Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the vast array of mechanical keyboard switches available, two standouts are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp). The Chiikawa - 45g, known for its bright sound profile and feathery light actuation force, offers a delightful typing experience that's both responsive and crisp, appealing to those who enjoy a more auditory feedback while typing. Conversely, the Silent T1 strikes a balance between feel and sound, providing a tactile sensation with its medium bump while ensuring a muted experience, making it an excellent choice for noise-sensitive environments. While the Chiikawa is ideal for those who thrive on the thrill of sound and lightness, the Silent T1 caters to users seeking a more subdued yet textured typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which leads to a similarly sharp, higher-pitched, and crisp sound profile when typing. The advantages of polycarbonate, a stiffer plastic, contribute to a clear and resonant acoustic experience, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize sound clarity. This shared material also ensures that both switches can effectively showcase RGB lighting due to their translucent qualities, offering an aesthetic appeal that further enhances the user experience. Thus, despite any differences in design or functionality, users can expect a comparable sound experience from the top housing of both switches.
In contrast, the bottom housing of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) are made from nylon. This classic switch housing material characteristically creates a deeper and fuller sound profile, attributed to nylon's softer composition that tends to absorb sound waves more than harder plastics. As a result, both switches produce a more muted and rounded acoustic experience when typing. This similarity in bottom housing materials means that, regardless of the top housing composition, both switches will deliver a consistent tactile enjoyment and sound quality, catering to users who prefer the richness typically associated with nylon.
When pressing down on either switch, the impact of the nylon bottom housing will be most notably felt, contributing significantly to the bottom-out sound and feel experienced by the typist. Concurrently, the qualities of the polycarbonate top housing will influence the sound profile upon key release. The combined effects of the materials used in both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Silent T1 (Shrimp) allow for a nuanced auditory experience; thus, users seeking both clarity and warmth in their keystrokes can enjoy an exceptional typing experience, regardless of their choice between these two models. Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in these switches leads to a harmonious balance catering to sound and tactile preference alike.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, a distinct difference is observed in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 45g features an actuation force of 45 grams, making it a medium-light option, while the bottom out force reaches 51 grams. In contrast, the Silent T1’s actuation force remains unknown, but its bottom out force is significantly higher at 67 grams, categorizing it as medium-heavy. Consequently, the Chiikawa offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions, whereas the Silent T1, with its heavier bottom out force, provides a more substantial tactile feedback that some users may prefer for a firmer feel. Thus, if a user favors a lighter switch, the Chiikawa would be the clear choice, while those who appreciate a heavier touch would lean towards the Silent T1.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch, we note that the Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Silent T1 measures 4 mm. This 0.4 mm difference positions the Chiikawa as the shorter option, which may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times. In contrast, the Silent T1, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial typing experience, favoring those who prefer deeper keystrokes for a tactile response. Ultimately, if you are looking for heightened responsiveness, the Chiikawa is the better choice, while the Silent T1 will cater to those who enjoy a more pronounced feel when typing.
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 Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent T1 (Shrimp) for $5.57.
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 audio profile, delivering a crisp and high-pitched sound that is quite responsive during typing. This can create an engaging auditory experience, especially appealing to those who enjoy the lively sounds of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) is designed specifically for quieter environments, producing muted audio feedback. This switch minimizes the characteristic sounds typically associated with mechanical keyboards, making it suitable for users in noise-sensitive settings. When considering sound, the Chiikawa offers a vibrant experience while the Silent T1 prioritizes discretion and reduced noise.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch provides a lightweight actuation, allowing for quick and effortless keystrokes, which contributes to a smooth and enjoyable typing experience. In contrast, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) offers a more complex tactile sensation, known for its medium bump and padded bottom-out feel. It features a stepped tactile feedback that ensures users can discern different stages of key travel without overwhelming tactility. Additionally, the refined and polished finish of the Silent T1 enhances the tactile experience, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key presses. Overall, while the Chiikawa emphasizes a light and fluent feel, the Silent T1 combines quietness with a noticeable, yet subtle, tactile response.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) present unique qualities suited for different types of users. The Chiikawa offers a bright sound and light actuation that caters to those who enjoy lively auditory feedback, whereas the Silent T1 excels in noise sensitivity, providing a muted sound profile and tactile feedback ideal for quieter environments. By understanding these distinctive characteristics, individuals can make informed decisions based on their preferences for sound and feel while considering the potential similarities in typing experience from other switch factors, such as the keyboard and keycap choices.
Conclusion
To wrap up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock Silent T1 (Shrimp) tactile switch ultimately depends on your specific preferences and typing environment. If you enjoy a lighter typing experience that prioritizes responsiveness and a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa switch would be an excellent choice, particularly for fast-paced typing or gaming where quick actuation is beneficial. Its crisp, high-pitched sound adds to the excitement of typing for those who don't mind a little acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you seek a more subdued experience, especially in noise-sensitive environments like an office or shared workspace, the Silent T1 (Shrimp) is ideal. Its medium-heavy actuation force and tactile bump provide satisfying feedback without the disruptive noise often associated with mechanical switches, making it perfect for users who prefer a muted yet engaging typing feel. Ultimately, understanding your typing habits and the environment in which you'll be using your keyboard can guide you toward the switch that best meets your needs.
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