Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Strawberry both present compelling options for users who prefer linear switches, albeit with distinct characteristics. The Chiikawa - 45g, known for its light 45g actuation force, offers an exceptionally bright sound profile and a crisp, high-pitched sound that enhances the typing experience, making it notably responsive. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry is celebrated for its smooth actuation and comfortable feel, characterized by its attractive pink and clear housings. This switch excels in providing a frictionless typing experience with a polished, buttery smoothness that caters to prolonged use. While the Chiikawa may appeal to users looking for auditory feedback and light responsiveness, the Strawberry invites those who prioritize a silky-smooth experience and reliable tactile performance. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Strawberry exhibit both similarities and differences that distinctly influence their sound profiles and overall tactile experiences. Both switches feature polycarbonate as the primary material for the top housing, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The inherent properties of polycarbonate allow for a clear and resonant response, particularly noticeable when RGB lighting is utilized, as its translucency enhances the visual effects. Consequently, users of both the Chiikawa and the Strawberry will enjoy similar auditory experiences when pressing the keys, stemming from the acoustical advantages afforded by polycarbonate in the top housing.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials diverge significantly. The Chiikawa - 45g employs a nylon bottom housing, which is renowned for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer composition. This material absorbs more sound than its stiffer counterparts, leading to a muted and rounded bottom-out sound that contrasts sharply with the crispness of the polycarbonate top. In comparison, the KTT Strawberry utilizes polycarbonate also for its bottom housing, mirroring the characteristics of its top housing. This results in a consistent sound profile where both bottom-out and release sounds maintain that sharper sound quality. The use of a similar material in both the top and bottom housings of the Strawberry may provide a more uniform auditory experience, differing from the Chiikawa's split sound profile.
Ultimately, the differing bottom housing materials mean that the tactile and sonic feedback varies between the two switches. While the polycarbonate top of both models ensures a similar release sound, the Chiikawa's nylon bottom makes for a richer and more rounded sound experience upon keypress, contrasting with the KTT Strawberry's higher-pitched bottom-out sound. Therefore, while both switches may share advantages in their top housings, they deliver distinct results based on the combined effects of their unique bottom housing materials. If a user is seeking a consistently crisp sound and feel, the KTT Strawberry provides that coherence, whereas the Chiikawa caters to those who appreciate a more complex auditory experience split between the distinct qualities of nylon and polycarbonate.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa - 45g has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, which categorizes it as medium-light. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry features a slightly lower actuation force of 43 grams, making it the lighter option, but it has a higher bottom out force of 62 grams, which is categorized as medium. This difference in bottom out force suggests that while both switches are designed for relatively light typing, the Chiikawa switch will provide a softer bottoming out experience than the Strawberry. Users who prefer a heavier feel may lean toward the Strawberry due to its greater bottom out force, while those seeking a lighter keyboard might favor the Chiikawa. Overall, although the actuation forces are relatively close, the distinct bottom out forces highlight the different tactile experiences each switch offers, with the Chiikawa providing a softer conclusion and the Strawberry offering a more substantial feel.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, there is a notable difference. The Chiikawa - 45g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Strawberry features a longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that for those who favor rapid response times, the shorter Chiikawa switch might be more appealing, offering a snappier feel for gaming purposes. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry's longer travel distance may provide a more robust typing experience for users who appreciate a deeper keypress. Thus, the Chiikawa is the shorter option, whereas the Strawberry is the longer one. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for either a quick response or a more substantial typing 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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 linear switch is known for its bright and crisp sound profile, which offers a high-pitched tone that can be quite engaging while typing. This light auditory signature can be pleasing to many users, especially those who enjoy a more pronounced sound when typing. In contrast, the KTT Strawberry linear switch presents a low-pitched sound profile, characterized by a bass-heavy and mellow tone. This typically lends itself to a more subdued typing experience, allowing for quieter operation without compromising on feedback. The differences in sound can notably influence the overall typing environment, making the choice between these two switches largely a matter of personal preference.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is notable for its very light actuation force, which contributes to a highly responsive typing experience. However, the specifics of its tactile feedback and overall feel aren’t detailed. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry excels with a range of descriptors that highlight its exceptional smoothness. Users can expect a frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished typing experience, making the actuation of these switches notably smooth and fluid throughout their travel. The tactile sensation associated with the Strawberry makes it a joy for those who prioritize a comfortable and effortless typing experience.
Overall, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Strawberry switches offer unique advantages that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Chiikawa switch stands out with its bright sound and light actuation, resulting in a dynamic typing experience, while the KTT Strawberry impresses with its smooth, comfortable feel and mellow sound, creating a more subdued atmosphere. While they differ in specific auditory and tactile characteristics, individuals can choose based on their preferences for sound and typing sensation, ensuring they find a switch that complements their style.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch largely depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you favor a lighter actuation force with a bright sound profile that is highly responsive, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams make it perfect for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a quick and crisp keystroke. On the other hand, if you prioritize a more robust typing experience with a medium bottom out force of 62 grams, the KTT Strawberry is ideal for you. With its frictionless, silky, and buttery feel, it excels in providing a smooth and comfortable experience, making it well-suited for extended typing sessions or work involving a lot of text entry. Additionally, the low-pitched sound of the Strawberry contributes to a more subdued auditory experience, which may be appealing in quieter environments. Ultimately, the decision should reflect your typing habits and sensory preferences—light and responsive or smooth and reliable—ensuring that your mechanical keyboard is tailored to your needs.
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