Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice can significantly impact your overall typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch known for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a top contender for those who value speed and responsiveness in their keystrokes. This switch’s ability to deliver a crisp, high-pitched sound adds an entertaining auditory element to your typing experience. In contrast, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring is a tactile switch that excels in providing a medium-high level of tactility, ensuring a satisfying bump with each press. Its long, two-staged spring design produces deep, resonating "thocks," offering a rich auditory feedback that can enhance your typing rhythm. While the Chiikawa switches are ideal for users who prefer a smooth and swift typing experience, the Shadow (Ink) variant caters to those who enjoy the pronounced feedback of tactile switches. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits you perfectly.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it’s essential to highlight the similarities and differences in their top housings. Both switches feature polycarbonate for their top housing, which is known for its ability to produce a higher-pitched and crisper sound profile. This characteristic is a result of polycarbonate's stiffness, which fosters a more resonant audio experience. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows both switches to effectively illuminate RGB lighting, enhancing their aesthetic appeal. Thus, users can expect a vibrant, defined acoustic output with both switches, making them suitable choices for those who appreciate visually engaging setups.
Contrasting the bottom housings reveals a divergence between the Chiikawa - 45g and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring. The Chiikawa utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, a material renowned for providing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs vibrations more effectively. This results in a sound that is rounder and more muted, especially when bottoming out. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring opts for polycarbonate as its bottom housing, mirroring the sonic qualities of its top housing. Consequently, this choice leads to a sharper and more distinct auditory feedback when the switch is engaged, diverging from the deeper tones offered by the Chiikawa. Essentially, the two switches demonstrate contrasting acoustic properties based on their bottom housing materials, which significantly affect tactile feedback during use.
Overall, the combination of materials in each switch results in different acoustic experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g, with its nylon bottom housing and polycarbonate top, balances sharpness and warmth to create a unique sound profile. In comparison, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring maintains a more uniform sound characteristic through its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, resulting in clarity and resonance throughout both key press and release phases. This variance illustrates how the distinct effects of each material on sound can yield similar results when it comes to visual luminescence and sharpness from the top housing, yet they ultimately deliver diverse auditory experiences when pressed. For users seeking particular sound profiles, considering these housing materials is crucial to selecting the switch that best suits their preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it a medium-light option suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) switch requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, categorizing it as a medium-weight option. This means that users seeking a more substantial typing experience and a firmer keystroke feedback will likely prefer the Shadow switch. Ultimately, while the Chiikawa is the lighter switch providing ease of use over extended periods, the Shadow offers a firmer push feel that some users might find more satisfying.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it's clear that they differ in design philosophy and user experience. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's travel distance of 4 mm. This distinction means that if you choose the Chiikawa switch, you'll experience a quicker response time due to its reduced travel distance, which may be favored by gamers looking for fast actuation. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) offers a more traditional feel with its longer travel, catering to users who prefer a deeper keystroke that can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. In summary, if you're inclined towards responsiveness, the shorter Chiikawa switch would be your pick, while those who enjoy a fuller depth should lean towards the longer-travel Shadow (Ink).
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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 Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched sound that resonates with each keystroke. This quick feedback can create an engaging typing experience, especially suitable for those who prefer a more lively auditory sensation while typing. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch generates deep, resonating "thocks," which are more substantial sounds with a bassy quality. This creates a contrast in auditory profiles; if you enjoy the vivacity of high-pitched sounds, the Chiikawa is the way to go, while the Shadow provides a richer, more satisfying auditory feedback often associated with an elevated tactile experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its very light actuation force, making it an exceptionally responsive switch ideal for fast typists. However, specific details regarding its tactile feedback are not provided. In contrast, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch boasts a sharp tactile bump, delivering high feedback intensity that can be distinctly felt with each keypress. It embodies a medium to medium-high level of tactility and combines a two-staged spring design for a bouncy and snappy feel. This makes the Shadow switch particularly engaging for users seeking a balance between pronounced tactile feedback and responsive spring action, a quality that can enhance typing precision and enjoyment.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer unique experiences, they cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa's bright, light sounds and responsive action provide a lively typing experience, whereas the Shadow's deep thocks and strong tactile feedback create a rewarding tactile sensation. Depending on your preference for sound and the level of tactile feedback, you might choose one over the other, but both can certainly enhance your overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and overall use case. If you favor a light, responsive typing experience with a bright, high-pitched sound and a smooth keystroke, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. It's particularly suitable for fast typists or gamers who desire quick actuation and a pronounced acoustic feedback that enhances their experience without being overly weighty. Conversely, if you find satisfaction in a more tactile typing experience that provides a medium-level resistance with a prominent tactile bump, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring would likely meet your needs. Its deeper, resonating sound profile, combined with sharp tactility and a bouncy feel, makes it ideal for typists who enjoy feedback on their keystrokes while typing. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you prioritize speed and lightness in your switches or a more pronounced tactile experience with satisfying auditory feedback.
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