Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Vintage Citrus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Vintage Citrus both stand out as excellent choices for those who prefer linear switches, yet they cater to slightly different user preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a crisp, high-pitched sound that offers a delightfully responsive typing experience. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus switch is designed specifically with gamers in mind, featuring an exceptionally low actuation distance of just 1mm, which enables rapid-fire inputs, complemented by a bright, clacky sound and a notably smooth push feel. While the Chiikawa excels in providing a lively typing sensation, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for speed and precision during intense gaming sessions. Both switches offer unique advantages depending on your typing or gaming style, 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
48g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.00 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
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When evaluating the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Vintage Citrus switches, notable distinctions arise, particularly in their top housing. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is characterized by its stiffness and translucency, enabling a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material's rigidity contributes to a more resonant auditory experience, particularly when illuminated with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the switch. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus employs a nylon top housing, a classic choice that imparts a deeper and fuller sound. The inherent softness of nylon allows for greater sound absorption, resulting in a more muted auditory response compared to the Chiikawa's top housing.
While the top housings of the two switches differ significantly, they share a commonality in their bottom housings, both made from nylon. This similarity in bottom housing material ensures that both switches deliver a consistent, deep, and rounded sound profile. The nylon's capacity for sound absorption contributes to a more muted bottom-out sound in both switches, allowing users to experience a tactile feedback without the extra sharpness of a harder material. This shared feature provides a degree of auditory consistency between the two models, highlighting the importance of the bottom housing in managing the overall sound characteristics when a key is fully pressed.
In summary, the contrasting materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Vintage Citrus's top housing lead to distinct sound profiles when typing. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top is engineered for clarity and brightness, while the Vintage Citrus opts for the richer tones that nylon can provide. However, the use of nylon in the bottom housing in both switches tempers these differences slightly, ultimately leading to a blended experience. Users can thus expect a fuller acoustic experience when pressing down on both switches, even as the release phase may feel notably different due to the variance in top housing materials. This interplay underscores how housing materials can be strategically employed to achieve different sensorial outcomes in keyboard switches.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch to the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, we find some interesting differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the Vintage Citrus requires a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and has a bottom out force of 53 grams. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, making it potentially more suitable for long typing sessions or gaming, as users may find it easier on their fingers. In contrast, the Vintage Citrus, while also classified as medium-light, offers a somewhat stronger push, which can be preferable for those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches provide a relatively light feel, but the Chiikawa allows for a lighter touch compared to the Vintage Citrus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch, a notable difference is evident. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Vintage Citrus offers a shorter travel distance of 3 mm. This makes the Vintage Citrus the more shallow option, which could appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate feedback sensation with each key press. In contrast, those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile depth may find the Chiikawa's 3.6 mm travel distance more satisfying, as it provides a more substantial feel during typing. Therefore, for users prioritizing responsiveness, the Vintage Citrus would be the ideal choice, while the Chiikawa would cater to those who prefer a deeper key press 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 HMX Vintage Citrus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vintage Citrus for $2.79.
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 and high-pitched tone that resonates during typing. This quality adds a certain liveliness to the typing experience that many users appreciate. On the other hand, the HMX Vintage Citrus also features a bright, clacky sound profile, designed specifically for the rapid-fire inputs favored by gamers. Both switches offer a lively audio experience, suggesting that regardless of which switch you choose, you will likely be met with a similar prominence in sound that enhances your keyboard's auditory feedback.
When it comes to the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by a very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press. This feature contributes to a generally smooth pushing experience that can be appealing for long typing sessions. The Vintage Citrus, designed for gaming, stands out with its exceptionally low actuation point of just 1mm, promoting quick responsiveness for those rapid gaming key presses. As a result, while both switches may provide a smooth feel, the Vintage Citrus emphasizes speed and efficiency, potentially making it the go-to option for competitive gaming applications, whereas the Chiikawa may shine in general typing scenarios.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switches cater to users seeking bright sound characteristics and smooth operation. The Chiikawa excels in a light typing feel, ideal for a comfortable typing experience, while the Vintage Citrus is tailored for gamers looking for rapid response times. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prioritize general typing enjoyment or gaming efficiency; however, both switches promise a fulfilling experience with their bright auditory and tactile qualities.
Conclusion
To sum up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Vintage Citrus linear switch ultimately boils down to your typing or gaming style and preferences. If you're someone who enjoys a bright sound profile with a highly responsive feel for both typing and casual gaming, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force and light actuation make it suitable for extended typing sessions without tiring your fingers, while the crisp sound enhances the overall experience. Conversely, if you primarily engage in fast-paced gaming and require a switch that responds quickly to your commands, the Vintage Citrus is tailored for you. With its low actuation force and 1mm travel, it caters to gamers seeking rapid-fire precision, delivering a bright, clacky sound that can help maintain an immersive gaming environment. Thus, consider what you prioritize most—whether it's a responsive typing experience with a sharper auditory feedback from the Chiikawa or the swift, smooth action of the Vintage Citrus for competitive gaming—each switch shines in its respective arena.
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