Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Everglide Tourmaline Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, with its exceptionally light actuation force, delivers a quick and responsive feedback with each keystroke, creating a bright and crisp sound profile that many users find exhilarating, particularly for fast typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a deep, thocky sound that enhances the typing experience, thanks to its lengthened single-stage spring that provides a buoyant feel. This switch strikes a balance, offering an enjoyable typing experience that is both satisfying and accessible, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more tactile response. While the Chiikawa appeals to users who prefer a lightweight, highly responsive feel, the Tourmaline Blue caters to those who enjoy a richer auditory experience combined with a comfortable typing sensation. 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
59g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue both incorporate polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in similar acoustic characteristics. Polycarbonate, being a stiffer plastic, contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, which is advantageous for users seeking a more vibrant auditory experience when typing. Furthermore, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, especially when RGB lighting is involved. As both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, users can expect consistent sound quality and visual effects, making either option a suitable choice for those who value aesthetics alongside performance.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials used in these switches differ significantly. The Chiikawa - 45g features a nylon bottom housing, known for its ability to absorb sound more effectively than harder plastics. This characteristic leads to a deeper and fuller sound profile that contrasts starkly with the sharper quality from the polycarbonate top. On the other hand, the Tourmaline Blue utilizes a polycarbonate bottom housing, thus maintaining a similar sound profile to its top housing; this results in a consistent experience that prioritizes clarity and resonance throughout the switch. Consequently, while both switches share similar properties in the top housing, the divergent bottom housings introduce unique auditory experiences when typing.
Ultimately, the combined effects of these materials play a crucial role in the overall sound and feel of each switch. Switches with different top and bottom housings will provide varying acoustic qualities, shaped by the characteristics of the selected materials. For the Chiikawa - 45g, the nylon bottom housing fosters a mellow sound that complements the polycarbonate top, while the Tourmaline Blue maintains a sharper sound profile throughout due to its consistent use of polycarbonate. Typists will appreciate how the qualities of each housing manifest differently; the nylon bottom enhances the bottom-out sound and feel, whereas the polycarbonate maintains clarity on key release. This makes each switch distinctive in auditory experience, despite their commonality in material for the top housing.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch present distinct differences in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, catering to varying user preferences. The Chiikawa requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams compared to the heavier 59 grams of the Tourmaline Blue, making it more suitable for users who prioritize a longer typing experience without much fatigue. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Chiikawa is 51 grams, which is again lighter than the Tourmaline Blue's 67 grams. This difference indicates that the Chiikawa is not only easier to actuate but also provides a softer feel when bottoming out, appealing to those who prefer a gentler touch. In contrast, the Tourmaline Blue's higher forces contribute to a more substantial typing experience for users who favor heavier switches. Ultimately, the Chiikawa - 45g is the lighter option, while the Tourmaline Blue is the heavier choice, making the decision between them dependent on personal typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch, we observe distinct differences. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Tourmaline Blue offers a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa switch is the shorter option, potentially catering to those who prefer quicker response times often favored by gamers. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue's longer travel distance may appeal to users who enjoy a more pronounced key press, providing a deeper feel that some find more satisfying. Therefore, while both switches serve specific preferences, choosing a switch with a shorter travel distance like the Chiikawa may lead to quicker actuation, while the Tourmaline Blue provides a more traditional, deeper 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 Everglide Tourmaline Blue has an MSRP of $6.86 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Tourmaline Blue for $3.89.
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, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that is particularly resonant when typing. This sound is characterized as being lightweight and responsive, making it an appealing choice for users who enjoy a more pronounced auditory feedback in their keystrokes. On the other hand, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch is associated with a deep and thocky sound profile that immerses users in a richer auditory experience. This switch provides a more subdued sound compared to the Chiikawa, offering a neutral tone that strikes a balance suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. Sound is subjective and can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap material, so users may find their experience differs based on these factors.
When considering feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized as being very light, allowing for effortless typing with minimal actuation force required. This contributes to a highly responsive feel that is great for rapid typing and gaming sessions, reducing the potential for finger fatigue. In contrast, the Everglide Tourmaline Blue offers a buttery and smooth keystroke experience, with its lengthened single-stage spring providing a bouncy sensation with each press. The Tourmaline Blues maintain an easy-to-press characteristic that requires gentle resistance, making them comfortable for longer typing sessions. While the Chiikawa focuses on lightness and responsiveness, the Tourmaline Blue combines a plush feel with a moderately gentle actuation.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Everglide Tourmaline Blue switches bring distinct subjective qualities to the table. The Chiikawa - 45g excels in its bright, high-pitched sound and extremely light feel, perfect for those who value quick actuation and vibrant auditory feedback. Conversely, the Tourmaline Blue provides a deep, satisfying sound along with a buttery and bouncy keystroke experience, catering to users who enjoy a more full-bodied auditory sensation during typing. While they cater to slightly different preferences, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience, whether through a light and airy feel or a more rounded auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Everglide Tourmaline Blue linear switch ultimately depends on your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer a light and responsive feel with a bright, high-pitched sound, then the Chiikawa - 45g is well-suited for you—particularly if you engage in fast-paced typing or gaming where every millisecond counts. Its medium-light actuation force can help reduce finger fatigue during long sessions, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize speed and comfort. Conversely, if you enjoy a deeper, thocky sound profile and a more robust typing experience, the Tourmaline Blue is an ideal option. With its medium-heavy force and buttery smooth keystrokes, this switch is perfect for users who value tactile feedback and enjoy the satisfying thump of each keypress. In essence, consider the Chiikawa for a light, crisp experience and the Tourmaline Blue for a rich, immersive sound that enhances your typing journey.
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