Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Wuque Studio WS Pearl
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl exemplify two distinct options for enthusiasts seeking a linear experience. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, making each keystroke feel instantly responsive while producing a crisp, high-pitched sound that adds a unique auditory layer to typing. In contrast, the WS Pearl takes a different approach with its innovative ball-bearing design, which reduces friction during keystrokes, leading to an incredibly smooth typing experience accompanied by a medium-high pitched sound signature. While the Chiikawa is perfect for those who crave quick responsiveness and a pronounced click, the WS Pearl caters to users seeking a fluid, almost ethereal typing sensation. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
58g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
16mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl, we see a distinct contrast in the materials used for the top housings, while both switches share the same nylon material for their bottom housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer properties. This translates to a more resonant and clear sound when the key is released, allowing for a more pronounced auditory experience in use. On the other hand, the WS Pearl features a nylon top housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, leading to a duller and rounder auditory response, ultimately providing a softer listening experience upon release of the key.
Both the Chiikawa - 45g and the WS Pearl boast nylon as their bottom housing material, ensuring similar characteristics regarding sound absorption and tactile feedback when the key bottoms out. The nylon construction here enhances the deeper, fuller sound that typists and gamers alike may desire when engaging with their switches. Whether one prefers the clarity brought forth by the polycarbonate top of the Chiikawa or the richer timbre provided by the nylon top of the WS Pearl, the shared bottom housing material guarantees a resonant and satisfying experience. This similarity in bottom housing implies that while the top housings introduce unique auditory triggers, the foundational aspects of the switches will remain harmonized.
Ultimately, the contrasting sound profiles created by the materials in the top housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl highlight the specific preferences of users when it comes to tactile feel and auditory feedback. For users seeking a crisper sound, the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top provides a compelling option, while the WS Pearl caters to those who prefer a warmer, softer sound due to its nylon top. However, since both switches share the nylon for their bottom housings, users can expect a similarly satisfying bottoming-out experience regardless of their choice. In essence, the combination of the top and bottom housing materials—not only shapes the sound but also influences the overall typing experience, making both switches appealing options depending on individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch, noticeable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch has a moderate actuation force of 45 grams, requiring more effort to trigger a keystroke compared to the lighter 30 grams needed for the WS Pearl. This may make the Chiikawa feel more substantial for those who prefer a stronger typing experience. However, the WS Pearl has a higher bottom out force of 58 grams compared to the Chiikawa's 51 grams, indicating that while the Pearl is easier to press initially, it ultimately requires slightly more force when fully bottoming out. Therefore, the Chiikawa is considered the heavier switch due to its higher actuation force, appealing to typists who enjoy a firmer feel, while the WS Pearl stands out as the lighter option, ideal for those who appreciate longer, less strenuous typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This small difference makes the WS Pearl the shorter option, which may be preferable for gamers seeking increased responsiveness. In contrast, the Chiikawa switch, with its greater travel distance, may appeal to users who enjoy a more substantial key feel and deeper engagement. Both switches lie within the modern trend of shorter travel distances, which is gaining popularity due to the quicker response times they offer. However, for those who favor a firmer and more traditional typing experience rather than a rapid response, the Chiikawa switch could be the better choice thanks to its longer travel distance. Ultimately, your selection depends on personal preference regarding feedback 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 Pearl comes in at $6.00 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 linear switch produces a bright and crisp high-pitched sound that is distinctly noticeable during typing. This auditory feedback contributes to an engaging typing experience, especially if you appreciate more vibrant acoustics. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch delivers a medium-high pitched sound signature, which is uniquely characterized by the presence of ball-bearings that reduce friction. This results in a sound that's smooth and pleasant without the additional brightness of the Chiikawa switches. Rather than being overwhelmingly loud, the WS Pearl creates a subtler, more refined auditory experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is recognized for its very light actuation force, making it notably responsive and easy to press, which is ideal for users who prefer less resistance during typing. This characteristic can enhance typing speed and reduce finger fatigue over extended use. Conversely, the WS Pearl focuses on delivering a remarkably smooth keystroke feel that is attributed to its ball-bearing mechanism. This results in a typing experience that feels almost effortless, allowing users to glide through their typing tasks without the sensation of friction. However, the actuation force for the WS Pearl is not specified, making it difficult to directly compare with the Chiikawa in that regard.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences, the Chiikawa leans towards a bright, lightweight feel and sound, whereas the WS Pearl provides a smooth typing experience with a refined sound profile. Depending on your personal preferences, both switches can accommodate dynamic typing experiences, but they cater to slightly different tastes. If you're drawn to either lightness and crispness or smoothness and subtlety, you'll find satisfying options in both selections.
Conclusion
To sum up, choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Pearl linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the experience you seek. If you favor a lighter actuation force and require rapid responsiveness, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams, combined with a bright sound profile, offers a crisp and lively typing experience that can enhance your overall enjoyment, especially for fast-paced typing or gaming. Conversely, if you prefer something with a bit more heft and smoothness, the WS Pearl is designed for you. With its medium bottom-out force of 58 grams and innovative ball-bearing mechanism, it provides a surreal and buttery smooth keystroke experience, making it ideal for long typing sessions or tasks that demand precision. Ultimately, your decision should be guided by whether you value a lightweight, responsive feel or a smooth, controlled typing experience, allowing you to tailor your keyboard to your individual needs.
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