Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Swift
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Swift switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, two popular options stand out—the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Swift, both of which are linear switches but bring distinct characteristics to the table. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its incredibly light 45g actuation force, offering a responsive and airy typing experience, complemented by a bright, high-pitched sound profile that makes each keystroke feel vibrant and alive. Conversely, the HMX Swift features a slightly lighter actuation at 42g and is known for its deeper sound profile, thanks to its full nylon housings that help create a silky smooth typing experience. The Swifts also garner attention for their combination of clacky, easy-to-press feedback, making them particularly appealing to those who enjoy a bouncier feeling under their fingers. While both switches provide unique advantages—one excelling in a light and bright typing feel and the other offering a smoother and deeper auditory experience—each caters to different preferences among typists and gamers. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.90 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
Nylon
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 extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Swift utilize different materials for their top housings, which significantly influences their sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, known for its stiffness, which creates a sharper and more resonant sound when typing. Conversely, the HMX Swift incorporates a nylon top housing, which offers a deeper, fuller sound due to nylon's softer nature that absorbs more sound, thereby producing a rounder audio experience. This fundamental difference highlights the impact of material choices, as the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa will provide a more pronounced and elevated sound when releasing a key, while the nylon top of the Swift will create a subdued sound profile.
In terms of bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Swift utilize nylon, which standardizes the deep and full sound they each produce. Since nylon is a classic material known for its sound-absorbing qualities, both switches will generate a similar auditory experience when the keys bottom out. This aspect of sound production is crucial, as it emphasizes the reinforcement of the rounder sound profile shared between the two models due to their common use of nylon in the bottom housing. When typing on either switch, users can expect the same foundational depth in sound, regardless of the variation in the top housing materials.
Overall, the combination of polycarbonate and nylon in the Chiikawa - 45g versus the use of nylon and nylon in the HMX Swift creates a unique contrast in sound profiles. While the Chiikawa is likely to feel sharper and more dynamic during key release, thanks to its polycarbonate top, the overall experience of bottoming out will be comparable due to both switches featuring nylon below. Hence, users looking for switches that provide distinctive top sound profiles while still enjoying a common deep sound when pressed may find either switch to satisfy their needs. Ultimately, the material choices echo the diverse experiences available in mechanical keyboards, catering to various preferences in sound and tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the Swift switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Swift the lighter option, which may be preferable for users who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. While both switches have similar bottom out forces, the Chiikawa's is slightly higher at 51 grams compared to the Swift's 50 grams. This difference indicates that users may experience a marginally firmer feel when bottoming out on the Chiikawa, which could appeal to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the lighter actuation force of the Swift makes it a better choice for those seeking ease of use, whereas the Chiikawa offers a balance between lightness and a more pronounced feedback experience due to its heavier bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Chiikawa - 45g has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Swift features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.9 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, providing a quicker response time that may appeal to gamers seeking faster interactions. On the other hand, the Swift's longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel, which could be preferred by those who favor a more pronounced depth in their keystrokes. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches depends on individual preferences for responsiveness versus a deeper pressing 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 Swift has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Swift 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 best known for its bright sound profile, offering a crisp and high-pitched auditory feedback when typing. This sound, characterized by its sharpness, can contribute to a lively typing experience, making it particularly responsive. On the other hand, the HMX Swift linear switch distinguishes itself with a deeper sound profile, attributed to its full nylon housings. While it still possesses a bright sound signature, the Swifts are described as having a clackier response, producing a snappy and percussive sound when pressed. Overall, the Chiikawa offers a more effervescent sound, while the Swift leans toward a deeper, slightly more resonant character, although both switches may produce similar auditory results depending on board and keycap combination.
Regarding the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch's characteristics are not explicitly detailed, leaving its tactile feedback open to interpretation. In contrast, the HMX Swift linear switch is celebrated for its various qualities. With a gentle resistance and light actuation force of 42g, the Swifts provide an effortless and comfortable typing experience, significantly reducing finger fatigue during long sessions. The Swift switches are also described as easy-to-press, feathery, and bouncy, offering a lively tactile response with a smooth, creamy sensation. This combination results in a delightful typing feel, enhancing both productivity and enjoyment. While the Chiikawa's feel remains unspecified, it can be surmised that each switch offers a responsive typing experience.
To conclude, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Swift linear switches offer unique auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa is striking with its bright, crisp sound, while the Swift provides a deeper, clacky signature. When it comes to feel, the Swifts shine with their light actuation and silky smoothness, though the Chiikawa's feel is less defined—it's possible to experience a similarly responsive typing experience with both switches. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference regarding sound and feel, but both are poised to enhance the mechanical typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Swift linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and intended use. If you favor a lighter typing experience with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g could be your go-to option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams ensures a responsive and snappy feel that can enhance your typing speed and accuracy, making it particularly well-suited for fast-paced gaming or typing tasks where every keystroke counts. On the other hand, if you prioritize a deeper sound signature and a silky smooth typing experience, the HMX Swift may be the better choice for you. With a lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams and its clacky, yet deeper tonal profile, the Swift provides a feathery, easy-to-press feel, ideal for prolonged typing sessions or those who want a satisfying auditory feedback without the strain. In essence, choose the Chiikawa if you seek a crisper sound and responsiveness, whereas the Swift is perfect for an effortlessly smooth and immersive typing experience.
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