Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Everglide Sticky Rice (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) stand out for distinct reasons, catering to various preferences among typists and gamers alike. The Chiikawa - 45g is a linear switch renowned for its very light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched auditory feedback that can enhance the typing experience for those who favor responsiveness and speed. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), categorized as a hall effect switch, offers a refined typing experience characterized by a smooth, buttery keystroke and a neutral sound signature that features the deeper "thock" sound preferred by enthusiasts. While the Chiikawa - 45g excels in providing quick and lively feedback for fast-paced gaming, the Sticky Rice (V2) appeals to users seeking a polished, tactile experience without any unwanted wobble. Both switches have unique advantages, making them desirable for different use cases; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, leading to remarkable similarities in their sound profiles. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer material, ensures a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper auditory experience regardless of the specific switch design. This shared characteristic makes both switches particularly vibrant, harmonizing well with RGB lighting due to their translucency, which allows for a visually appealing illumination effect. Consequently, users can expect a consistent acoustic response when utilizing either switch, underscoring the advantages of polycarbonate housing in enhancing sound clarity.
In contrast, the bottom housings of the Chiikawa - 45g and the Sticky Rice (V2) diverge, both constructed from nylon, yet producing distinct auditory outcomes. Nylon, recognized for its softer properties, plays a crucial role in the typing experience by offering a deeper and fuller sound profile. Users will notice that the impact of the nylon material enhances the bottom-out sound quality and typing feel for both switches, creating a rounded acoustic experience that differs significantly from the top housing's crisp clarity. This combination of materials leads to a synergistic effect, as each contributes uniquely to the overall typist's experience.
Altogether, while the top housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) are identical in material and its resultant sound profile, their bottom housings share a common material yet give a different auditory quality. This duality in materials leads to a well-rounded typing experience where users can appreciate the clarity from the polycarbonate top while indulging in the richer, fuller sound produced by the nylon bottom. Thus, whether switching between these models or utilizing them in tandem, typists can anticipate a harmonious blend of textures and sounds, underscoring the strengths of both designs without sacrificing performance.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, we find notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2) features a slightly lower actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that the Sticky Rice (V2) requires less force to register a keystroke and bottoms out with a gentle push, appealing to users who prefer a lighter feel, ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. Meanwhile, the Chiikawa, though only slightly heavier, provides a more substantial touch that might cater to those who enjoy a stronger push sensation in their typing experience. Overall, users seeking a lighter switch will gravitate toward the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2), while those looking for a bit more resistance might prefer the Bsun Chiikawa.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sticky Rice (V2) measures slightly shorter at 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the switch with the longer travel distance, providing a more pronounced actuation feel suitable for those who appreciate a deeper keypress. In contrast, the Sticky Rice (V2), with its shorter 3.5 mm distance, may cater more to users who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers seeking quicker key actuation. Despite this only being a 0.1 mm difference, it highlights a crucial distinction: if you prefer a more pronounced feedback when typing or gaming, the Chiikawa would be more suitable, whereas those seeking a snappier experience might lean towards the Sticky Rice (V2). Thus, your choice should depend on whether you favor responsiveness or a more substantial keypress 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 Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sticky Rice (V2) for $6.79.
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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright and crisp high-pitched tone. When typing, you can expect a vibrant auditory experience that may appeal to those who enjoy a more lively sound as they engage with their keyboard. In contrast, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) produces a more subdued and low-pitched sound, delivering a balanced and mellow "thock" that many enthusiasts favor. This contrast indicates that while both switches have their unique auditory signatures, the Chiikawa focuses on a sharper sound, whereas the Sticky Rice offers a deeper resonance. Ultimately, the sound experience will be influenced not only by the switch itself but also by the keyboard's materials and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it highly responsive and easy to press. This feature is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch, allowing for speedy typing with less effort. On the other hand, the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) provides a polished and silky feel characterized by minimal friction and smooth key travel. The added descriptions of "buttery" and "mild" further enhance the typing experience, suggesting that the Sticky Rice offers a refined and gentle keystroke experience that minimizes resistance. While both switches cater to distinct preferences—one prioritizing lightness and responsiveness, the other smoothness and polish—they can still deliver enjoyable typing experiences based on individual tastes.
In conclusion, comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) reveals significant differences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa appeals to those who enjoy a bright, high-pitched auditory experience with a very light touch, while the Sticky Rice offers a richer, low-pitched sound combined with a silky, buttery feel that's perfect for those seeking a smoother and more refined typing experience. Depending on your preferences, each switch can provide a satisfying experience, and personal choice will ultimately determine which one resonates more with your typing style.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sticky Rice (V2) hall effect switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a light actuation force and a responsive, high-pitched sound profile that brings an energetic feel to your typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g would be your go-to option. It's particularly well-suited for gaming or rapid typing where quick response times are crucial. On the other hand, if you find yourself yearning for a smooth, refined typing experience characterized by a low-pitched, thocky sound—ideal for both typing and general usage—the Sticky Rice (V2) is likely to steal your heart. Its polished and buttery feel, combined with the mild actuation pressure, fosters a more comfortable and enjoyable typing environment, making it an excellent choice for long hours of use. Therefore, consider what aspects matter most to you—whether it’s the agility of the Chiikawa or the smoothness and depth of the Sticky Rice—to determine which switch will elevate your keyboard experience.
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