Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Dareu Violet Gold Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch can significantly impact your typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its impressively light actuation force and distinctive bright sound profile, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer quick, responsive keystrokes and a crisp, high-pitched audio feedback while typing. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactile feel with a fairly light touch, making it a versatile "Goldilocks" option that strikes a balance between a satisfying tactile bump and a neutral sound signature — ideal for users who enjoy the feedback of tactile switches without overwhelming noise. Both switches cater to different preferences and typing styles: if you seek speed and a lively soundscape, the Chiikawa might be your go-to, whereas the Violet Gold Pro could be perfect if you favor a balanced and responsive 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro share similar construction in terms of their housing materials, as both utilize polycarbonate for the top housing and nylon for the bottom housing. This uniformity in materials suggests that both switches will deliver a similar sound profile characterized by a sharp, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when the keys are pressed. The polycarbonate material contributes to this clarity due to its rigidity, allowing for greater resonance during keystrokes. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate enhances the aesthetic appeal of these switches, particularly for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects, as the colors are effectively transmitted through the housing.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both switches, made from nylon, bring a different character to the typing experience. Nylon’s softer properties contribute to a deeper and fuller sound profile, which contrasts with the bright sound generated by the polycarbonate top. This means that while both switches may exhibit a similar sound upon key release, the bottom-out sound and feel will have distinct qualities. A typing experience on either switch thus incorporates the sum of both materials, with the nylon absorbing more sound and providing a rounded tone that can create a more satisfying overall feel when typing.
Ultimately, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Dareu Violet Gold Pro utilize different materials for their respective housings, the harmony created by their structure gives users a well-rounded auditory experience. The stiffness of polycarbonate for the top improves clarity, while the softness of nylon for the bottom creates warmth and fullness. Therefore, users can expect comparable performance and sound quality from both switches, making them excellent choices depending on personal preferences for key feel and aesthetic considerations.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch both share the same actuation force of 45 grams, providing a medium-light typing experience suitable for extended use during long work sessions or gaming marathons. However, the bottom out force differs significantly between the two switches. The Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, indicating a slightly firmer feel when keys are fully pressed down. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Violet Gold Pro remains unspecified, which means we cannot make a direct comparison in that regard. Therefore, while both switches will yield a similar actuation experience, the Chiikawa switch offers a more definitive response upon bottoming out, making it the heavier option in terms of bottoming out force. Users seeking a lighter touch overall will find the Chiikawa more appealing, though the experience may vary for those who prefer the tactile feedback of the Violet Gold Pro.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch, it is clear that they differ in their specifications. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Violet Gold Pro features a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that if you opt for the Chiikawa switch, you'll experience a more responsive feel, which is often preferred by gamers seeking quicker keypress registration. On the other hand, the Violet Gold Pro, with its longer 3.8 mm travel distance, may provide a more substantial feedback sensation, appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keypress experience. Overall, the Chiikawa switch offers the shorter travel distance, making it a better choice for users prioritizing responsiveness, whereas the Violet Gold Pro caters to those who favor a richer tactile 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 Dareu Violet Gold Pro has an MSRP of $7.73 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet Gold Pro for $4.76.
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 Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright and crisp sound profile. It's designed to deliver a high-pitched auditory feedback that lends itself well to an engaging typing experience, making each keystroke feel responsive and lively. On the other hand, the Dareu Violet Gold Pro presents a more neutral sound signature, characterized by moderate sound output that renders it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting. This balanced acoustic profile makes it versatile and appealing to users who prefer less noise while maintaining an enjoyable typing experience.
When comparing the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, which contributes to an effortless typing experience that encourages rapid keystrokes. In contrast, the Violet Gold Pro offers a medium tactile response with its stepped design. This means that users will perceive a clear tactile bump at the actuation point, providing a subtle feedback that enhances typing precision without overwhelming the user with excessive force requirement. The Chiikawa switch allows for fluidity, while the Dareu switch offers a more nuanced experience with its defined tactile feedback.
In conclusion, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch comes down to personal preference regarding sound and feel. The Chiikawa delivers a bright auditory experience with a very light touch, appealing to those who prioritize a responsive typing experience. Meanwhile, the Violet Gold Pro caters to individuals looking for a balanced tactile feel with a neutral sound, making it a versatile option for various typing situations. Ultimately, both switches provide unique qualities that can satisfy different typing preferences, and users will achieve satisfying results depending on what vocal and tactile feedback they prefer.
Conclusion
To sum up, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Dareu Violet Gold Pro tactile switch hinges on your personal preferences and usage scenarios. If you prefer an ultra-responsive typing experience with a crisp and bright sound profile, the Chiikawa switch is an excellent choice, particularly well-suited for fast typists or gamers who value speed and a lightweight actuation force. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams ensures that you don’t have to exert much effort to register inputs, making it a delight for long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you seek a well-rounded typing experience that balances responsiveness with a tactile feel, the Violet Gold Pro is the way to go. Its medium tactility and neutral sound signature make it adaptable for both home and professional setups, catering to a wide range of users from beginners to seasoned typists. The stepped tactile feedback of the Violet Gold Pro can also provide a satisfying sensation during typing, enhancing your overall experience. Ultimately, your decision should reflect whether you prioritize swift, linear performance or a moderated, tactile feel in your keyboard experience.
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