Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gazzew U4
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gazzew U4 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gazzew U4 offer distinct experiences tailored to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa switch stands out for its strikingly light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it particularly responsive and perfect for those who favor a swift, almost airy typing feel. Its crisp, high-pitched sound adds an engaging auditory element to the typing experience, which can be enticing for users who thrive on feedback and energy. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4, known for its silent tactile design, provides a stark contrast with its plush bottom-out sensation and sharp tactile bump. This switch marries subtlety with tactile satisfaction, making it an excellent choice for typists who desire a more muted sound profile while still enjoying the excitement of tactile feedback. While the Chiikawa is ideal for those who enjoy a lively and reactive keypress, the U4 appeals to users seeking a quieter, yet still engaging, typing experience. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel 14mm Korean spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gazzew U4, distinct differences emerge that influence their resulting sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, noted for its stiffness and translucency, which contributes to a sharper and higher-pitched sound. This characteristic makes the Chiikawa particularly suited for those who value clarity and resonance, especially when RGB lighting is involved, as the transparent polycarbonate allows light to shine through effectively. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 features a proprietary "boba plastic" blend for its top housing. This material prioritizes softness over stiffness, which results in a richer and deeper sound profile. Ultimately, while both switches may deliver an enjoyable auditory experience, the Chiikawa leans towards a more piercing sound, while the U4 provides a fuller auditory effect.
Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals further contrasts and similarities. The Chiikawa - 45g is equipped with a nylon bottom housing, a material traditionally associated with a deeper, rounder sound due to its ability to absorb sound. Its softness lessens the sharpness that the polycarbonate top housing introduces, creating a more balanced experience when typing. Conversely, the Gazzew U4 also employs its proprietary blend for the bottom housing, maintaining that rich sound profile expected from the boba plastic. This consistent use of a soft material in both the top and bottom housings of the U4 helps reinforce its deep sound qualities, while the Chiikawa’s mixed materials create a more varied auditory experience between the two components.
Despite their differences, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Gazzew U4 can deliver pleasing results based on their respective uses of housing materials. The nature of the sound profile in each switch is a product of their respective materials interacting at different points during use. With the Chiikawa's clear polycarbonate top housing providing clearer sounds during key release and the nylon bottom enriching the bottom-out sound, those who choose this switch may appreciate a more dynamic sound experience. Meanwhile, users of the U4 can expect a consistent richness throughout, thanks to the shared qualities of its proprietary plastic blend in both housings. Thus, even as their technical specifications differ, both switches present unique opportunities for enjoyable sound experiences tailored to user preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch present interesting comparisons in terms of actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, which allows for a similar typing experience when it comes to the initial keystroke activation. However, the bottom out force differs significantly; the Chiikawa has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the U4 demands a heftier 62 grams. This means that while both switches feel light during actuation, the U4 provides a stronger resistance at the bottom, making it a heavier option overall. This variance may cater to different preferences: those who favor a lighter switch for prolonged typing sessions might gravitate towards the Chiikawa, while users seeking a more substantial feel may opt for the U4.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch share the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, meaning that when pressed, both switches will offer a similar feel in terms of the distance traveled from the top to the bottom. This parity in travel distance ensures that users experience comparably consistent keypress feedback across both switches, enhancing versatility in typing dynamics. Consequently, whether using the Chiikawa or U4, one can expect an identical key travel 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 Gazzew U4 comes in at $6.50 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 linear switch is characterized by its bright and high-pitched tones, making each keystroke resonate with a crispness that can be quite satisfying, especially for users who appreciate a more auditory typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch features a sound profile that is more muted and low-pitched, resulting in a quieter typing experience. The U4's subtlety minimizes the usual noise associated with mechanical switches, offering a softer and more bass-heavy tone. It's worth noting that the overall sound can vary greatly depending on factors like the specific keyboard build and keycap material, meaning that both switches can yield distinctly different auditory experiences based on their environments.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, which generally promotes a more responsive typing experience, allowing for quick and effortless key presses. The lighter resistance can be great for users who prefer fast typing speeds or are new to mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4 tactile switch provides a sharp tactile bump that delivers a strong, crisp feedback on keystrokes, offering an exhilarating sense of engagement with each press. This pronounced tactile feedback can be immensely satisfying for users who enjoy the mechanical feel of their switches, though it may require a bit more force compared to the lighter Chiikawa - 45g.
In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch offer very different subjective experiences in terms of sound and feel. The Chiikawa switch, with its bright and crisp auditory feedback paired with a light actuation force, is ideal for users seeking a responsive and lively typing experience. In contrast, the Gazzew U4’s muted sound and sharp tactile feedback may suit those who prefer a quieter keyboard while still enjoying a pronounced tactile sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and acoustic environment, but either can provide an enjoyable experience tailored to different typing styles.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gazzew U4 tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a light, responsive experience with a bright sound profile that enhances your tactile feedback while typing quickly, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the ideal choice for you. Its medium-light actuation force makes it suitable for prolonged typing sessions, especially if you find yourself frequently pressing keys. Conversely, if you appreciate a pronounced tactile experience with a sharp bump and a more plush bottom-out sensation, the Gazzew U4 is likely to be more satisfying. Its higher actuation force provides a firmer feel, ideal for those who enjoy a deliberate typing experience without the clatter associated with typical mechanical switches. Moreover, with its muted sound profile, the U4 is perfect if you're in a quieter environment or simply prefer to minimize noise. Ultimately, by considering your typing style and whether you lean towards linear or tactile feedback, you can make a more informed decision on which switch best complements your mechanical keyboard setup.
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