Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Twilight
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Twilight switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Twilight offer distinct experiences suited for different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch is renowned for its bright sound profile and incredibly light actuation force, making it a delight for those who favor quick and responsive key presses combined with a crisp, high-pitched sound. This switch tends to appeal to typists who enjoy a lively auditory feedback, enhancing their overall typing experience. In contrast, the HMX Twilight switch features an extended 3.85mm travel distance that results in a slightly quieter yet still satisfying clacky sound, characterized by a 'bouncy' sensation that many users find enjoyable for both typing and gaming. This switch is ideal for those who prefer a balance of auditory feedback and a more cushioned feel during keystrokes. Both switches have their unique benefits catering to specific typing styles and preferences; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal 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
3.85 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
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Twilight, a notable contrast emerges between their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is renowned for its ability to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is largely due to polycarbonate’s stiffer nature, resulting in accents of clarity and resonance that are particularly pronounced in switches designed to complement RGB lighting. In contrast, the HMX Twilight features a nylon top housing, which yields a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound and results in a duller, rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa - 45g tends to produce brighter tones, the Twilight offers a warmer, more muted sound.
However, when it comes to the bottom housings, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Twilight employ nylon material. This similarity generates a unified sound profile in the typing experience, as both switches benefit from the soft properties of nylon that absorb sound for a deeper auditory effect. The nylon bottom housing instills a sense of consistency in the typing feel, emphasizing a rounded and fuller reaction during key presses which, in turn, influences the bottom-out sound. As a result, even with differences in their top housing materials, the nylon base provides a shared characteristic to both switches that contributes to a cohesive typing feel and auditory experience.
Ultimately, the combination of materials in each switch plays a pivotal role in shaping the user experience. While the Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Twilight exhibit contrasting qualities in their top housings—polycarbonate offering clarity versus nylon delivering warmth—their similarity in bottom housing material creates a balance that allows users to attain gratifying auditory sensations regardless of which switch they choose. The polycarbonate top may offer a sharper sound upon release, while the nylon bottom ensures a consistent, pleasant response on the key presses. Thus, the diverse characteristics of the switch housings meld to create distinct yet satisfying outcomes in sound and typing feel across both models.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch present an interesting comparison in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Twilight switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams, which makes it overall lighter than the Chiikawa switch. This difference means that users who prefer a softer touch and longer typing sessions may find the Twilight switch more appealing, while those who enjoy a more substantial feel might opt for the Chiikawa. Although both switches have similar bottom out forces, the Chiikawa's slightly higher values suggest a tad more resistance when fully pressed down. For users, this means that while both switches can provide enjoyable typing experiences, the slight variations in force could influence their preference based on their typing style and comfort.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch, a clear distinction emerges. The Chiikawa has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Twilight features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.85 mm. This means that those who opt for the Chiikawa can expect a quicker key press and more responsiveness, which can be particularly advantageous for gamers seeking faster response times. Conversely, the Twilight's longer travel distance provides a more substantial feel during use, appealing to individuals who prefer a deeper and more deliberate typing experience. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference: if you favor rapid response, the Chiikawa is the better option; if you enjoy a more cushioned feel, the Twilight will suit your needs better.
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 Twilight has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Twilight for $3.29.
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 profiles of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Twilight linear switch reflect their unique design intents. The Chiikawa - 45g is known for its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched sound that delivers an exciting auditory experience as you type. In contrast, the HMX Twilight provides a slightly quieter sound, with its extended 3.85mm travel distance contributing to a more subdued acoustic signature. While the Twilight retains some clacky characteristics typical of HMX switches, it may not match the energetic high notes of the Chiikawa, leaving it sounding more refined and controlled in comparison.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally easy to press and providing a responsive typing experience. On the other hand, the HMX Twilight offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback that can make typing feel lively. This notable rebound effect means that while the Chiikawa switch offers a light and smooth experience, the Twilight gives users a sense of energy with each key press, appealing to those who enjoy dynamic feedback during their typing sessions.
In summary, both switches bring unique qualities to the table, catering to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g excels with its bright sound and lightweight feel, perfect for those who value responsiveness and auditory sharpness. Alternatively, the HMX Twilight distinguishes itself with a quieter sound profile and a bouncy feel, ideal for those who prefer a more controlled and lively typing experience. While your keyboard setup may influence the sound further, each switch will deliver its own distinct experience based on the aforementioned attributes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Twilight linear switches, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you enjoy a lighter actuation and a bright sound profile that gives you immediate feedback as you type, the Chiikawa switch might be your ideal choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams allows for rapid key presses, making it particularly appealing for fast typists or gamers looking for responsiveness in their keystrokes. Conversely, if you prefer a slightly more subdued typing experience with a longer travel distance and a subtle bounce in feedback, the HMX Twilight may be better suited for you. Its lighter bottom-out force of 50 grams provides a smooth, quiet operation, which could be beneficial in shared spaces or during late-night typing sessions. The bouncy feel of the Twilight also adds a unique dynamic to typing, ensuring that your fingers receive a gratifying pushback that enhances the overall experience. Ultimately, your choice comes down to whether you prioritize a bright, responsive feel or a quieter, more cushioned keystroke.
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