Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the differences between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches highlight the range of preferences among typists. The Chiikawa - 45g, with its bright sound profile and notably light actuation force, offers a responsive typing experience that many users find exhilarating and satisfying, especially those who enjoy the high-pitched sound that punctuates their keystrokes. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear presents a more tranquil alternative, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a distinct clacky bottom-out sound, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a smooth and subtle typing sensation without sacrificing auditory feedback. While the Chiikawa appeals to users who thrive on an energetic typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear caters to those who prefer a more subdued atmosphere. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
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
3.70 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, we find significant similarities that contribute to the overall performance and sound profile of each switch. Both switches feature a polycarbonate top housing, which is noted for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic, resulting in more vibrational clarity and resonance. The translucency of the polycarbonate also enhances the aesthetic appeal, particularly when RGB lighting is used, making both switches visually appealing and sonically effective in a gaming or typing environment.
Contrasting the top housings, the Chiikawa - 45g and the Semi-Silent Linear employ different bottom housings, with both utilizing nylon. This is notable because nylon is known for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile. Being a softer plastic, nylon absorbs sound more effectively than harder plastics, which leads to a duller and rounder auditory experience. The impact of the bottom housing is particularly pronounced when bottoming out, as it contributes to the tactile feedback and sound upon key press. In this way, while the top housings share similarities in material and sound characteristics, the nylon bottom housing introduces a distinct sonic quality that differentiates the overall performance of the two switches.
Ultimately, while the two switches may exhibit different tonal experiences due to their bottom housing configurations, you can expect a measure of consistency in the sound profiles owing to the shared polycarbonate material in the top housing. This means that whether you’re using the Chiikawa - 45g or the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear, you can anticipate a clear and resonant sound when releasing a key. However, the feel and auditory feedback during key presses will diverge, reflecting the nuances introduced by their respective nylon bottom housings. Thus, while similarities in the top housing allow for comparable sound outputs, the unique bottom housing materials bring forth a layered complexity to the overall typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch present notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorized as medium-light, making it a suitable choice for those who appreciate a less strenuous typing experience, especially for extended use. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has an unknown actuation force, but its bottom out force is recorded at 62 grams, placing it in the medium range. This significant difference in bottom out force indicates that the Jwick switch may provide a more substantial feedback during typing, appealing to users who prefer a heavier touch. Consequently, the Chiikawa is the lighter switch overall due to its lower feedback forces compared to the Jwick. Therefore, while the Chiikawa is ideal for comfort during long typing sessions, the Jwick may be favored by those who enjoy a firmer keystroke feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Semi-Silent Linear has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option between the two. For gamers who favor faster response times and a more immediate feel when pressing keys, the Chiikawa’s shorter travel distance may provide an advantage. Conversely, those who appreciate a deeper, more deliberate keystroke might prefer the Semi-Silent Linear due to its longer travel distance. Despite their close specifications, the difference of 0.1 mm can influence the tactile experience of the switch significantly depending on personal preferences.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its bright, high-pitched tone that results in a crisp auditory feedback during typing. This attribute makes the switch distinctly noticeable, evoking an upbeat atmosphere while you type. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch offers a more subdued auditory experience, featuring a whisper-quiet topping-out sound paired with a clackier bottom-out sound. This unique combination allows for a balance between stealthy keystrokes and audible confirmation during typing, ensuring that while it doesn't intrude on a quiet environment, it still provides satisfying auditory feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is reputed for its very light actuation force which promotes responsive typing, allowing users to feel a quick and effortless keystroke. However, information on its specific tactile qualities is lacking. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is designed to be silky smooth, creating a gentle typing experience that is accessible to a wide range of users. Its characteristics blend a mild touch with snappy responsiveness, allowing for a lively and engaging typing experience. Additionally, the buttery and polished nature of this switch enhances its smooth key travel, contributing to an overall refined feel.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches cater to different auditory and tactile preferences. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound and light touch, making it highly responsive, while the Semi-Silent adopts a more muted audio signature with a smooth and polished keystroke. Though they differ in these qualities, anyone choosing between them will find that both switches can provide satisfying performance depending on whether high responsiveness or a quieter sound profile is preferred.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you favor a lighter typing experience that feels snappy and responsive, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom out force and bright sound profile provide an engaging and upbeat feel, perfect for fast typists and those who enjoy a more expressive auditory feedback. However, if you’re seeking a more subdued yet still engaging typing experience, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch is the way to go. With its medium bottom out force and whisper-quiet sound signature, it’s ideal for environments where noise reduction is important, such as shared workspaces or late-night gaming sessions. The Semi-Silent Linear combines a smooth feel with a balanced sound profile, making it approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike. Therefore, consider where and how you’ll be using your keyboard, as well as your sensitivity to sound and typing feedback, to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
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