Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 43g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Silent Sakura - 43g present two fascinating options that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, delivering a responsive and crisp typing experience that many typists find exhilarating. Its 45g actuation weight offers a perfect balance for those who enjoy tactile feedback paired with a higher-pitched sound that can energize the typing process. On the other hand, the Silent Sakura switch stands out for its whisper-quiet operation, reminiscent of gentle raindrops, making it an excellent choice for users in shared spaces or those who prefer a more serene typing environment. With its slightly lower actuation force of 43g, the Silent Sakura caters well to light typists who seek a smooth, soft touch with minimal noise. Both switches have their distinct advantages, highlighting the importance of choosing a switch that aligns with your typing style and environment. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
37g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
43g
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
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
22mm extended single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g, a notable contrast arises from their top housings: polycarbonate versus nylon. The Chiikawa's use of polycarbonate for its top housing results in a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. This is attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances resonance and clarity, making it ideal for those who appreciate the crispness of keystrokes, especially with RGB lighting aesthetics in mind. In contrast, the Silent Sakura employs nylon for its top housing, yielding a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softness of nylon allows it to absorb more sound, creating a rounder and more muted auditory experience. Thus, while both switches provide unique auditory experiences, those seeking clarity may lean towards the Chiikawa, whereas those desiring a warmer sound might prefer the Silent Sakura.
The bottom housing materials also present an interesting juxtaposition. The Chiikawa's bottom housing is constructed from nylon, which creates a deeper, fuller sound, effectively contributing to a duller bottom-out feel. This complements the impact of the switch when it is fully pressed down. In contrast, the Silent Sakura features a polycarbonate bottom housing, reinforcing the sharper sound profile with a more resonant bottom-out feedback. This blend of materials results in distinct auditory characteristics when typing, reflecting how the combination of top and bottom housings influences the overall sound experience.
Ultimately, the interplay between the two switches' materials leads to a spectrum of results, tied closely to the user’s preference. While the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom combine for a crisp, bright typing experience, the Silent Sakura's nylon top and polycarbonate bottom provide a balanced response with a fuller sound profile. For users who are methodical about their keystrokes, the Chiikawa can evoke a more dynamic experience with its sharper pitches, while the Silent Sakura offers a softer touch. Consequently, understanding these material qualities allows enthusiasts to select the right switch that resonates with their typing style, ensuring that both models can deliver satisfying performance aligned with personal preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, significant differences in actuation force and bottom out force emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a higher actuation force of 45 grams, while the Silent Sakura switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams, making the Silent Sakura easier to press. In terms of bottom out force, the Chiikawa's is also higher at 51 grams compared to the Silent Sakura's 43 grams. This means the Chiikawa switch provides a more substantial feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience, while the lighter Silent Sakura is better suited for longer typing sessions or gaming, where less fatigue is advantageous. Ultimately, those seeking a lighter touch would gravitate towards the HMX Silent Sakura, whereas users desiring a firmer keystroke would benefit from the Bsun Chiikawa.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch, a notable difference is evident. The Chiikawa switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura features a longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking a more responsive feel and quicker actuation. On the other hand, the longer 4.0 mm travel distance of the Silent Sakura can provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer substantial feedback during their keystrokes. Thus, individuals with a preference for rapid response times will likely gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while those valuing a deeper keystroke will find the Silent Sakura more appealing.
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 HMX Silent Sakura - 43g comes in at $3.50 per 10 switches.
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 characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched noise when typing, making it quite pronounced in terms of auditory feedback. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch is engineered for a whisper-quiet experience, offering sounds akin to gentle raindrops against a window. This stark contrast in sound presentations caters to different preferences; the Chiikawa may be more appealing to those who enjoy an audible indicator of their key presses, while the Silent Sakura is ideal for users who favor a serene and discreet typing environment.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, resulting in a responsive typing experience that can feel slightly floaty or quick, making it suitable for fast typists. The Silent Sakura - 43g, also featuring a lightweight design with its ultra-light 43g bottom-out force, provides a smooth and effortless keystroke, prioritizing comfort for those who prefer a softer touch. Both switches emphasize a light touch but can vary in the overall sensation from feedback and travel depth, catering to different typing styles and preferences.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g offer distinct experiences shaped by their sound profiles and tactile feedback. The Chiikawa caters to users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience with a light and responsive feel, while the Silent Sakura appeals to those seeking a quieter, more gentle typing experience with similar light actuation. Ultimately, both are designed for comfortable use, yet their differing sound and tactile sensations are essential factors for newcomers to consider when choosing a switch that best fits their typing style and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, the decision between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 43g linear switch ultimately hinges on your personal typing style and environment. If you enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback and a slightly firmer feel, the Chiikawa switch's 51g bottom-out force and crisp sound profile will cater to your preferences, providing a delightful and responsive typing experience. This switch is ideal if you often type in a more open space where a bit of sound isn't an issue and you appreciate the energizing liveliness of typing. Conversely, if you're more inclined towards a quieter atmosphere—perhaps you work in shared spaces or prefer a serene environment—the Silent Sakura switch is an excellent choice with its lighter 43g bottom-out force. Its near-silent operation offers a smooth and gentle tactile feedback, making it perfect for light typists who value discretion. In essence, you should select the Chiikawa switch for its lively feedback and sound if you thrive in a dynamic setting, while the Silent Sakura is better suited for those who seek an unobtrusive and calm typing experience.
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