Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. KTT Wine Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Wine Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the choice can significantly impact your typing experience, and two noteworthy contenders in the linear switch category are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the KTT Wine Red. The Chiikawa - 45g switch is famed for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, resulting in an exceptionally responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound that many users find energizing. This makes it an excellent choice for those who prefer a lively and speedy typing experience. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red switch offers a pillowy and light typing sensation, coupled with a satisfyingly deep and rich sound profile that appeals to users seeking a more subdued and luxurious auditory feedback. While both switches are linear and provide smooth keystrokes, their distinct sound characteristics and actuation forces cater to different preferences in typing style and comfort. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
44g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Progressive spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Wine Red switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, resulting in a similar auditory experience characterized by a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This shared material is known for its stiffness, contributing to a more resonant sound. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it particularly advantageous for setups that employ RGB lighting, as the illumination can shine through more effectively, enhancing the visual aesthetics of a keyboard. Thus, if one were to compare these two switches solely based on their top housing, they would indeed produce analogous sound qualities and visual effects when paired with RGB lighting.
However, a notable difference arises in the bottom housing of the two switches. The Chiikawa - 45g opts for nylon, a material renowned for its softer properties, which tends to absorb sound and produce a deeper, fuller sound profile when typing. In contrast, the KTT Wine Red employs polycarbonate for its bottom housing, which echoes the traits of its top housing, resulting in a sound profile that maintains the crispness characteristic of polycarbonate. Thus, while the top housings create a harmonious sound experience, the different bottom materials lead to distinct auditory impressions – the nylon bottom provides a rounder sound whereas the polycarbonate bottom enhances the overall clarity.
Ultimately, the interplay between the materials in both switches results in differing sound dynamics that can cater to diverse preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g's combination of polycarbonate top and nylon bottom offers a varied auditory experience characterized by depth and resonance on bottom-out. Conversely, the KTT Wine Red retains clarity throughout the entire keystroke due to its uniform use of polycarbonate, making it more consistent in terms of sound profile. Keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience will find that these differences in materials can significantly influence the feel and response of each switch.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch exhibit similar characteristics in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, although there are slight differences. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, whereas the Wine Red requires just a bit less at 44 grams, making the Chiikawa switch marginally heavier in terms of actuation. When it comes to bottom out forces, the Chiikawa switches bottom out at 51 grams, compared to 55 grams for the Wine Red, indicating that the KTT switch has a heavier feel when fully pressed down. Overall, the Chiikawa switch offers a slightly lighter actuation force, while the KTT Wine Red has a heavier bottom out feel. For those who favor longer typing sessions, the lighter actuation of the Chiikawa may provide a more comfortable experience, whereas the more robust actuation of the Wine Red might appeal to users who prefer a firmer typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, a notable difference emerges. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wine Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that the KTT Wine Red switch offers a deeper feel when pressed, which some users may prefer for a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Chiikawa's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance caters to those seeking faster response times, making it a suitable choice for gamers who benefit from quick key actuation. Ultimately, if you prioritize speed and a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa would be the better option, whereas if you enjoy a more traditional and hearty depth, the KTT Wine Red would suit you better.
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 KTT Wine Red comes in at $2.71 per 10 switches.
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 characteristics of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, there is a notable contrast. The Chiikawa switch is recognized for its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched tone when typing, which can feel particularly sharp and immediate. In contrast, the Wine Red switch delivers a deeper and richer sound, characterized by a bassy, low-pitched quality that may resonate more deeply with users. The combination of these two sound profiles means that while the Chiikawa offers a more whimsical and lively auditory experience, the Wine Red brings a more grounded and substantial aural sensation during each keystroke.
Regarding the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 45g provides a notably light actuation force that enhances responsiveness, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer quick, effortless typing. The Wine Red, on the other hand, is described as offering a pillowy light type feel, suggesting a softer landing and a pleasant tactile experience that may be gentle yet satisfying. While both switches cater to varying preferences in terms of actuation force and feedback, the Chiikawa excels in providing a snappy response, while the Wine Red creates a more cushioned tactile sensation.
In summary, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and KTT Wine Red linear switches present distinct auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa’s bright sound and light feel contrast with the Wine Red’s deeper, richer sound and pillowy touch. Depending on individual preferences, users can expect vastly different experiences from these switches, making the choice ultimately subjective.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the KTT Wine Red linear switch, your decision should be based on your typing preferences and the sound profile you enjoy. If you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is your best option. This switch excels in providing a responsive typing experience that many find enjoyable, especially for fast typists or gamers who benefit from its low resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a slightly heavier feel and a richer, more immersive sound, the KTT Wine Red will be a great fit. With its deeper bass tones and pillowy typing sensation, this switch can enhance your typing experience, making it feel both satisfying and substantial. Ultimately, your choice should reflect your personal typing style and the auditory feedback you seek; both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences.