory and tactile nuances.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jerrzi Seashell linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences regarding sound and feel. If you value a very light actuation force with a bright and crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the ideal switch for you. Its medium-light touch and polished finish provide a responsive typing experience, making it a great option for tasks that require speed and precision, such as gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you're drawn to a delightful clacky sound and a feathery feel, the Seashell switch offers an aesthetically pleasing option that combines ease of pressing with an enjoyable auditory feedback. Perfect for extended typing sessions, the light but snappy response can enhance your comfort and enjoyment, whether you're gaming, working, or just typing for leisure. Thus, consider what aspects of a keyboard experience resonate with you most, and let that guide your switch choice.
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