Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Huano Strawberry Latte
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Strawberry Latte switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the ideal mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Strawberry Latte both offer unique attributes that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, making it highly responsive and perfect for those who enjoy a quick, tactile feedback along with a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte boasts a super smooth keystroke, benefiting from the latest available molds, which provide a balanced sound profile—neither too quiet nor overly resonant—ideal for users who prefer a more moderate auditory feedback while typing. Both switches are linear, ensuring smooth keystrokes without tactile bumps, but they appeal to different sensibilities in terms of sound and responsiveness. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
Standard
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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Huano Strawberry Latte, significant distinctions emerge in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for delivering a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This stiffness not only promotes a clear and resonant acoustic experience but also enhances the visual aesthetic, particularly in RGB lighting applications due to its translucency. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte utilizes a polyketone (POK) top housing, which, while not as typically translucent as polycarbonate, offers excellent durability and smoothness. POK's coefficient of friction contributes to a buttery feel when typing, fostering a distinctive combination of a smooth and clacky auditory experience. These differences highlight how the choice of top housing greatly impacts both the sound characteristics and user experience of each switch.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a shared material: nylon. For both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Strawberry Latte, nylon is known for producing a deeper, fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic nature, which effectively absorbs sound and dampens resonance. This shared material ensures that both switches offer a consistent typing experience in terms of depth and richness in sound, regardless of the variation in their top housing materials. The similarity in the bottom housing allows users to expect a certain level of sound quality and feel that is inherent to nylon, creating a familiar lower-end auditory signature across both switch types.
Ultimately, while the Chiikawa - 45g and Huano Strawberry Latte feature different top housing materials—polycarbonate and POK, respectively—their shared nylon bottom housing unites them in terms of sound characteristics. Users can expect a pleasant typing experience, with the bottom-out sound being amplified by the nylon's absorptive properties. The combination of distinctive top housings influences the overall sound profile and feel of keystrokes, while the consistent nylon base ensures durability and a pleasing auditory depth. This interplay between materials illustrates how the contrasting characteristics can lead to varied user experiences while still delivering a cohesive acoustic foundation.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Chiikawa has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and ideal for users seeking a balance between tactile feedback and comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter experience with an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch and less fatigue over long periods. In terms of weight, the Chiikawa is the heavier option, while the Strawberry Latte is lighter, making it a better fit for users looking for a more effortless typing experience. Overall, if you're aiming for a lighter switch with lower resistance, the Strawberry Latte may be the preferable choice, whereas those who appreciate a bit more resistance and feedback would likely favor the Chiikawa.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This equivalence means that users will experience the same key press depth when using either switch, resulting in a similar feel and response when typing or gaming. Therefore, if you're choosing between the two, you can expect comparable performance in terms of travel distance, making either option suitable for those who prefer a consistent linear switch experience.
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 Huano Strawberry Latte has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Latte for $3.29.
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 Chiikawa - 45g linear switch produces a bright and crisp high-pitched sound profile that generates an engaging auditory feedback, making it quite responsive when typing. This quality can create a lively typing experience, especially suited for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory response. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch has a balanced sound profile. It is neither too quiet nor overly resonant, striking a middle ground that accommodates a range of typing preferences without drawing too much attention. When considering sound, the Chiikawa may appeal to those who prioritize a bright and noticeable sound, while the Strawberry Latte is ideal for users seeking a more neutral auditory experience.
When examining the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, which promotes a responsive typing experience and allows for quick keystrokes with minimal effort. This weight can be particularly beneficial for users who favor rapid typing or gaming scenarios. Conversely, the Strawberry Latte switch is noted for its super smooth operation, thanks to the latest mold technology from Huano. This smoothness contributes to a pleasant experience, enabling fluid key presses that can enhance typing comfort over extended periods. Thus, while the Chiikawa excels in light actuation, the Strawberry Latte will appeal to those who value a buttery-smooth feel.
Ultimately, both the Chiikawa - 45g and Huano Strawberry Latte linear switches offer distinct advantages depending on the user's preferences in sound and feel. If you prioritize a bright auditory feedback and lighter touch for quick typing, the Chiikawa might be the way to go. In contrast, if you are looking for a balanced sound and an exceptionally smooth typing experience, the Strawberry Latte would likely suit your needs better. Choosing between these two switches will come down to personal preference, as they each provide an enjoyable experience in their own right.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences, typing style, and the experience you're seeking. If you enjoy a responsive and lively typing experience with a slightly higher bottom-out force, the Chiikawa - 45g might be your ideal choice; its crisp, bright sound and light actuation force can elevate your typing to a more engaging level. It's particularly suited for users who appreciate a more tactile feedback while still wanting to maintain a smooth stroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a softer touch with a very light actuation force that promotes effortless typing, the Huano Strawberry Latte is a fantastic option. Known for its super smooth feel and balanced sound profile, it's perfect for prolonged usage or for anyone looking for a quieter but still engaging typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should align with how you prioritize sound, feel, and actuation force in your day-to-day typing tasks.
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