Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Weightlessness
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Weightlessness switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Weightlessness each offer distinct tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g, known for its strikingly light actuation force of 45 grams, delivers an incredibly responsive typing experience alongside a bright, high-pitched sound profile that many typists find satisfying. This linear switch is ideal for those who prioritize swift keystrokes and smooth, uninterrupted travel. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness presents a more nuanced performance with its subtle to moderate tactile feedback. These tactile switches provide a balanced sound profile that complements their feel, appealing to users who enjoy a sense of physical confirmation with each keystroke. While the Chiikawa shines for efficiency and sound, the Weightlessness caters to those who value tactile feedback. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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 double-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Weightlessness, a notable distinction can be observed in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and translucence. This material contributes to a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for users seeking an enhanced auditory experience, especially when coupled with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness utilizes a nylon top housing, which is generally softer and more absorbent, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound quality. While they both serve the purpose of housing a switch, the different materials impact not just the tactile experience but also the acoustic properties of each switch.
Interestingly, both switches share the same material—nylon—for their bottom housings. This uniformity leads to a similar auditory characteristic: the nylon's softer composition helps in producing a rounder and more subdued sound profile. The impact of the bottom housing on the overall switch experience is significant, as it influences the bottom-out feel and sound when a key is pressed. Therefore, while the top housing materials contrast, the consistent use of nylon in the bottom housing of both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Weightlessness ensures that users experience that quintessential nylon sound regardless of the switch chosen.
Ultimately, the interplay between the different top and bottom housing materials results in unique acoustic signatures for each switch. The Chiikawa - 45g, with its polycarbonate top and nylon bottom, offers a balance of sharpness in sound when the switch is released and depth upon bottoming out. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness’s use of nylon in both the top and bottom housings leads to an overall consistency in sound profile that leans towards a warmer tone. While the switches exhibit different sounds when engaged, a user can expect that both would provide a satisfying tactile experience, with their nylon bottoms ensuring a rich, fuller response when actuated.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, we observe distinct differences in their actuation forces. The Chiikawa switch requires a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions without excessive strain. In contrast, the Gateron Weightlessness has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial typing experience. However, the bottom out force for the Weightlessness switch is listed as unknown, which means we cannot directly compare it to the Chiikawa’s bottom out force of 51 grams. Thus, while the Chiikawa is the lighter option and provides a medium-light feel, the Weightlessness offers a bit more resistance, potentially leading to different user experiences based on typing preferences.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch, there is a noticeable difference. The Chiikawa switch boasts a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Weightlessness switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the longer of the two options, offering a more pronounced key press for those who prefer deeper feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness, with its shorter travel distance, may appeal to gamers seeking quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches cater to different preferences based on travel distance, the shorter weightlessness might feel more abrupt to some users compared to the more substantial feel of the Chiikawa switch.
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 Gateron Weightlessness has an MSRP of $6.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Weightlessness for $5.50.
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 characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched tone that stands out during typing. This lively acoustics can create an engaging auditory experience for users who appreciate an expressive typing sound. On the other hand, the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch has a balanced sound profile that leans towards a subtle to moderate auditory experience. This may be more subdued in comparison, providing a pleasant background noise while typing without drawing too much attention to itself. Therefore, if you're seeking a more dominant auditory feedback, the Chiikawa is the way to go, while the Weightlessness caters to those who prefer a less intrusive sound.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and ideal for those who favor quick and effortless keystrokes. This light touch is complemented by the smoothness typical of linear switches, providing a seamless typing experience. Conversely, the Gateron Weightlessness offers a subtle to moderate tactile feel, presenting a sensation that gives feedback without being overly pronounced. This means that while the Chiikawa allows rapid, fluid typing, the Weightlessness provides a gentle cue to enhance typing accuracy without overwhelming the user with too much tactile resistance.
In summary, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Weightlessness switches offer distinctive qualities that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa excels in sound with its bright and crisp auditory feedback, paired with a light and responsive feel for a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Weightlessness provides a balanced sound with a subtle tactile feedback that is more suited for those who appreciate a moderate typing experience. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound clarity and responsiveness or a subtle tactile experience with balanced auditory feedback.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Weightlessness tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and style. If you enjoy a responsive and lightweight feel with a brighter sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g might be the ideal switch for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams ensures that you'll experience a quick actuation, making it great for fast typists or gamers who require speed and precision. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile typing experience coupled with a balanced sound profile, the Gateron Weightlessness switch would be a better fit. Although it has an unspecified bottom-out force, its subtle tactile feedback allows for a satisfying typing experience without the distraction of overly pronounced sound. Ultimately, consider your typing habits: go for the Chiikawa - 45g if you want a lively, responsive switch, and choose the Weightlessness if you seek a grounded, tactile feel with moderate acoustics.
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