Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Durock White Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock White Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, preferences often vary based on typing style and the desired sensory feedback. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is a linear switch renowned for its bright sound profile and exceptionally light actuation force, making it a responsive choice for users who favor a smooth typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the Durock White Lotus switch, categorized as a tactile switch, offers a subtle tactility that enhances typing without overwhelming the user, making it well-suited for extended work sessions. Moreover, the White Lotus features a unique removable light column that accommodates vibrant RGB lighting effects, adding an aesthetically pleasing glow to any keyboard setup. Ultimately, the Chiikawa - 45g caters to those who appreciate auditory feedback and responsiveness, while the White Lotus appeals to typists seeking a balanced tactile experience and visual flair. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that fits your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
46g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
56g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
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 long spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock White Lotus switches exhibit both similarities and differences that significantly impact their acoustic and tactile performance. The Chiikawa features a top housing made of polycarbonate, known for providing a sharper, high-pitched sound profile due to its stiffer structure. This characteristic makes polycarbonate an excellent choice for users seeking clarity and resonance, especially when utilizing RGB lighting because of its translucence. In contrast, the White Lotus employs a modified blend of polycarbonate and UPE, which offers a unique and premium touch. While both top housings share the common trait of being polycarbonate variants, the modified blend may introduce subtle tonal differences, adding depth to the sound that could appeal to users looking for a distinctive auditory experience.
Delving into the bottom housings, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock White Lotus utilize nylon, a renowned classic material for switch construction. The nylon bottom housing is appreciated for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile by absorbing sound more effectively than harder plastics. This shared characteristic means that both switches could provide similar tactile feedback and sound dampening, resulting in a rounder bottom-out sound. However, while both switches share the nylon bottom housing, the overall auditory experience might differ as the top housing's material and design influence the sound upon releasing a key.
Therefore, even though the Chiikawa and the White Lotus differ in their top housing materials, the combination of their nylon bottoms assures a consistent sound quality between the two, primarily when typing with a heavier hand. Users can expect a satisfying tactile response and depth in sound from both switches, but may find that the Chiikawa leans towards a crisper sound while the White Lotus may offer a richer acoustic profile due to its modified top housing blend. Ultimately, the distinctions in the top housing materials present unique auditory experiences while the shared nylon bottom housing establishes a foundation for similar overall performance.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch both exhibit medium-light characteristics, but there are notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the White Lotus offers a slightly heavier actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 56 grams. This makes the Chiikawa the lighter option, which may appeal to users who prefer a switch that requires less effort for prolonged typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the White Lotus, being heavier, provides a more substantial typing experience for those who favor a firmer push feel. Ultimately, while both switches are similar in terms of being medium-light, the Chiikawa requires less force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Durock White Lotus.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it is evident that the two differ in their specifications. The Chiikawa switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the White Lotus extends to 4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa offers a shorter travel distance, making it potentially more suitable for gamers who favor faster response times. On the other hand, the longer travel distance of the White Lotus may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress experience, as it provides a deeper feel that some find more satisfying. Ultimately, while both options cater to different preferences, if you're looking for quick responsiveness, the Chiikawa would be the more fitting choice, whereas the White Lotus would be better for those who appreciate a hearty depth in their keystrokes.
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 Durock White Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the White Lotus for $4.57.
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
When comparing the sound profiles of the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch, it’s clear that they cater to different auditory preferences. The Chiikawa switch is known for producing a bright and crisp high-pitched sound, making each keystroke stand out with a lively auditory response. On the other hand, the White Lotus delivers a more serene experience with a low-pitched and neutral tone. This bass-heavy and mellow sound is likely to feel more subdued, which can be preferable in quieter environments or workspaces. Both sound profiles, while distinct, can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard construction and keycap materials, but they distinctly appeal to varied typist preferences.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its lightweight actuation, designed for a highly responsive typing experience. While specific descriptions of its tactile feedback are missing, one might expect a smooth, uninterrupted keystroke typical of linear switches. Contrastingly, the Durock White Lotus switches provide a mild tactile sensation that balances gentle resistance with comfort during extended use. With easy actuation and a mild feel, the White Lotus is built to reduce finger fatigue, offering a typing experience that is pleasant without being overwhelming. This creates a comfortable typing environment that is likely to be approachable for both beginners and experienced users alike.
Overall, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Durock White Lotus switches present unique advantages tailored to specific typing experiences. The Chiikawa shines with its bright sound and light actuation, making it suitable for those seeking a responsive and lively feel. In contrast, the White Lotus offers a more mellow auditory profile with a tactility that emphasizes comfort for long typing sessions. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on individual preferences regarding sound and feel; however, either choice can lead to a fulfilling and enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Durock White Lotus tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you prefer a light and responsive typing experience, where every keystroke is met with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g would be an excellent choice. Its lower actuation force makes it particularly suited for fast-paced typing and gaming, where quick responses are essential. Additionally, you'll appreciate the crisp and high-pitched sound that adds a lively character to your setup. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more tactile typing experience that balances both comfort and a pleasing sensation, the White Lotus is likely to resonate with you. Its gentle tactile feedback paired with a slightly higher actuation force offers an engaging feel without being overwhelming, making it ideal for long typing sessions. Furthermore, the White Lotus features a lovely aesthetics with its removable light column that enhances the RGB effects of your keyboard, creating both a functional and visually appealing workspace. Ultimately, your choice should reflect whether you're inclined toward rapid responsiveness and brightness with the Chiikawa or a gentle tactile experience with the charm of the White Lotus.
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