Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two standout options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, both renowned linear switches but with distinct characteristics tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its very light actuation force, vibrant sound profile, and crisp, high-pitched acoustics, making it an excellent choice for typists who appreciate a responsive and lively typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro is engineered specifically with gamers in mind, offering a smooth keystroke glide and a pleasingly bassy sound that enhances the immersive gaming experience. With its light actuation force and shortened travel distance, it delivers key advantages in high-stakes scenarios where every millisecond counts. While both switches offer unique benefits, it's essential to consider how their distinct traits cater to your individual typing or gaming style. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro feature polycarbonate top housings, which significantly influence their overall sound profiles. Polycarbonate, known for its stiffness, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This shared material allows both switches to excel in scenarios where clarity and resonance are essential, especially for users who want to take advantage of RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. As a result, whether one selects the Chiikawa - 45g or the V3 Silver Pro, they can expect a similar auditory experience stemming from the top housing's characteristics.
On the other hand, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which introduces a contrasting sound profile to that of the polycarbonate upper section. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and creates a deeper, fuller typing experience. This difference in materials plays a crucial role in the overall acoustic experience, as the nylon bottom housing contributes to a more rounded sound when the key is bottomed out. For users, this means that while the top housing provides a crisp exit sound, the nylon bottom offers a more cushioned sensation when pressing the keys down, resulting in a balanced auditory experience across both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings in both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Akko V3 Silver Pro creates a comprehensive and harmonious typing experience. With polycarbonate’s clarity and vibrancy at the top and nylon’s warmth and depth at the bottom, users can enjoy a versatile sound profile that caters to different preferences. Despite their unique design aesthetics or branding, the fundamental similarities in housing materials ensure that those opting for either switch will experience comparable performance characteristics, making the selection more about personal preference in tactile feedback and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, making it medium-light, while the V3 Silver Pro features a lighter actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This means that the V3 Silver Pro requires less force to trigger a keystroke and to bottom out, making it the lighter option overall. Users who prefer a softer touch for extended typing sessions or gaming may find the lighter feel of the V3 Silver Pro more comfortable. In contrast, the Chiikawa, with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces, offers a more substantial push feel, appealing to those who favor a heavier typing experience. Thus, while both switches serve different preferences, the Chiikawa provides a bit more resistance compared to the V3 Silver Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, we see a slight variation that caters to different preferences among users. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the V3 Silver Pro features a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. This difference can impact the overall typing experience, as gamers may favor the quicker, more responsive feel of the V3 Silver Pro due to its shorter travel, facilitating faster key presses and actions. Conversely, those who prefer a more substantial depth while typing may find the Chiikawa - 45g's longer travel distance more satisfying, offering a more pronounced tactile feedback with each keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences around responsiveness versus depth in 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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a notably bright and high-pitched acoustic profile, resulting in a crisp, lively response that is satisfying to the ears during typing. This characteristic makes it particularly appealing to users who prefer a sharper auditory feedback. In contrast, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch leans towards a bassier sound, offering a more rounded auditory experience that aligns well with gaming environments. While the Chiikawa's sound is more pronounced and clearer, the V3 Silver Pro's bassy tones contribute to an immersive feel, especially in fast-paced scenarios. Ultimately, both these switches offer distinct sound signatures that can greatly influence the typing experience, depending on individual preferences.
Feel-wise, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it responsive and enjoyable to type on, especially for those who favor minimal resistance. Its lightness stands out when considering extended typing sessions, as it reduces finger fatigue. This feeling of effortless keypressing aligns well with descriptions of the Akko V3 Silver Pro, which also boasts a light actuation force and is specifically designed for ease of use. Furthermore, the V3 Silver Pro’s creamy, feathery, polished, and silky characteristics enhance its typing experience by offering an exceptionally smooth and comfortable feel, making it ideal for gamers and typists alike. Both switches excel in providing a gentle yet responsive typing feel, ensuring that users can type quickly with minimal strain.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch differ in their sound profiles—with the former leaning towards a bright and crisp tone and the latter presenting a deeper, bass-laden resonance—they both deliver an impressively light and comfortable typing experience. The similarities in their ease of actuation and reduced finger fatigue make both switches appealing for users looking for responsive and forgiving options, whether for gaming or long writing sessions. Ultimately, your choice might hinge on whether you prefer a sharper or richer sound, but both options promise a satisfying experience.
Conclusion
To summarize, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value a medium-light bottom-out force with a bright, high-pitched sound and a highly responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent choice, especially for typing tasks where precision and auditory feedback enhance your productivity. On the other hand, if you're primarily a gamer seeking rapid keystrokes and maximum efficiency, the V3 Silver Pro is tailored for you, offering an exceptionally light actuation force and a creamy feel that minimizes finger fatigue during long gaming sessions. Additionally, the pleasing bassy sound profile of the V3 Silver Pro can enhance your overall gaming ambiance, making it a better fit for fast-paced actions that require immediate response. Therefore, evaluating your priorities in terms of sound preference, typing comfort, and intended use will guide you in selecting the switch that best aligns with your mechanical keyboard experience.
Mentioned in this article
