Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Sunset Gleam
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Sunset Gleam switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to the world of mechanical keyboards, the selection of switches can greatly influence your typing experience. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g stands out with its very light actuation force and a bright sound profile, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and responsiveness; users can benefit from its crisp, high-pitched sound as they type. In stark contrast, the HMX Sunset Gleam offers a different tactile experience altogether. Known for its satisfying clack and subtle top-out, this switch marries quality materials with excellent factory lubrication to create a balanced feel that combines efficiency with auditory pleasure. Both switches cater to linear enthusiasts but differ significantly in their acoustic feedback and tactile sensations. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your unique typing style.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
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
Ly
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Sunset Gleam utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, establishing a shared foundation in their acoustic properties. The polycarbonate's stiffer structure contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile—an aesthetic choice that also supports RGB lighting due to its translucency. This means that users can expect a similar resonance when typing or gaming, as both switches will deliver a bright and clear audio experience, benefiting from the material's sound characteristics. Notably, this commonality also allows for enhanced visual effects when RGB lighting is applied, creating a vibrant and illuminated keyboard setup.
On the contrary, the bottom housings of both switches are made from nylon, which provides a striking contrast to the top housings. Nylon is known for its softer, more absorptive qualities that result in a deeper and fuller sound profile. This softer material mellows out the higher frequencies produced by the polycarbonate top housing, delivering a balanced auditory experience when bottoming out the key switch. Consequently, the overall sound experience is a harmonious blend of sharpness from the top and depth from the bottom, effectively creating a nuanced sound profile regardless of which switch is in play.
Overall, while both switches share the same top housing material, their combined construction results in distinct yet complementary sound qualities. The rigid nature of polycarbonate enhances treble frequencies, while the nylon bottom provides warmth and resonance, making each of these switches a fantastic choice for users looking for auditory richness. The similar materials in both designs lead to consistent performance characteristics, making it possible to achieve equally enjoyable typing experiences with either switch due to their complementary materials and sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, we can see distinct differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Sunset Gleam has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams, placing it in the light category. This means that for users seeking a lighter touch for long typing sessions or gaming, the Sunset Gleam may be more appealing due to its lower actuation force. Meanwhile, those preferring a more substantial push may appreciate the heavier forces provided by the Chiikawa switch. Overall, while both switches achieve similar functionality with their respective actuation and bottom out forces, the Sunset Gleam offers a lighter experience, suitable for long-duration use, while the Chiikawa provides a bit more resistance for those who enjoy a stronger tactile feedback.
Travel distance
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, there is a slight difference in their travel distances. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sunset Gleam offers a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This makes the Chiikawa the longer option, providing a more substantial feel with each keypress, which some users might appreciate for its depth and tactile feedback. Conversely, the shorter travel distance of the Sunset Gleam can enhance responsiveness, making it an appealing choice for gamers who favor quicker actuation and a more immediate response. While both switches are relatively close in distance, the preferred choice ultimately depends on whether you value the depth of travel or the speed of response in your typing or gaming 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 HMX Sunset Gleam has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sunset Gleam for $2.99.
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 sound profile, offering a crisp, high-pitched tone that can be pleasantly jarring for users who appreciate auditory feedback while typing. This light yet sharp sound makes it an engaging choice for those who enjoy a lively acoustic experience. On the other hand, the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch produces a subtle top-out sound coupled with a satisfying clack, reflecting a more refined sound signature that aims to balance subtlety with auditory satisfaction. While the Chiikawa might appeal to those looking for a more energetic auditory experience, the Sunset Gleam offers a quieter yet still enjoyable typing sound. However, the final sound produced by either switch can vary significantly based on the keyboard's build and the type of keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive to the touch, which can provide a sense of effortless typing. This lightness is ideal for fast typists or gamers who require swift key presses. Conversely, the Sunset Gleam is designed with excellent factory lube, which can enhance the smoothness of the keystrokes, providing a different tactile experience. Users may find that the Sunset Gleam offers a more cushioned feel as they press down on the keys, leading to an overall luxurious typing sensation. While the Chiikawa excites with its responsiveness, the Sunset Gleam pampers with its smooth glide, catering to different preferences in how one might wish to interact with their keyboard.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Sunset Gleam linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa features a brighter sound with a very light feel for responsive typing, while the Sunset Gleam blends a subtle sound with a smooth and cushioned keystroke. Depending on your preference for brightness in sound or smoothness in feel, you will find appealing qualities in either switch. Ultimately, both are designed to provide enjoyable typing experiences, just with their own unique flavors.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Sunset Gleam linear switch, consider your personal typing preferences and desired experience. The Chiikawa - 45g, with its medium-light bottom out force of 51 grams, is ideal for those who appreciate a bright sound profile and a very light actuation force, resulting in a responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing. This makes it a great choice for fast typists or gamers who favor quick key responses without the weightier effort of firmer switches. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch that combines a lighter bottom out force of 48 grams with a subtle top-out and a satisfying clack, then the HMX Sunset Gleam may be your go-to. Well-known for its excellent factory lubrication and smooth typing experience, this switch is tailored for users who enjoy a balanced tactile feel without sacrificing auditory satisfaction. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you want to engage with your keyboard, whether through the energetic feedback of the Chiikawa or the refined smoothness of the Sunset Gleam.
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