Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), both linear keyboard switches offer unique benefits that cater to different typing preferences, despite their shared linear nature. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its very light actuation force and crisp, bright sound profile, making it an incredibly responsive choice for those who value quick keystrokes and an airy typing experience. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) stands out with its delightful clacky and resonant notes, paired with a silky smooth feel thanks to an impeccable factory lube job, providing a satisfying auditory and tactile experience. While the Chiikawa may be ideal for speed typists who appreciate a lighter touch, the Strawberry Wine offers a richer acoustic experience, perfect for users seeking a blend of feedback and comfort. 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
52g
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
Y3
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2), we notice distinct differences in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is designed to enhance the clarity and brightness of sound. Polycarbonate is recognized for its stiffness, leading to a sharper sound profile that resonates well, especially in RGB lighting situations due to its translucency. Conversely, the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a Ly top housing. Although this material is not as well-known, it claims to provide a very bright sound signature as well, contributing resonant clacks to the user experience. Both top housings aim to achieve a clear sound profile, albeit through different materials and potentially varying effects on the overall typing experience.
In terms of bottom housings, both switches employ nylon, a classic choice for switch mechanisms. The nylon used in both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Strawberry Wine (V2) contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer texture that absorbs more sound. As a result, users can expect a softer bottom-out feel when pressing keys, paired with a rounder, more muted sound characteristic. This shared material effectively diminishes harsher noise, improving typing comfort and delivering a consistent auditory feedback during use. Consequently, while the top housings differ in material, the similar nylon bottom housing ensures a unified quality in sound depth across both switches.
Ultimately, the combination of materials influences the overall acoustic signature of each switch, creating a unique typing experience. In the Chiikawa - 45g, the polycarbonate top housing generates a brighter, crisper sound when the key is released, while the nylon bottom housing emphasizes the body of the sound profile upon bottoming out. Meanwhile, the Strawberry Wine (V2), with its Ly top housing, also showcases a bright sound signature while maintaining a deep and full sound from the nylon bottom. Despite the differences in materials for the top housings, the shared nylon bottom helps achieve similar results in overall sound profile richness, providing a satisfying and rounded typing experience for both products.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, it's interesting to note that both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which positions them as medium-light options suitable for those who prefer a less strenuous typing experience. This similarity in actuation force means that users of either switch can expect comparable responsiveness and ease of use, making them excellent choices for prolonged typing sessions or extended gaming marathons. However, the bottom out forces differ slightly, with the Chiikawa switch having a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) features a slightly heavier bottom out force of 52 grams. This small difference indicates that while both switches require the same initial force to register a keystroke, the Sarokeys switch does require a touch more effort to fully press down. Thus, the Chiikawa switch, being the lighter option overall, may appeal more to individuals seeking a softer touch, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2) offers a marginally more substantial feel at the bottom of the keystroke.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch feature identical travel distances of 3.6 mm. This similarity means that users can expect comparable tactile experiences when pressing the keys of keypads equipped with either switch. As the travel distance determines how far down the key must be pressed before it registers a keystroke, both switches will deliver a consistent feel and performance. Therefore, if you find satisfaction with one switch, you’re likely to experience the same satisfying response with the other due to their equal travel distances.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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 stands out with its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This sharp audio feedback contributes to an engaging and responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are characterized by their resonant and clacky notes, offering a percussive effect that can enhance the tactile experience of typing. The sound is described as clean and sharp, making it appealing for those who enjoy a more pronounced auditory experience. Both switches emphasize brightness and clarity in their sound, albeit the Chiikawa leans more toward a purely high-pitched tone, while the Strawberry Wine adds a blend of resonance and clackiness to that profile.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, making it highly responsive, although specific tactile feedback is not detailed. This lightness likely promotes a swift typing experience, benefiting users who favor speed and agility in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is lauded for its silky feel, which means that not only does it provide smooth transitions between keystrokes, but it also minimizes resistance, making each press feel effortless. While the Chiikawa may excel in responsiveness, the Strawberry Wine compensates with an overall luxurious typing feel that adds to the enjoyment of use.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches present unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa shines with its bright and high-pitched sound, while the Strawberry Wine combines a clacky, resonant tone with a silky smooth feel that many typists would appreciate. If you prioritize sound clarity and a light actuation force, the Chiikawa may be your ideal choice, whereas if you prefer a more textured auditory experience coupled with a luxurious typing sensation, then the Strawberry Wine could be the right fit. Ultimately, your choice will depend on which qualities resonate more with your personal typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, your choice should hinge on your specific typing preferences and the auditory experience you seek. If you find yourself drawn to a light and responsive keypress that features a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g will likely be a suitable match for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer quick actuation and a bright sound profile while typing. On the other hand, if you prioritize a smooth and silky typing experience combined with a clacky, resonant auditory feedback, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is worth considering. With a bottom-out force of 52 grams and an impeccable factory lube job, these switches provide a delightful tactile and auditory response that is both immersive and satisfying. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you value the light, responsive typing of the Chiikawa switch or the smooth, engaging experience of the Strawberry Wine.
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