Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, enthusiasts often find themselves weighing the merits of various options to suit their typing preferences. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch stands out as a linear switch renowned for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile. This makes it an appealing choice for users seeking a quick, responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash switch, a hall effect switch, offers a unique blend of characteristics, showcasing a bright and clacky sound signature paired with a silky smooth keystroke. This polished finish adds a refined touch to the typing experience, making it a compelling option for those who appreciate both auditory feedback and a smooth action. While both switches present distinct advantages—whether it be the light touch of the Chiikawa or the elegant sophistication of the WS Dash—they each cater to different types of users. However, let’s dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that aligns with your preferences and typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Dash reveal striking similarities that suggest users of both switches can expect comparable auditory experiences. Both switches utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of the sound, making it particularly resonant. Moreover, the translucency of polycarbonate allows for RGB lighting to effectively shine through, adding a visual dimension that complements the aural qualities of the switches. Users seeking bright and defined sound profiles in both devices are likely to be satisfied with the auditory performance attributed to this material.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of both switches are made of nylon, which creates a distinctive sound profile that differs from the qualities of the polycarbonate tops. Nylon, being a softer plastic, contributes to a deeper and fuller sound characteristic. This results in a typing experience that is darker and rounder, quite different from the sharper qualities imparted by the polycarbonate tops. The combination of nylon on the bottom and polycarbonate on the top in both switches allows for a unique interplay of sound characteristics, where the nylon dampens and enriches while the polycarbonate accentuates. Users who appreciate the depth offered by nylon will find common ground in both models.
Ultimately, if the top and bottom housings impact the overall sound and feel of a switch, the Chiikawa - 45g and the WS Dash provide a harmonious blend of auditory properties. The shared materials of polycarbonate and nylon allow these switches to produce a similarly tuned sound profile: the crispness of the upper registers balanced by the fuller depths of the lower tones. This means that while there are nuanced differences due to the specific blend of materials, the overall sonic experience will resonate in comparable ways for users of either switch. Thus, enthusiasts of mechanical keyboards can enjoy robust auditory performance no matter which model they choose.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, several distinctions emerge. The Chiikawa switch features a 45-gram actuation force and a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the WS Dash offers a lighter 30-gram actuation force but a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while the Chiikawa requires more force to initially trigger a keystroke, it bottoms out at a lower force compared to the WS Dash. Consequently, the WS Dash presents a lighter overall experience at the actuation stage, catering to users who favor less resistance during typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Chiikawa's heavier actuation force may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, while both switches are in the medium-light range overall, the Chiikawa switch is heavier in terms of actuation force, whereas the WS Dash is lighter at the actuation stage but bottoms out at a higher force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash has a slightly shorter distance of 3.5 mm. This indicates that the Chiikawa switch provides a more substantial depth when pressed, which can be more satisfying for users who appreciate a noticeable tactile sensation. In contrast, the WS Dash's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers seeking quicker actuation times for faster response rates. Overall, the Chiikawa switch is the longer option by just 0.1 mm, catering to those who prefer a bit more depth in their key presses.
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 Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
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 and crisp sound profile, producing a high-pitched noise that tends to slice through ambient sound, giving feedback that feels sharp and responsive. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch has a captivating clacky sound signature, combining a bright and percussive quality that is both sharp and snappy. While both switches produce bright sounds, the Chiikawa leans towards a more linear and subdued brightness, whereas the WS Dash offers a more percussive sound that can evoke a lively typing experience. It’s worth noting that the exact auditory experience can vary based on the keyboard build and keycap choices, so individual preference plays a significant role.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is known for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive and allowing for effortless key presses. This characteristic results in a typing experience that can feel quick and agile, though the exact smoothness may depend on the individual switch quality. In contrast, the WS Dash switch boasts a polished and silky feel, suggesting a refined finish that enhances the overall typing experience. This smoothness minimizes friction, providing a seamless and enjoyable key travel that can be quite satisfying during extended typing sessions. While the Chiikawa focuses on light actuation for responsiveness, the WS Dash emphasizes a meticulously crafted and smooth typing journey.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offer bright sound profiles, their auditory qualities diverge with the Chiikawa providing a cleaner response and the WS Dash producing a clackier feedback. Feel-wise, the Chiikawa emphasizes lightness and quick actuation, whereas the WS Dash focuses on a polished and silky typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preferences: if you prefer a crisp and agile typing experience, you may lean towards the Chiikawa, while if you value smoothness and a clacky auditory feedback, the WS Dash would be an excellent choice.
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch largely depends on your typing preferences and intended usage. If you favor a very light actuation force with a bright, high-pitched sound that enhances the tactile feedback of typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. This switch is well-suited for casual typing, fast-paced gaming, and situations where you want quick responses without feeling weighed down by a heavier switch. On the other hand, if you prefer a more polished and silky typing experience with a clacky sound signature that adds character to your keystrokes, the WS Dash is the way to go. Its medium-light actuation force coupled with smooth key travel makes it ideal for those who enjoy a refined feel while typing or gaming, especially if you'll be using it in a setup that benefits from a little extra auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should align with what brings you the most satisfaction and efficiency in your mechanical keyboard experience.
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