Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When exploring the vast world of mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options emerge: the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Speed Silver, both of which are linear switches but cater to different preferences and typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its lightweight actuation force and bright, high-pitched sound profile, making it an appealing choice for users seeking a highly responsive and crisp typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver offers a slightly heavier actuation and a pristine sound profile, crafted for those who prioritize speed and precision in their typing. Its reduced travel distance allows for quicker actuation, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming or typing. While both switches provide unique benefits—one emphasizing a joyful auditory feedback and the other focusing on swift performance—they ultimately reflect the varied preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. 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
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Speed Silver switches share a commonality in their choice of top housing material: both utilize polycarbonate. This choice of material contributes to a distinctly sharp and high-pitched sound profile, which is characterized by its crispness and clarity. Polycarbonate's inherent stiffness enhances the resonant qualities of the sound produced when typing, allowing for an enjoyable auditory experience. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate tops makes them ideal for RGB lighting applications, ensuring vibrant light diffusion and visual aesthetics. Consequently, users can expect a similarly vibrant keypress feedback from both switches due to this shared top housing material.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Speed Silver consist of nylon, another common material noted for its sound-absorbing characteristics. Unlike the polycarbonate top housing that emphasizes higher frequencies, the nylon bottom housing contributes a deeper and fuller sound profile. This dual-material approach ensures a nuanced auditory experience, with the polycarbonate contributing to the higher notes upon key release, while the nylon delivers a rounder sound with more heft during the bottom-out phase. Consequently, the combined craftsmanship of both materials in each switch results in a well-rounded acoustic output.
Overall, while the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Speed Silver share similarities in their top housing material and a classic choice for their bottom housing, the blending of different properties leads to distinct outcomes in sound profiles. Users can enjoy sharp, crisp sounds on key release paired with deeper, rounder tones when the key bottoms out, delivering a rich typing experience. This synergy between the two material types not only provides functional benefits but also ensures a visually appealing setup, especially for those who appreciate the aesthetics of RGB lighting through their switches. In this way, both switches are designed to cater to varying preferences, yet they promise similarly satisfying results.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch both feature an identical actuation force of 45 grams, which means they will provide a similar typing feel when initiating a keystroke. However, they differ in their bottom out forces; the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Speed Silver requires a slightly heavier 55 grams to fully depress. This difference in bottom out force indicates that the TTC Speed Silver switch may feel more substantial and provide a firmer feedback upon bottoming out, making it potentially preferred by users who enjoy a stronger push feel. In contrast, the Chiikawa, being the lighter option overall with a lower bottom out force, may cater better to those looking for a more comfortable typing experience over extended periods. Overall, if one is looking for a switch that feels consistent with minimal strain, the Chiikawa offers a slightly lighter touch, while the Speed Silver allows for a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference means that the Chiikawa switch provides a more pronounced depth when pressed, making it potentially more satisfying for users who enjoy a hearty keypress. On the other hand, the Speed Silver's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers and others who prioritize responsiveness and quicker actuation times. Therefore, if you prefer a deeper feel in your key presses, the Chiikawa - 45g would be the better choice, while the Speed Silver is ideal for those seeking speed and efficiency in their keystrokes.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 bright and high-pitched tone, truly making it stand out in terms of auditory feedback. This resonant quality makes the typing experience feel lively and engaging. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver gives off a more neutral sound profile, which is moderate and balanced, making it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in a professional setting. The Chiikawa's crisp sound can be invigorating, while the Speed Silver’s subdued noise is more discreet, suitable for those who prefer less acoustic distraction.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, contributing to a responsive and playful typing experience. This lightness is perfect for users who enjoy rapid keystrokes but may sacrifice tactile feedback for speed. The Speed Silver, however, presents a mild and polished typing feel. This means that users will experience a gentle yet refined action, allowing for smooth key travel and reduced friction. The combination of slight resistance alongside a polished finish makes the Speed Silver approachable for both newcomers and seasoned typists alike.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and TTC Speed Silver linear switches present distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in sound vibrancy, making it ideal for those who prioritize an engaging auditory experience alongside fast keystrokes. On the other hand, the Speed Silver appeals to users looking for a balanced and polished typing sensation combined with a neutral sound. Choosing between these switches will ultimately boil down to whether you prefer a lively auditory feedback or a smooth and understated typing experience. Regardless of choice, each switch will provide satisfying results tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Speed Silver linear switches ultimately hinges on your specific preferences and typing style. If you favor a typing experience that is light and responsive, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its lower actuation force and bright sound profile make it suitable for rapid typing tasks, especially if you appreciate a crisp auditory feedback while typing. This switch is particularly beneficial for casual use or for those who enjoy a lively keyboard sound. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and precision, the TTC Speed Silver lines up more with your needs. With a marginally higher actuation force and a reduced travel distance, this switch caters to fast-paced typing, making it ideal for gaming or programming where every millisecond counts. The more neutral sound profile and mild feel of the Speed Silver also make it appropriate for environments where subtlety is desired, whether at home or in the office. Ultimately, think about how each switch aligns with your preferences for sound, feel, and responsiveness to make an informed decision that enhances your typing experience.
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