Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing experience, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer distinct qualities that cater to varying preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it ideal for those who crave a fast and responsive typing experience without the tactile feedback. Its crisp, high-pitched sound adds an engaging element that many typists find enjoyable. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch provides a satisfying and profound tactile bump at 70g, combined with a "thocky" sound that immerses users in each keystroke. This switch is perfect for individuals who appreciate the tactile feedback and auditory richness, resulting in a more engaging and satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches hinges on whether you prefer the smooth, rapid response of a linear switch or the richly textured feedback of a tactile one. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that suits your preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When it comes to the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile, a notable contrast exists in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which enhances acoustics and results in a more resonant output. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting applications, allowing for vibrant illumination to shine through. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile utilizes a nylon top housing, known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound. This softer material absorbs sound, contributing to a duller, rounder acoustic profile compared to the Chiikawa. Therefore, while both switches aim to provide high-quality typing experiences, their sound profiles differ significantly due to the materials used in their top housings.
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile share a commonality in their bottom housings, which are made of nylon. This similarity means that they will deliver a similar impact in terms of sound and feel when the keys are bottomed out. Nylon's softer characteristics ensure a dampened sound, offering a fuller typing experience that users tend to gravitate towards. Thus, while the Chiikawa’s polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper sound upon key release, both switches still utilize nylon in their bottom housings, which contributes to a smoother, more cushioned conclusion of each keystroke.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housings create distinct sound profiles for the Chiikawa - 45g and WS Heavy Tactile switches, but the shared nylon bottom housing provides a common ground for an enriched typing experience. Users can expect the Chiikawa to offer a more pronounced sound when releasing keys, while the WS Heavy Tactile will deliver a more subdued auditory response. However, both switches lend themselves to a satisfying tactile feedback due to their nylon bottoms. Thus, while their overall sound may diverge, both designs summon a pleasurable experience rooted in similar foundational materials.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch offer distinct experiences when it comes to actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, catering to those who prefer a lighter typing experience, suitable for extended use such as long workdays or gaming sessions. However, they diverge significantly in terms of bottom out force; the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile features a much firmer bottom out force of 70 grams. This difference indicates that while the initial keystroke requires the same amount of pressure, the tactile switch presents a more robust resistance at the end of the keypress, which might appeal to users seeking a more substantial feel. Thus, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option overall, while the WS Heavy Tactile serves as the heavier choice, making the former better suited for those prioritizing comfort over longer typing sessions, and the latter for individuals who prefer a more pronounced feedback during typing.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch, we find notable differences that can influence the user experience. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option of the two. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. For users who prefer a more responsive feel, the WS Heavy Tactile may be the better choice due to its reduced travel distance, offering quicker actuation that can be beneficial for gaming. On the other hand, the Chiikawa's longer travel distance might appeal to those who enjoy a deeper, more satisfying keystroke. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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 it comes to sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is celebrated for its bright and high-pitched auditory profile, producing a crisp and percussive sound that adds to the responsiveness of the typing experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch is characterized by its clacky, thocky sound, which resonates deeply due to its nylon housing. The WS switch creates an engaging auditory experience, providing a rich contrast to the Chiikawa’s lighter and more airy sound. Both switches may deliver different auditory experiences, but the mechanical keyboard's overall sound will depend on additional factors like the type of keyboard and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g has a very light actuation force that allows for effortless typing but lacks tactile feedback, which might keep it from offering the rewarding sensation found in tactile switches. Conversely, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an invigorating tactile experience characterized by a significant tactile bump, providing a prominent and sharp feedback with each keystroke. Its bouncy and snappy nature makes it responsive and lively under the fingers. While the Chiikawa switch excels in lightness and speed, the WS Heavy Tactile focuses on the sensory feedback that many typists find gratifying.
In summation, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is ideal for users who prefer a lightweight, crisp, and responsive typing experience, whereas the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch appeals to those who seek a pronounced tactile feedback with a deeper auditory satisfaction. Each switch caters to different preferences—whether you want an airy, high-pitched sound or a rich, thocky noise; and whether you prefer a light touch versus a more engaged and tactile typing feel. Your choice will ultimately depend on how you want to balance these qualities in your mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switch primarily hinges on your personal typing preferences and the overall experience you seek. If you favor a light, responsive feel with an engaging brightness in sound, the Chiikawa - 45g will likely suit you well, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming where quick actuation is beneficial. Its medium-light actuation force and high-pitched, crisp sound can make each keystroke feel lively and exhilarating. On the other hand, if you’re in search of a more tactile and immersive experience, the WS Heavy Tactile will deliver with its pronounced bump at a medium-heavy actuation force, providing a deep tactile sensation that many find satisfying. The "thocky," resonant sound profile and invigorating feedback can be immensely rewarding for those who enjoy a more deliberate typing experience, especially in scenarios such as typing long documents or coding, where you want to feel each keystroke distinctly. Consider your typing habits, the type of feedback you appreciate, and how important sound is to you when making your final selection between these two excellent switches.
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