Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Silent Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Red offer two distinct experiences, attracting different types of typists. The Chiikawa - 45g, known for its bright sound profile and notably light actuation force, presents a crisp, high-pitched sound that can make typing feel particularly responsive and vibrant. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy an audible feedback and prefer a lighter touch. Conversely, the TTC Silent Red stands out for its muted sound profile, making it an ideal choice for shared workspaces or quieter environments. It provides a smooth and consistent keystroke from top to bottom, along with a padded bottom-out feel that prioritizes comfort during extended use. While the Chiikawa appeals to those who desire an engaging auditory experience, the Silent Red caters to users looking for a refined, silent typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Red share a significant similarity in their top housing material, both utilizing polycarbonate. This choice of material results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile for each switch, attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature. The aesthetic appeal offered by the translucency of polycarbonate makes both switches ideal for RGB lighting applications, enhancing the visual experience during use. Consequently, users can expect an analogous audio output when engaging with the switches, as both capitalize on the acoustic properties of polycarbonate to create a resonant sound that excites tactile interaction.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the two switches differ in their effect on sound profiles due to their material composition. Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Red feature nylon as the bottom housing material, which is known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile that provides a grounded feedback during key presses. Consequently, while the top housings produce a crisp sound upon release, the nylon bottom housing delivers a more muted, rounder sound experience during the actuation phase—a design that balances both acoustic properties.
When evaluating the overall performance and sound character of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Silent Red, it's clear that the combination of polycarbonate tops and nylon bottoms culminates in a well-rounded auditory experience. While both utilize the same materials for top and bottom housings, the interaction between the stiffer top and softer bottom creates a dynamic sound signature. Users can enjoy a consistent and pleasurable typing experience across both switches, leveraging the strengths of each material to achieve not only individual sound profiles but also a cohesive aesthetic when employed in RGB setups. Ultimately, this pairing allows typists to revel in the unique yet harmonious sounds created by the interplay of polycarbonate and nylon within these two distinctive switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, both have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means that users will experience the same amount of effort needed to trigger a keystroke in both switches. However, their bottom out forces differ significantly, with the Chiikawa switch reaching a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Silent Red has a heavier bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This key difference highlights that the Chiikawa switch feels lighter overall, providing a more effortless typing experience, which is ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Silent Red's greater bottom out force may appeal to users who prefer a stronger, more substantial push feel when typing. Essentially, if you're looking for a lighter switch with easier actuation, the Chiikawa switch is your best bet, while the TTC Silent Red caters to those who appreciate a firmer keystroke feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.7 mm. This means that, while both switches are relatively short in travel distance compared to the traditional 4.0 mm, the Chiikawa switch provides a more responsive feel, making it a potentially better choice for gamers seeking faster key presses and quicker response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more pronounced and deeper keystroke may find the Silent Red switch's 3.7 mm travel distance more satisfying, as it offers a small but noteworthy increase in depth. In summary, the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, providing a snappier experience, while the Silent Red switch offers a slightly longer travel distance for users who appreciate more depth in their keystrokes.
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 Red has an MSRP of $5.28 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Red for $4.38.
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 comparing the sound profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Silent Red linear switch, the differences are quite pronounced. The Chiikawa - 45g is known for its bright sound profile, which produces a crisp, high-pitched sound that can be quite pleasant for those who appreciate a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Silent Red switch takes a different approach with its muted sound profile, designed to minimize the noise typically associated with mechanical keyboards. This makes the Silent Red an ideal choice for environments where noise reduction is preferred, such as offices or shared spaces.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, providing a highly responsive experience that encourages rapid keystrokes with minimal effort. This lightness can lead to a lively and engaging typing sensation, appealing to those who value speed. The TTC Silent Red, on the other hand, offers a buttery and polished experience, allowing for a seamless and effortless keystroke. With its mild characteristics, the Silent Red ensures comfort during extended typing sessions, making it approachable for a wide range of users while still providing a refined feel that enhances the overall typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Red linear switches cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Chiikawa - 45g shines with its light actuation and bright sound, appealing to those who favor a spirited typing style. Meanwhile, the TTC Silent Red excels in environments where a quieter operation is necessary, all while providing a smooth, comfortable experience. Depending on your priorities—be it sound clarity or muted operation—both switches can deliver enjoyable and satisfactory performance.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Silent Red linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a more audible, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option, particularly if you enjoy a responsive feel and are using your keyboard in a personal space where sound isn't an issue. This switch's medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it great for rapid typing and gaming. Conversely, if your focus is on a quiet and understated typing experience—especially in an office or shared living environment—the TTC Silent Red is the preferable choice. Its medium-heavy weight of 63.5 grams contributes to a smooth and buttery typing experience, and its muted sound profile ensures you won't disturb others as you type. Therefore, consider what matters most to you: a vibrant typing experience with the Chiikawa - 45g or a serene, enjoyable experience with the Silent Red, and choose accordingly to enhance your mechanical keyboard journey.
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