Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Wuque Studio WS Jade
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference and the typing experience each switch offers. The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making it a fantastic option for those who prioritize responsiveness and a high-pitched auditory feedback while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Jade stands out with its innovative metallic insert that contributes a rich, clacky sound and resonant tone, along with a creamy, smooth keystroke that satisfies tactile enthusiasts. The WS Jade's unique light diffuser also enhances RGB lighting effects, appealing to gamers and those who enjoy a visually striking setup. While both are linear switches that offer a smooth keystroke experience, the Chiikawa leans towards a more responsive and auditory profile, whereas the WS Jade provides a richer sound and a distinct typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
UPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
18mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade, it is essential to look at the distinct properties of their respective top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is recognized for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This is primarily due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, allowing for a clearer resonance. Additionally, the material's translucency enhances any RGB lighting effects, making it aesthetically appealing for users who appreciate visual enhancements in their mechanical keyboards. Conversely, the WS Jade employs a POM top housing, which leads to a deeper and more muted sound profile. The uniqueness of POM in this context lies in its ability to absorb certain frequencies, creating a sound that is less piercing compared to polycarbonate. The choice of material thus significantly influences the auditory experience when typing.
In examining the bottom housings of both switches, the Chiikawa - 45g opts for a nylon housing, while the WS Jade features a POM bottom housing. Nylon is a classic material for switch housings, providing a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer properties, which absorb sound rather than amplify it. This results in a duller but rounder auditory experience, making it favorable for users who enjoy a warm sound signature. On the other hand, POM’s contribution to the WS Jade's sound is also rich, offering a similarly muted tone but with its own distinct characteristics. This subtle difference reinforces the role that the bottom housing plays in the overall sound and feel of the switch, particularly during the bottom-out action when the key is fully pressed down.
Ultimately, the combination of the top and bottom housings in both the Chiikawa - 45g and WS Jade produces unique sound profiles, despite some overlaps in their contributions. While the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top might create a sharper auditory sensation, the nylon bottom adds warmth to the overall sound. In contrast, the WS Jade’s POM top provides a muted sound that pairs well with the POM bottom, leading to a balanced auditory output. Each switch, through its choice of materials, offers a distinctive typing experience; however, both switches will produce pleasant sounds in their own right. Users looking for specific auditory and tactile responses can ultimately choose either switch, with the understanding that while they may share some contrasts, both can achieve desirable results depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch, notable differences emerge in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it more suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as users may find it easier on the fingers. In contrast, the WS Jade has a slightly heavier actuation force of 50 grams, which provides a more substantial feeling upon keystrokes, appealing to those who prefer a firmer typing experience. Both switches exhibit a difference in bottom out forces as well; the Chiikawa's bottom out force is 51 grams, while the WS Jade reaches a heavier 60 grams. Therefore, users seeking a lighter switch for comfort should lean towards the Chiikawa, whereas those desiring a firmer tactile experience may favor the WS Jade. Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa is the lighter option, while the Wuque Studio WS Jade is heavier in both actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch feature an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a similar tactile experience when pressing down on the keys of both switches, as the distance from the top to the bottom is the same. With both switches offering the same travel distance, they will provide comparable results in terms of the feel and responsiveness during use. Therefore, gamers and typists alike can anticipate a consistent interaction with either 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 Wuque Studio WS Jade comes in at $4.30 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is characterized by its bright sound profile, producing a crisp and high-pitched sound that makes it notably responsive during typing. This sound can create a lively and engaging auditory experience, especially when paired with the right keyboard and keycaps. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Jade switch presents a distinct auditory signature, incorporating a metallic insert that results in a bright, resonant, and clacky sound profile. The result is a clean and sharp sound that is both percussive and immersive. Both switches offer a vibrant auditory experience, but the Chiikawa leans towards a sharper brightness, whereas the WS Jade includes a depth added through its metallic components.
When considering the feel, the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its very light actuation force, which contributes to a highly responsive typing experience. However, the specific feel of this switch hasn't been elaborated on beyond its light actuation. In contrast, the WS Jade switch is defined by its silky and creamy typing experience, offering a buttery smoothness paired with minimal resistance, allowing for a fluid glide across the keys. The creamy sensation often results from meticulous design and potential lubrication applied during manufacturing, enhancing the overall enjoyment during extended typing sessions. If the Chiikawa offers a lightweight experience, it may appeal to those who prioritize quick actuation, while the WS Jade provides a luxurious smoothness that complements its ease.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Jade switches present unique yet vivid keyboard experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa is ideal for users who favor a bright, crisp sound and responsive typing, while the WS Jade excels with its rich, resonant audio and silky smooth keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches can deliver distinct experiences and satisfaction depending on your desired auditory and tactile qualities, making either a solid choice for newcomers exploring the world of mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Jade linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing needs. If you prefer a switch that offers a light actuation force with a bright sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it very responsive, allowing for quick keystrokes that feel effortless. This switch is ideal for fast typists or gamers who appreciate a high-pitched, crisp sound when typing, enhancing the overall experience. On the other hand, if you value a sturdier feel with a richer auditory experience, the WS Jade switch would be the way to go. With a bottom-out force of 60 grams, it provides a rock-solid bottom-out, complemented by a creamy and silky typing feel. The metallic insert contributes to a clacky, resonant sound profile that many enjoy, especially those who appreciate the aesthetic appeal of sound alongside typing performance. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches comes down to whether you want a lighter, quicker response or a more substantial, smooth typing experience with a captivating auditory presence.
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