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Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Dareu Sky V4

An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Sky V4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Sky V4 offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its lightweight 45g actuation force, allowing for swift keystrokes and a bright, high-pitched sound profile that adds a playful tone to the typing experience. This responsiveness makes it an attractive option for gamers and those who favor quick, light touches. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 stands out with its unique use of POK material in the top housing, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear action. This switch is ideal for typists seeking a richer acoustic experience, characterized by its thocky, neutral feel and bouncy response, offering a satisfying weight to each keystroke. Both switches have their merits, with the Chiikawa - 45g appealing to those who prioritize speed and crisp sounds, while the Sky V4 caters to users who enjoy a more substantial and resonant 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

55g

Pre-travel

1.80 mm

Pre-travel

2.00 mm

Total travel

3.60 mm

Total travel

3.60 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

POK

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 spring

Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Sky V4 present a fascinating comparison, particularly in their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its stiffness which results in a sharper and crisper sound profile. This clarity is particularly pronounced when the switch is paired with RGB lighting due to the translucency of polycarbonate. In contrast, the Sky V4 employs a POK material for its top housing, which, while also designed to enhance the acoustics of the switch, focuses on providing a smooth tactile experience and exceptional durability. While both materials are high-quality choices that contribute to a pleasant user experience, the Chiikawa's polycarbonate is geared more towards sound clarity, making it ideal for those who prioritize auditory feedback in their typing experience.

Both switches employ nylon for their bottom housing, which helps unify their acoustic characteristics. Nylon is celebrated for creating a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, which dampens sound vibrations. This similarity means that when typing on either switch, users can expect a consistent auditory experience driven by the nylon base. The commonality in bottom housing effectively harmonizes the sound output, ensuring that the deep, rounded tones provided by nylon resonate regardless of the differing top materials. This characteristic allows both switches to deliver a satisfying typing sound even as each top housing creates its own distinct auditory imprint.

Moreover, while the Chiikawa - 45g and the Sky V4 differ in their top housing materials, the overall auditory experience is still well-integrated due to the complementary nature of their constructions. The impact of the top housing on the sound profile differs: the polycarbonate top will contribute clarity and resonance while the POK will emphasize a smoother sound. However, the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures that the user will experience a full-bodied keystroke sound from both switches, presenting a unique combination of auditory experiences. Ultimately, while their top materials offer unique properties, the nylon bottom housing provides a common platform on which both switches can excel in delivering an engaging and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, both switches exhibit the same actuation force of 45 grams, indicating that they will provide a similar keystroke feel in terms of activation. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Chiikawa requiring 51 grams to bottom out compared to the Sky V4's 55 grams. This means that while both switches offer a light actuation pressure, the Dareu Sky V4 adds a bit more resistance when pressed all the way down, giving it a slightly heavier overall feel. Therefore, for those who favor a more substantial typing experience, the Sky V4 might be the better choice, while the Chiikawa will be appreciated by users who prefer a slightly lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Overall, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter option, whereas the Sky V4 is the heavier of the two.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch both feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of either switch, as the distance they travel from top to bottom is the same. Consequently, both switches will provide a comparable feel and feedback during typing or gaming sessions, ensuring that performance and responsiveness remain consistent across both options.

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 Dareu Sky V4 has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky V4 for $4.76.

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 Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a bright and crisp auditory profile, characterized by a high-pitched tone that provides an engaging feedback while typing. This distinctive quality contributes to a responsive typing experience, making each keystroke feel notably alive. In contrast, the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch features a deeper, thocky sound signature, offering a rich and satisfying auditory feedback that leans toward a more bass-heavy, low-pitched tone. This combination of sound characteristics creates a contrasting experience between the two switches, appealing to different preferences in auditory feedback while typing.

In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is recognized for its incredibly light actuation force, resulting in a very responsive and effortless typing experience. This allows typists to enjoy a quicker interaction with the keys, requiring less energy to press down each switch. Meanwhile, the Dareu Sky V4 switch distinguishes itself with a bouncy feel, providing a spring-like feedback that engages the typist with a lively sensation on each keystroke. This bounciness gives the user a little extra rebound when pressing the keys, contributing to an enjoyable experience that feels slightly different from the lighter Chiikawa switch.

In summary, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, they cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa's bright sound and light feel enable rapid typing, while the Sky V4’s thocky sound and bouncy feedback create a rich and engaging experience. Choosing between them will largely come down to personal preference in both sound and feel, as they provide unique characteristics that can significantly influence your overall typing experience.

Conclusion

To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Sky V4 linear switch, your decision largely hinges on your personal preferences for sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter touch with a quicker actuation and enjoy a high-pitched, crisp sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is the better option for you. Its medium-light actuation and bottom-out force make it ideal for fast typists or those who write extensively, as it offers a responsive and bright typing experience. On the other hand, if you value a deeper, more thocky sound profile combined with a bouncy feedback sensation, the Dareu Sky V4 will cater to that preference well. With its slightly heavier bottom-out force and innovative POK material, it delivers a smooth and rich typing experience that is satisfying for both casual users and those who want a more tactile engagement with their keyboard. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards a lighter, more reactive typing experience or a fuller, more resonant sound with elastic feedback.

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