Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the unique characteristics of different options. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch, celebrated for its bright sound profile and remarkably light actuation force, offers an exceptionally responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback. Its lightweight feel can be particularly appealing for those who enjoy fast-paced typing or gaming. In contrast, the Dareu Snow switch captivates users with its innovative POK material, which grants it a deep, thocky sound signature that some typists might prefer for a more satisfying acoustic feedback. Characterized by a smooth linear motion, the Snow switch provides a bouncy feel that allows for a slightly different typing experience compared to the Chiikawa's lighter touch. While both switches deliver excellent performance as linear options, their distinctive sound profiles and tactile sensations cater to varying user preferences. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
When examining the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Snow switches, distinct features arise that impact their acoustic and tactile qualities. The Chiikawa - 45g employs a polycarbonate top housing, known for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's stiffness contributes to clear resonances, making it particularly advantageous for users who appreciate RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Snow switch utilizes a POK (polyketone) top housing, which is distinguished by its low friction coefficient and exceptional durability. While the POK material offers a smoother typing experience and incorporates a stronger resilience against wear compared to other plastics, it diverges from the brightness of polycarbonate, creating a different auditory experience.
In assessing the bottom housings, both switches share a commonality with nylon material. The nylon bottom housing in the Chiikawa - 45g contributes a deeper, more rounded sound that absorbs vibrations, resulting in a fuller auditory experience. This characteristic is echoed in the Dareu Snow, where the same nylon composition promotes a similar sound profile, ensuring a richness that is often desirable among typists. As such, while the top housings of each switch differ markedly in terms of material properties and resultant sound signatures, the overlap at the bottom housing level serves as a unifying feature that contributes to the overall typing experience.
Ultimately, the combination of distinct top and shared bottom housings illustrates how the overall performance of each switch can yield complementary results. The Chiikawa - 45g's polycarbonate top creates a bright sound profile, while the Snow switch’s POK top provides a smoother and more robust feel; however, both switches leverage nylon in their bottom construction to produce that rich, deep sound. Thus, even though typists may notice variations in the tactile and sound experience when engaging with the top housings individually, the underlying similarity in their nylon bottoms ensures that both switches deliver a satisfying auditory feedback, bridging the differences and culminating in an engaging typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch exhibit distinct differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Snow switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams. This difference positions the Chiikawa as the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for long typing sessions or gaming marathons. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Chiikawa's is measured at 51 grams, contrasting with the Snow’s heavier bottom out force of 60 grams. These differences suggest that users who favor a lighter, softer touch for prolonged use may prefer the Chiikawa, while those looking for a more substantial typing experience might be inclined toward the Snow. The Chiikawa is thus characterized as medium-light overall, whereas the Snow has a medium feel, appealing to different preferences in typing force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Snow switch offers a slightly shorter distance of 3.3 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch provides a deeper feel when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more solid keypress experience. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Snow switch may appeal to gamers or users who prioritize fast response times and quicker actuation. Thus, if responsiveness is your top priority, the Dareu Snow would be the better choice, while those who appreciate a more substantial depth should lean towards the Chiikawa.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that is notably responsive when typing. This high frequency can add a lively ambiance to your typing experience, making it feel energetic and engaging. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow linear switch delivers a deeper sound signature, produced by its innovative POK material in both the top housing and stem. This switch offers a thocky sound that combines a rich and satisfying depth, akin to a deep "thud" when the key is pressed and released. For users who appreciate a lower-pitched, bass-heavy sound, the Snow switch provides a more mellow auditory experience compared to the Chiikawa.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, which makes it a breeze to type on, ensuring quick and effortless key presses. While the precise tactile feedback of the Chiikawa isn’t defined here, its lightness suggests a smooth and fluid typing experience. In contrast, the Snow switch is noted for its bouncy characteristics, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation when pressed. This lively quality enhances the typing experience, allowing for a pleasant rebound that can make typing feel more dynamic and responsive.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 45g excels in a bright and responsive sound profile with a light feel, the Dareu Snow switch provides its users with a richer, deeper auditory experience and a delightful bouncy sensation. Choosing between these two will ultimately depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel; if you prefer a lively, high-pitched sound and effortless key presses, the Chiikawa might be ideal. Conversely, if you enjoy a thocky sound and a bouncy typing experience, the Snow switch would be more suitable. Regardless, both switches promise to deliver engaging typing experiences that can be enhanced or altered by the choice of keyboard and keycaps.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, consider the typing experience you seek. If you prefer a responsive feel and a lighter touch, the Chiikawa - 45g is your best bet. Its bottom-out force of 51 grams allows for quick, effortless keystrokes, making it an excellent choice for fast typists or gamers who value speed and precision. The bright, high-pitched sound adds an element of excitement to your typing experience, perfect for those who enjoy a more lively auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more balanced typing experience with a deeper, thocky sound profile, the Dareu Snow could be the ideal switch for you. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a firmer resistance, suited for users who prefer a more substantial feedback with each keystroke. The innovative POK material not only enhances sound dampening but also contributes to a bouncy, elastic feel, making it enjoyable for both extended typing sessions and casual gaming. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize a light, quick response or a more robust, solid feel with a satisfying sound.
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