Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Wuque Studio WS Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Red both present unique characteristics that can significantly affect your typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g, known for its remarkably light 45g actuation force and crisp, high-pitched sound profile, offers a highly responsive feel that many typists find advantageous for speed and fluidity in typing. This makes it an appealing choice for users who prioritize precision and quick reactions. In contrast, the WS Red features a 22mm double-stage spring that contributes to a bouncy, responsive experience while maintaining a more substantial feel due to its heavier actuation force. This provides typists with a satisfying tactile feedback that some users prefer for a more grounded keystroke. While both switches excel in their own right, the choice ultimately hinges on your personal typing preferences and needs. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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 double-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Red, we see a marked difference in their top housings. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which lends itself to producing a sharper and crisper sound profile. This material’s rigidity allows for improved resonance, making it ideal for users who appreciate a bright and pronounced auditory feedback when typing. In contrast, the WS Red employs nylon as its top housing material, which contributes to a softer and more subdued sound. The properties of nylon lead to a warm and rounded sound profile, resonating with those who prefer a more muted auditory experience while they type. This fundamental divergence suggests that the Chiikawa - 45g is optimized for clarity and brightness, while the WS Red offers a lush and mellower sound.
Interestingly, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the WS Red share a similarity in their bottom housing — both utilize nylon. This choice of material across both switches promises a shared quality in depth and fullness of sound, as nylon is known for its sound-absorbing properties. Thus, regardless of the differences in their top housing, both switches will present users with a consistently rich and harmonious lower sound profile when a key is bottomed out. This shared characteristic ensures that both switches, despite differing in their upper auditory characteristics, will provide a satisfying tactile experience when pressed down on.
Ultimately, the distinction between the top housing materials of the Chiikawa - 45g and the WS Red illustrates how different materials can shape the overall experience of a keyboard switch. While users may revel in the crisp feedback of the Chiikawa - 45g or the deeper tones from the WS Red, they can expect a consistent underlying quality due to the identical nylon bottom housing. This synergy between the two materials allows for the anticipation of diverse sound profiles while still maintaining some level of auditory continuity throughout the typing experience. In summary, the combination of distinct top profiles and a unified bottom offers a rich spectrum of sound that caters to varied preferences in the keyboard community.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light, making it ideal for users who prefer lighter keystrokes for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Red switch has a bottom out force of 67 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy, but the actuation force is not specified, making it difficult to directly compare their actuation characteristics. However, since the bottom out force of the WS Red is higher than that of the Chiikawa, it suggests a heavier overall feel when typing. Ultimately, for users seeking a lighter feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is the better option, while those who prefer a more pronounced push should consider the WS Red switch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch, there are notable differences to consider. The Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Red offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm. As such, the Chiikawa switch provides a more responsive feel due to its shorter travel distance, making it an attractive choice for gamers seeking quicker response times. On the other hand, the WS Red's longer travel distance may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial key press, offering a more traditional typing experience. Overall, if you favor a light and quick touch, the Chiikawa - 45g would be the better option, whereas the WS Red would suit those who appreciate a deeper key feel.
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 Red 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch stands out with its bright sound profile, characterized by a crisp, high-pitched tone that resonates with each keystroke. This creates an energetic auditory experience that many typists find engaging and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Red switch has a classic sound signature attributed to its material blend. While it maintains a more subdued auditory profile compared to the Chiikawa, the sound produced is nonetheless familiar and satisfying for traditional keyboard enthusiasts. Bear in mind that factors such as the keyboard construction and chosen keycaps will influence the final sound output, resulting in varying experiences for both switches.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is noted for its very light actuation force, which contributes to a responsive typing experience that many users find comfortable for prolonged use. This lightness can lead to quicker typing speeds due to the reduced effort required for actuation. Conversely, the WS Red switch features a heavier actuation force, providing a more substantial sensation during typing. The 22mm double-stage spring contributes to a bouncy and responsive feel, offering tactile feedback that some typists might prefer for its tangible reassurance with each keystroke. The differences in actuation force between the two offers distinct typing experiences that cater to varying preferences for keyboard feel.
Overall, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch delivers a bright sound profile and a very light feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize responsiveness and an energizing auditory experience. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Red offers a familiar sound signature and a more substantial feel, appealing to users who prefer a slightly heavier actuation force combined with tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique qualities that can cater to different typists, allowing users to select based on their personal preferences in sound and feel. Whether you favor the light and bright or the substantial and bouncy, each switch promises a rewarding typing experience tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Red linear switch ultimately depends on your personal typing preferences and the type of experience you seek. If you prioritize a lighter touch and a more responsive feel, the Chiikawa - 45g will likely serve you well, especially if you enjoy a bright sound profile that adds an element of excitement to your typing. This switch is ideal for fast typists or gamers who require quick actuation and don’t mind a slightly more pronounced high-pitched sound with every keystroke. On the other hand, if you prefer a more substantial feel with added resistance, the WS Red’s medium-heavy actuation force may be more in line with your needs. It offers a bouncy response that can enhance your tactile experience, suited for those who appreciate a classic, deeper sound profile while enjoying a heavier typing sensation. In essence, your choice should reflect whether you lean towards responsiveness and brightness with the Chiikawa or a fulfilling, weightier typing experience with the WS Red.
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