Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Everglide Sunset Yellow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sunset Yellow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sunset Yellow provide unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its very light actuation force, making each keystroke feel super responsive. Its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone, appeals to those who value a lively typing environment. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow offers a distinctive typing experience with its rich, bassy sound that evokes the sound of mahjong tiles colliding, making typing a more indulgent affair. The Sunset Yellow’s medium weight caters to a broader spectrum of users, while its unique Ly stem and factory lubrication contribute to a smooth, frictionless feel. While both switches are categorized as linear and provide an innovative typing experience, their sound profiles and tactile responses set them apart. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
51g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single-staged lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sunset Yellow, we observe distinct differences that play a crucial role in shaping their respective sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing known for its clear, sharp, and resonant sound characteristics. This results from polycarbonate being a stiffer plastic that enhances the clarity and brightness of the auditory feedback during typing. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow incorporates POM in its top housing, which is associated with a deeper and more muted sound. This fundamental dissimilarity suggests that users can expect different acoustic experiences when using these two switches, especially when it comes to sound under RGB lighting conditions.
Examining the bottom housings reveals a combination of traditional and modern materials that further distinguish the two switches. The Chiikawa - 45g employs a nylon bottom housing, known for producing a deeper and fuller sound that absorbs sound waves more effectively than hard plastics. Conversely, the Sunset Yellow features a POM bottom housing, which similarly contributes to a muted sound profile, yet distinct from the nylon due to its unique finish and texture. While both bottom materials promote a softer auditory feedback, the nylon in the Chiikawa switch leads to a different feel upon bottoming out, as it interacts with the typing experience in a way that emphasizes comfort and fullness.
In terms of achieving similar results, while the Chiikawa - 45g and the Sunset Yellow differ in material composition, both are designed to provide enjoyable auditory feedback during use. Users looking for a more resonant and higher-pitched experience might gravitate towards the Chiikawa due to its polycarbonate top housing, while those preferring a deeper and more muted sound may favor the Sunset Yellow's POM components. Ultimately, the sound and feel of each switch will be influenced by the unique properties of their upper and lower housings, revealing that although they are created from different materials, conscientious users can still tailor their experience in line with their sound preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we see that both offer a similar bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating they provide a comparable resistance when fully pressed down. However, their actuation forces differ slightly: the Chiikawa requires an actuation force of 45 grams, while the Sunset Yellow is a touch lighter at 43 grams. This means that typists and gamers seeking extended sessions may find the lighter Sunset Yellow switch more comfortable due to its lower actuation force, allowing quicker keystrokes with less effort. Conversely, those who prefer a slightly more substantial feel might gravitate toward the Chiikawa, although the difference is minimal. Thus, while both switches share a medium-light bottom out force, the Sunset Yellow is the lighter option overall in terms of actuation force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch, we find distinct differences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Sunset Yellow measures at 3.2 mm, signifying a shorter travel distance. This difference reflects the ongoing trend towards shorter travel distances for enhanced response times, particularly favored by gamers. If you prefer quicker actuation and responsiveness, the Sunset Yellow might be the better choice. Conversely, if you value a deeper keystroke, the Chiikawa's longer travel distance offers a more substantial feel, appealing to those who appreciate a richer typing experience. Ultimately, the selection between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for responsiveness versus depth.
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 Sunset Yellow comes in at $3.09 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
The sound profile of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is marked by its bright and crisp characteristics, generating a high-pitched audio response that many users find quite engaging. In contrast, the Everglide Sunset Yellow delivers a more bassy and thocky sound, reminiscent of mahjong tiles colliding—a deep and satisfying auditory experience. While the Chiikawa provides a lighter and more responsive sound, the Sunset Yellow exudes a richer tonal quality that is both indulgent and captivating. Both switches will produce distinct sound profiles, influenced by the board and keycaps used, ensuring that users will have unique auditory experiences despite the differences in their basic sound characteristics.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by its very light actuation force, which adds to its responsiveness, though specific details about its tactile feedback are unspecified. In contrast, the Sunset Yellow offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, which means that it is designed to glide effortlessly underneath your fingers. This smooth and buttery feel is likely to appeal to those who seek a refined typing experience with minimal resistance. While users of the Chiikawa may enjoy its quick actuation, the Sunset Yellow will provide a more luxurious tactile sensation thanks to its thoughtful design.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switches provide distinct yet compelling qualities centered around sound and feel. The Chiikawa is celebrated for its light, responsive sound, while the Sunset Yellow offers a rich, indulgent auditory experience along with a creamy and smooth typing sensation. Depending on your preference for sound richness versus lightness and tactile smoothness, either switch can satisfy different typing experiences. Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you prioritize the bright auditory clarity of the Chiikawa or the indulgent thockiness and fluid feel of the Sunset Yellow.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Sunset Yellow linear switch should hinge on what typing experience you seek and your personal preferences. If you favor a switch that is responsive and delivers a crisp, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its lighter actuation force and bright sound profile make it ideal for fast-paced typing or gaming, allowing for rapid key presses without fatigue. However, if you desire a more indulgent typing experience characterized by a deeper, thocky sound reminiscent of mahjong tiles, the Sunset Yellow is the way to go. Its unique creamy feel, enhanced by factory lubrication and a polished design, ensures a smooth and satisfying typing experience. For users who appreciate richer auditory feedback and a tactile feel while typing, the Sunset Yellow will likely suit you better. Ultimately, your decision should reflect the sensations that bring you joy and productivity during your keyboard sessions, be it the brightness and responsiveness of the Chiikawa or the lush depth of the Sunset Yellow.
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