Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, two notable options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Silent Ink Black, both of which are linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its lightweight actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched auditory response that many typists find satisfying and invigorating. This makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a lively typing experience and want a switch that is both responsive and engaging. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is tailored for quieter environments, providing a cushy, pillow-like bottom-out feel and minimal audio feedback. This switch is ideal for users who seek a serene typing experience, making it perfect for office settings or shared spaces where noise levels are a concern. While the Chiikawa - 45g appeals to those who enjoy the sonic aspect of typing, the Silent Ink Black is suited for those prioritizing discretion. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Silent Ink Black utilize distinctly different housing materials that contribute to their unique sound profiles. The Chiikawa's top housing is made of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic known for creating a sharper and crisper sound. This material's translucency is beneficial for RGB lighting setups, allowing light to shine through brightly and enhancing the aesthetics of a keyboard. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black employs a proprietary INK blend for its top housing, which also produces a high-pitched sound profile, yet it is noted for being less sharp than polycarbonate. Although both utilize materials that create a similar pointed sound, the key difference lies in the texture and clarity of the acoustics, with the Chiikawa producing more overt brightness compared to the smoother clackiness of the Silent Ink Black.
Beneath the switches, the bottom housing further differentiates these two models. The Chiikawa's nylon bottom housing is known for delivering a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer composition that absorbs impact and dampens sound. This results in a more rounded acoustical experience, providing a warm contrast to its sharper top housing. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black’s bottom housing, constructed from the same INK blend, also contributes to producing a high-pitched sound, but it is characterized by a less pronounced depth compared to nylon. While both switches share a similar upper sound profile, the Chiikawa benefits from the sonic softness of nylon, whereas the Silent Ink Black maintains a more consistent sharpness across both housings.
The interplay between the top and bottom housings is essential in defining the overall sound and feel experienced when typing on these switches. With the Chiikawa's top polycarbonate housing accentuating the higher frequencies and the nylon bottom contributing to a rounder sound, the result is a balanced acoustic experience with an emphasis on versatility. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black's consistent INK blend across both its top and bottom housings provides a unified sound profile that remains high-pitched without the dampening effect seen in nylon materials. Ultimately, users may find that the Chiikawa - 45g is ideal for those seeking a crisp and bright typing experience, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black caters to individuals who prefer a more cohesive and slightly muted sound.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which many users may appreciate for extended typing sessions or gaming, as it requires less effort to register keystrokes. In contrast, the Silent Ink Black has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, making it medium-heavy. This heavier resistance caters to users who prefer a more substantial typing feel, providing tactile feedback that some find preferable for accuracy and control. Therefore, while both switches perform effectively, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter option, allowing for easier and less tiring keystrokes, whereas the Silent Ink Black offers a firmer push, appealing to those who enjoy a more forceful experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Ink Black comes in at 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch offers a shorter travel distance, making it more responsive and potentially suitable for gamers who favor quicker key actuation. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black, with its longer travel distance, provides a deeper feel, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. If responsiveness is a priority, the Chiikawa switch would be the better choice, but for those who appreciate a more pronounced feedback with each keystroke, the Silent Ink Black would likely be more satisfying. Thus, the difference in travel distances highlights the varying preferences among users when it comes to tactile responses and typing feel.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its bright and crisp high-pitched sound profile, making it notably responsive during use. This auditory characteristic can provide an engaging typing experience, appealing to those who enjoy the sound of their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch is designed for quieter environments, boasting a considerably muted audio feedback. Its silenced design significantly dampens sound, allowing for a more discreet typing experience. Therefore, while both switches can deliver quality performance, the Chiikawa - 45g is more suited for users who appreciate auditory feedback, while the Silent Ink Black caters to those who require a quieter setup.
When it comes to tactile feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers an exceptionally light actuation force, resulting in a very responsive typing experience. Although the specific tactile quality of the Chiikawa is not detailed, the lighter force implies a linear feel that is quick and easy to engage. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black is characterized as providing a silky sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. This means that while both switches may share the linear nature that many users appreciate, the Silent Ink Black emphasizes a more plush, cushy feel upon bottoming out, whereas the Chiikawa’s light actuation can make it feel more responsive and quicker.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa switch shines with its bright sound and light actuation that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback and quick keystrokes. Conversely, the Silent Ink Black excels in silence and offers a silky-smooth typing experience perfect for quieter environments. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound and responsiveness or a muted and plush typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa switch, with its 45g actuation force and bright sound profile, might be ideal for you. Its high-pitched sound and crisp feedback can enhance your typing enjoyment, especially for those who favor a tactile approach to keystrokes. On the other hand, if you often find yourself in quieter environments or share your workspace with others, the Silent Ink Black would be a better fit. With a heavier 70g bottom-out force and a silky feel that minimizes noise, these switches provide a cushioned typing experience while ensuring you won't disturb those around you. Ultimately, choose the Chiikawa for a lively and responsive typing style, and opt for the Silent Ink Black for a smooth and discreet experience.
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