Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gazzew U4Tx RGB

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice often comes down to personal preference and typing style, and the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gazzew U4Tx RGB exemplify two distinct approaches. The Chiikawa - 45g, a linear switch, is celebrated for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light 45-gram actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and enjoyable for users who favor smooth key presses without any tactile feedback. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, classified as a tactile switch, delivers a luxurious typing experience characterized by its deep "thock" sound when bottoming out and a refined tactile bump that provides satisfying feedback with every keystroke, all while remaining quiet. Users might gravitate towards the Chiikawa for its emphasis on speed and auditory brightness, ideal for rapid typing or gaming, while the U4Tx may appeal to those who appreciate the tactile sensations and sound modulation in their typing experience. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your needs.

By the numbers

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

$6.50 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB, it's essential to highlight the differences in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing renowned for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity contributes to a clear and resonant output, making it favorable for setups that incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB utilizes a proprietary plastic blend referred to as "boba plastic," which is engineered to deliver a richer and deeper sound profile. The inherent softness of this blend lends itself to a fuller acoustic response, embodying a different auditory experience that diverges from the Chiikawa's characteristic brightness.

Examining the bottom housings of both switches reveals a more significant similarity between the two models. The Chiikawa - 45g opts for a nylon bottom housing that is recognized as a classic in the world of keyboard switches. Its softness results in a deeper and fuller sound profile, effectively absorbing sound and delivering a rounder feel during typing. The U4Tx RGB also employs a proprietary blend for its bottom housing, which mirrors the softness of nylon to achieve a rich and deep tonal output. This parallel in material choice suggests that while the top housings may produce distinct sound qualities, the bottom housings of both switches can provide a complementary depth to the overall acoustic experience.

Ultimately, the unique sound profiles of both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB can be enjoyable and effective for different user preferences, stemming from their distinct top housing materials. For those seeking a crisp and clear auditory feedback, the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top excels, whereas the U4Tx’s boba plastic offers a warmer sound. However, the similarities in the bottom housing materials mean that both switches can produce a rich and deep auditory experience, grounding the overall sound regardless of the top housing’s influence. Depending on the user’s preference—either a bright or a full auditory response—both switches can yield satisfying performance, especially when it comes to bottoming out.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch, there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces that cater to different user preferences. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams, which is considered medium-light, making it suitable for users who prefer less strain during prolonged typing sessions. In contrast, the U4Tx RGB does not have a specified actuation force but has a bottom out force of 65 grams, classifying it as medium-heavy. This heavier bottom-out force may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial feel while typing. Therefore, while the Chiikawa is the lighter option in terms of actuation force, the U4Tx RGB's unknown actuation force coupled with its heavier bottom-out force suggests it would be more suited for users who prefer a firmer keystroke feel. This distinction is essential for users to consider based on their preferences for typing experience and the amount of force they are comfortable with during extended use.

Travel distance

The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch have identical travel distances, both measuring 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same travel distance of 3.6 mm, providing a similar feel in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. As a result, users can expect a consistent keypress experience whether they opt for the Chiikawa or the U4Tx switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone when typing. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a more vibrant auditory feedback in their keystrokes. In contrast, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch delivers a deeper, more resonant "thock" upon bottoming out, combined with a quieter sound at the top of the stroke. This refined sound profile creates a luxurious typing experience, catering to those who appreciate a more subdued yet rich auditory feedback. Both switches provide distinct sound qualities, largely influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycap materials.

When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g offers a very light actuation force, making it highly responsive and effortless to press, ideal for rapid typing and gaming. The smooth linear action provides an uninterrupted experience without any tactile bump. On the other hand, the U4Tx RGB switch features a sharp tactile bump, giving the user a clear indication of actuation. This tactile feedback enhances the typing experience, providing a sense of satisfaction with each key press while still maintaining a level of stealth due to its quieter sound production. While both switches deliver enjoyable typing experiences, their distinct actuation characteristics cater to different preferences.

In conclusion, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch present two different auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa excels with its bright sound and light actuation for those who prefer a responsive feel, while the U4Tx offers a deeper sound with a tactile bump for a more luxurious experience. Ultimately, both switches can serve well depending on personal preferences, with the choice between vibrant auditory feedback and tactile pleasure defining the selection for any newcomer exploring mechanical keyboards.

Conclusion

To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx RGB tactile switch will largely depend on your preferences for typing feel, sound characteristics, and overall usage. If you are someone who enjoys a lightweight and highly responsive switch that offers a playful and bright sound profile, then the Chiikawa - 45g is likely your best bet. Its medium-light actuation force makes it perfect for fast typists or gamers looking for quick key presses without much resistance. On the other hand, if you favor a more substantial typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a deeper, richer sound, the Gazzew U4Tx RGB would suit you better. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate a medium-heavy feel that provides satisfying feedback, contributing to a more luxurious typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal typing style and the type of work or gaming you engage in most often.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Chiikawa - 45g Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more

Gazzew U4Tx RGB Tactile

$6.50 per 10

Learn more