Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Bsun Tomcat (Heavy)

Overview

When it comes to selecting the right mechanical keyboard switch, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) can greatly influence your overall typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and lively sound profile, making it a popular choice for users who prioritize quick, responsive keystrokes and enjoy the crisp, high-pitched tones of each keypress. On the other hand, the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a markedly different experience with its Ly stems, designed for a super smooth typing sensation and a resonant sound profile that appeals to those who prefer a more substantial feel under their fingers. While the Chiikawa might be ideal for rapid typists and gamers seeking agility, the Tomcat caters to users who appreciate a heavier switch for stability. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your unique preferences and typing style.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$2.99 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) utilize the same materials for their housings, with both featuring a polycarbonate top housing and a nylon bottom housing. The polycarbonate material in the top housing contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This attribute is due to polycarbonate's stiffness, which enhances resonance and clarity in sound production. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate allows for optimal RGB lighting effects, creating an aesthetically pleasing experience for users who value illuminated features in their keyboard switches. As a result, both switches will deliver similar auditory characteristics, making them suitable choices for keystrokes that require a precise sound response.

In contrast, the bottom housing for both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Tomcat (Heavy) is made of nylon, known for its softer properties that yield a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon material effectively absorbs sound, leading to a rounder and less sharp auditory experience compared to the polycarbonate top. This trait is particularly important, as the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when typing. Both switches will provide a consistent experience in terms of how they manage sound quality in the lower frequency ranges, ensuring that users who prefer a smoother, more muted effect will be satisfied with either option.

Ultimately, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) share the same housing materials, they exemplify complementary sound profiles that leverage their unique attributes. The combination of the crispness from the polycarbonate top and the fullness from the nylon bottom means that users can expect a balanced auditory experience, regardless of the switch they choose. As such, for those who prioritize both clarity and warmth in their typing sounds, either of these models will deliver similar, high-quality performance in their keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch, notable distinctions arise. The Chiikawa - 45g features an actuation force of 45 grams, while the heavier Tomcat (Heavy) requires a stronger actuation force of 55 grams. This means that the Chiikawa is the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a more effortless typing experience, especially during extended use for work or gaming. Additionally, the bottom out forces differ, with the Chiikawa registering at 51 grams and the Tomcat at 64 grams, further accentuating its heavier feel. Users looking for a more substantial tactile experience will appreciate the increased resistance of the Tomcat. In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g provides a lighter and softer typing experience, while the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) offers a firmer touch for those who prefer greater force in their keystrokes.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch both feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them identical in this regard. This means that users will experience the same keypress depth when using either switch, resulting in a consistent feel and performance across both options. Since both switches offer the same travel distance, those looking for a uniform typing experience can confidently choose either the Chiikawa - 45g or the Tomcat (Heavy) without concern for differences in key travel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by a bright sound profile that produces a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing, which can be quite appealing for those who enjoy auditory feedback from their switches. In contrast, the Tomcat (Heavy) offers a resonant sound profile that is likely deeper and richer than that of the Chiikawa. Both switches will produce distinctive audio qualities that can be influenced by the keyboard's construction and the materials of the keycaps used, so users can experiment to find their preferred sound experience.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and comfortable for quick typing sessions. This characteristic allows for a smooth, effortless keystroke that can lead to less fatigue during extended use. On the other hand, the Tomcat (Heavy) features Ly stems that provide a super smooth typing experience, likely giving it a more substantial feel compared to its Chiikawa counterpart. This may enhance the sensation of control, especially during deliberate key presses, catering to those who prefer a heavier switch for a more grounded typing experience.

Considering both switches, the Chiikawa - 45g excels in producing a bright sound and offers a lightweight, responsive feel ideal for fast-paced typing. Conversely, the Tomcat (Heavy) delivers a resonant auditory quality and a smoother, more substantial typing experience that appeals to users who enjoy a bit more weight in their switches. Ultimately, the choice between these two will depend on personal preference for sound and tactile feedback, but both can provide enjoyable typing experiences based on their respective qualities.

Conclusion

To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a lighter, more responsive switch that requires less force to actuate, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it ideal for rapid typing, allowing for a snappy and lively sound profile which can enhance your typing experience, especially in casual or gaming scenarios where quick inputs are crucial. On the other hand, if you gravitate towards a more substantial feel and prefer a heavier typing experience for tasks that require precision, the Tomcat (Heavy) switch, with its 64 grams bottom-out force, is the better choice. Its smooth actuation and resonant sound profile make it satisfying for both long typing sessions and focused work, providing a tactile feedback that can promote better typing accuracy. In summary, your choice hinges on whether you value a light and quick response with the Chiikawa or a more robust and deliberate typing experience with the Tomcat.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Tomcat (Heavy) Linear

$2.99 per 10

Learn more