Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Silent Bluish White (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) present two distinct paths tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch stands out for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for users who favor responsiveness and a crisp, high-pitched acoustic feedback while typing. Its linear design allows for smooth keystrokes without the distraction of tactile bumps, appealing to gamers and fast typists alike. Conversely, the Silent Bluish White (V2) offers a medium tactile feel, giving users that satisfying resistance that many find comforting during extended typing sessions. Designed for a quieter performance, this switch is ideal for office environments or shared spaces where noise reduction is paramount. Ultimately, each switch brings unique advantages: the Chiikawa for its lightness and auditory experience, and the Silent Bluish White for its tactile feedback and muted operation. However, 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
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2), it is striking to note that both switches utilize polycarbonate for the top housing. The use of polycarbonate is significant as it imparts a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, leading to a more pronounced auditory experience when typing. The material’s stiffness contributes to a clear and resonant sound, making it ideal for users who appreciate a crisp typing feel. Additionally, both switches' clear polycarbonate tops enhance the aesthetic appeal, especially in setups featuring RGB lighting, as the translucency allows for effective light diffusion and visibility.
In contrast, the bottom housing of both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Silent Bluish White (V2) is constructed from nylon, a material recognized for its softer properties. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts with the more pronounced clarity provided by the polycarbonate top. Nylon is known to absorb sound, which helps create a rounder and more muted acoustic response, effectively balancing the overall sound experience of the switches. This harmony between the two materials enables users to enjoy both the clarity offered by the polycarbonate and the warmth from the nylon, leading to a well-rounded typing experience.
Consequently, the synergy between the different housing materials in these two switches allows for a unique sound and feel that can be similar in overall acoustic quality. While the Chiikawa - 45g excels in providing a crisper response from the polycarbonate top, the nylon bottom ensures that the sound profile remains rich and full, mitigating excessive sharpness. Users seeking a balanced typing experience will find that both switches can deliver satisfying results through their respective housing compositions, allowing for personalization and preference in acoustic feedback and tactile feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch, the actuation and bottom out forces reveal notable differences. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Silent Bluish White (V2) is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to press down during operation. Although both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, the Chiikawa switch requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Silent Bluish White, which may appeal to users who prefer a more tactile and substantial feel. Consequently, if you prioritize lighter switches for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Silent Bluish White (V2) would be the preferable choice, while those who enjoy a heavier feel may gravitate towards the Chiikawa.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a bit more depth with its travel, making it potentially suitable for users who appreciate a more pronounced key press sensation. On the other hand, the Silent Bluish White's travel distance allows for a slightly quicker actuation, which may appeal to gamers or those who prefer rapid response times. Consequently, if you lean towards a more responsive typing experience, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) might be the better choice due to its shorter travel distance. For users who enjoy a deeper and more tactile feel when typing, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g would be preferable.
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 TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Bluish White (V2) for $5.35.
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 is renowned for its bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched tone that contributes to an engaging typing experience. This switch's light actuation force ensures that each keystroke requires minimal effort, further enhancing its responsiveness. In contrast, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch offers a muted sound, specifically designed to minimize the noise typical of mechanical keyboards. This produces a softer auditory experience that makes them particularly suitable for environments like offices or shared living spaces, where quieter operation is often paramount. While both switches provide distinct sound characteristics, the Chiikawa leans towards an expressive auditory feedback while the Silent Bluish White focuses on a more subdued approach.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out for its linear design, which offers a smooth and uninterrupted keystroke with no tactile feedback to interrupt the flow. This results in a less complex typing sensation, appealing to those who favor a simplistic and responsive interface. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) has a medium tactile feel that provides a satisfying level of resistance upon activation, delivering a nuanced typing experience. Among its various qualities, this switch is characterized by a buttery smoothness combined with a mild, subtle resistance, creating an approachable typing environment. The stepped tactile nature of the Silent Bluish White further enhances the precision of keystrokes, making it well-suited for those who enjoy a bit of feedback without compromising on smoothness.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is tailored for individuals who appreciate a light, crisp, and bright typing sound with a smooth keystroke feel, whereas the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch excels in quieter environments, offering subtle tactile feedback and a polished typing experience. While both switches provide distinctive auditory and tactile qualities, their unique attributes cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. Ultimately, choosing between these two will depend on whether one values sound brightness and linear feel over muted operation and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) tactile switch should depend on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a lively and responsive typing experience with a higher-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is a great option. Its medium-light actuation force and bright sound profile make it especially suitable for gamers or those who enjoy a more energetic keystroke without sacrificing responsiveness. However, if you're working in a shared or office setting where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum, the TTC Silent Bluish White (V2) is your best bet. With its light actuation force, medium tactile feedback, and muted sound signature, this switch allows for a comfortable yet discreet typing experience. Essentially, while the Chiikawa - 45g excels in providing an engaging feel and sound, the Silent Bluish White (V2) shines in situations where a quieter switch is necessary. So, consider both your typing environment and desired feedback to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
