Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Silent Sakura - 53g
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the ideal mechanical keyboard switches for your typing experience, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g offer distinct yet appealing characteristics to suit different preferences. The Chiikawa switch, known for its bright sound profile and lightweight 45g actuation force, provides a highly responsive feel with a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the tactile feedback of each keystroke, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Silent Sakura switch is designed for a more subdued atmosphere, boasting a balanced 53g bottom-out force that delivers a whisper-quiet experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops against a window. This makes the Silent Sakura ideal for users who appreciate a softer, yet satisfying keystroke without disturbing their surroundings. While both switches offer linear smoothness, the choice between the bright and lively Chiikawa and the muted and serene Silent Sakura ultimately rests on personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
53g
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
The housing materials used in the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switches highlight contrasting acoustic properties that influence the overall typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its stiffness and clarity. This results in a sound profile that is sharper and crisper, making each keystroke more pronounced. In contrast, the Silent Sakura - 53g utilizes a nylon top housing, which produces a softer and more subdued sound due to the material's ability to absorb sound. Thus, while the Chiikawa aims for a bright and vivid auditory feedback, the Silent Sakura opts for a more muted experience.
When examining the bottom housings of both switches, the roles reverse, further emphasizing their distinct sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g has a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, complementing the crisper notes produced by the polycarbonate top housing. This combination provides a balanced auditory experience, giving users a satisfying bottom-out sound without harshness. Conversely, the Silent Sakura - 53g features a polycarbonate bottom housing, which injects a sharper, more resonant quality into the overall soundscape. This shift allows for a crisper bottoming-out experience, shifting the emphasis on clarity and articulation even at the base of the keystroke.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches could deliver a similarly satisfying typing experience, albeit with different tonal qualities. For users who appreciate RGB lighting, the clarity of the Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top housing could provide striking visual effects, whereas those who prefer a fuller sound might gravitate towards the Silent Sakura’s nylon top housing. Ultimately, both designs leverage the strengths of their materials, allowing users to tailor their auditory preferences based on their chosen switch.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, both switches have an identical actuation force of 45 grams, meaning they will offer a similar keystroke feel when initiated. This can provide a consistent typing experience for users who prefer a lighter touch, making it easier to type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Chiikawa requiring 51 grams to bottom out, while the Silent Sakura has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that while both switches feel the same at the actuation point, the Silent Sakura will provide a firmer resistance when pressed all the way down compared to the Chiikawa, which may appeal to users seeking a more substantial typing experience. In summary, the Chiikawa is the lighter option overall when considering bottom out force, making it potentially preferable for those prioritizing comfort during long usage periods.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch, there is a distinct difference between the two. The Chiikawa measures at 3.6 mm, while the Silent Sakura has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Chiikawa offers a shorter travel distance, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times, whereas the Silent Sakura's longer travel distance might provide a more traditional and deeper feel for those who prefer a more tactile experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for responsiveness versus depth in key presses.
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 - 53g 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This gives the user a very responsive auditory feedback that many typists find satisfying. In contrast, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g switch offers a whisper-quiet typing experience, reminiscent of gentle raindrops tapping against a window. This muted sound makes the Silent Sakura ideal for environments where noise reduction is a priority. However, it is important to note that sound can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, meaning that both switches might exhibit differing acoustic properties based on the particular setup.
When looking at the feel of both switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for having a very light actuation force and a smooth keystroke, making it highly responsive for fast typing. The low force needed allows for easy activation, which can enhance typing speed and comfort during long sessions. Meanwhile, the Silent Sakura - 53g offers a slightly heavier bottom-out force at 53g, which provides a satisfying degree of resistance while still being considered light. This balanced feel caters to typists who enjoy a more controlled keystroke without sacrificing the comfort of lighter switches.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is ideal for those who prefer a bright, crisp sound and an extremely light typing experience that promotes rapid keystrokes. Conversely, the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g appeals to users who seek a more subdued auditory experience paired with a balanced, slightly heavier feel for a controlled typing experience. Depending on your preferences for sound and actuation force, each switch provides unique characteristics that can cater to different typing styles and environments.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Silent Sakura - 53g linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences regarding sound and typing experience. If you prefer a lighter switch that offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its 45g actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound will provide you with a responsive typing experience that feels very light and energetic. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy an exhilarating typing sensation and thrive on a lively sound profile while working or gaming.
On the other hand, if you prioritize a quieter environment without sacrificing a satisfying keystroke, the Silent Sakura - 53g is the way to go. Boasting a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams, this switch strikes a balance that offers a satisfying feel while ensuring that your typing remains discreet. The sound is reminiscent of gentle raindrops, perfect for shared workspaces or late-night typing sessions where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Ultimately, choose the Chiikawa for an engaging and bright experience, or the Silent Sakura for serenity and subtlety in your keystrokes.
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