Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Semi Mute
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the differences in typographic experience can significantly influence your overall satisfaction. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, which ensures a highly responsive typing experience punctuated by crisp, high-pitched sounds. This switch is an excellent choice for those who thrive on auditory feedback and a lively feel when typing. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switches cater to the needs of users who prioritize a silent typing environment. Despite their name, these switches deliver a completely noise-free operation, making them ideal for late-night sessions or shared workspaces where quiet is paramount. With their buttery and mild feel, they offer a comfortable experience without sacrificing performance. Both switches serve distinct preferences, appealing to typists who either embrace sound or seek tranquility. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing style and environment.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.60 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
15mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Semi Mute switches share similarities in their top housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material ensures that both switches produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to polycarbonate's rigidity. The translucency of polycarbonate not only allows for impressive RGB lighting effects but also enhances the clarity of the sound. Because both switches employ this same material for their top housings, users can expect comparable acoustic characteristics when actuating the switches, creating a consistent experience in environments where sound quality is essential.
However, the bottom housing materials of the two switches differ significantly. The Chiikawa - 45g features a nylon bottom housing, which lends a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer composition. This material absorbs more sound compared to harder plastics, thus yielding a rounder auditory experience. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute employs a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top housing, contributes to that sharper, more resonant sound profile. As a result, while the Chiikawa may appeal to those who lean toward a robust and fuller sound, the Semi Mute may cater to users who prefer a clearer, crisper audio output.
In practical terms, the differences in the bottom housing material will significantly affect the overall sound and feel of each switch during use. While both switches deliver strong performance through their polycarbonate tops, the Chiikawa - 45g will generate a more muted bottom-out sound due to its nylon bottom housing, ideal for users seeking a more subdued tactile experience. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute's entirely polycarbonate build will maintain that consistent high-pitched tone even during the bottom-out phase, which may be desired by users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback. Thus, even though both switches utilize polycarbonate at the top, the overall user experience will vary significantly based on the materials used in the bottom housing.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, we find notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Semi Mute has a slightly lighter actuation force of 43 grams, making the Semi Mute the lighter option in terms of how much force is needed to register a keystroke. In terms of bottom out force, the Chiikawa reaches 51 grams, whereas the Semi Mute has a firmer bottom out force of 58 grams. This means that while the Semi Mute requires less force to actuate a key press, it requires more force to bottom out, providing a more substantial feel at the end of the keystroke. This difference can influence user experience significantly; those who favor lighter switches for prolonged typing might prefer the Chiikawa, while users seeking a heavier tactile experience may gravitate towards the Semi Mute.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch features a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This difference in travel distance illustrates two distinct preferences in key switch design. The shorter travel distance of the Chiikawa switch can provide a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Semi Mute's longer travel distance allows for a more substantial tactile feedback, which may appeal to users who prefer deeper keystrokes for a more traditional typing experience. Therefore, those who prioritize speed should consider the Chiikawa switch, while those who favor a sense of depth and a more deliberate typing experience might opt for the Semi Mute switch.
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 KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch presents a bright and crisp sound profile, making it notably expressive in a typing environment. Its high-pitched tones can be quite engaging, and while they might not be intrusive in casual settings, users may find them more pronounced in quieter environments. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute switch prioritizes silence with a design that entirely eliminates excess noise. Although labeled "Semi Mute," these switches live up to their name by producing a very muted sound during operation, making them perfect for late-night typing sessions where discretion is vital. The inherent sound of each switch can still vary depending on the type of keyboard and keycaps used, but the Chiikawa leans towards an auditory experience, while the Semi Mute ensures a noise-free environment.
When considering the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, creating a responsive typing experience that lends itself to rapid key presses. This switch encourages quick and nimble typing but might feel slightly less substantial to some users who prefer a heavier touch. In contrast, the KTT Semi Mute is noted for its buttery smoothness, offering a seamless and fluid keystroke experience, making it incredibly comfortable for extended typing sessions. With a mild feel, it caters to users who desire a gentle yet reliable typing sensation without any rough edges, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned typists. Overall, while the Chiikawa provides a lively tactile experience, the Semi Mute offers a more subdued and effortless typing feel.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Semi Mute switches showcase contrasting qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in delivering an engaging auditory experience with a light and responsive feel, whereas the Semi Mute prioritizes a quiet environment, combining advanced dampening technology with a buttery smooth action for comfortable typing. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will hinge on whether you value expressiveness in sound and a lighter touch or prefer a completely silent operation paired with a smooth and mild feel.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch ultimately depends on your typing environment and personal preference. If you appreciate a more responsive keyboard with a lighter actuation force, and you enjoy a bright, crisp sound profile that makes each keystroke feel lively and engaging, then the Chiikawa - 45g is the switch for you. Its medium-light bottom out force means that you'll find it easy to type quickly and accurately, making it particularly appealing for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you need a quiet typing experience, especially in shared living spaces or during late-night sessions, the KTT Semi Mute is your best bet. With its slightly higher bottom out force and advanced dampening technology, these switches provide a buttery, mild feel that minimizes sound without sacrificing comfort. This makes them well-suited for those who need to minimize distractions and maintain a serene atmosphere while working or gaming. So, consider your typing habits and sound preferences to make the ideal choice for your keyboard setup.
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