Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear each present unique offerings suited to different user preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its incredibly light actuation force and bright sound profile, delivering a responsive typing experience accompanied by a crisp, high-pitched sound that appeals to those who enjoy auditory feedback while typing. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches prioritize a quieter workspace without sacrificing responsiveness, thanks to their innovative stem railings with discreet cutouts. This design eliminates the typical reliance on silicone dampeners, allowing for a distinctive typing experience that marries tranquility with precision. While both switches fall under the linear category, one emphasizes a lively sound and light touch, while the other focuses on muted operation with a satisfying bottom-out feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the switch that's right for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches, a clear distinction arises due to their top housing compositions. The Chiikawa - 45g uses polycarbonate for its top housing, which contributes to a sound profile that is sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper. This is largely attributed to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate, which promotes a more resonant sound. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear features a nylon top housing that produces a deeper, fuller sound profile. The softer qualities of nylon allow it to absorb more sound compared to polycarbonate, resulting in a duller and rounder auditory experience. Therefore, while the Chiikawa - 45g may offer a more vibrant sound stack, the WS Silent Linear emphasizes richness and depth.
On the other hand, both switches share nylon as their bottom housing material, leading to similarities in the sound profile when bottoming out. Nylon, known for its classic qualities, provides a similar impact in both cases by creating a deeper and fuller sound when pressed. The soft characteristics of nylon play a vital role in shaping the tactile feel of both switches at the bottom-out point, leading to a consistent auditory experience when engaged. As a result, while the top housing diverges in materials, the shared use of nylon in the bottom housing allows users to enjoy similarly rich and fuller sound profiles, regardless of the switch style.
In terms of overall performance and user experience, the differences in top housing materials between the Chiikawa - 45g and the WS Silent Linear create distinct auditory qualities during different phases of use. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top offers a more pronounced sound when releasing a key, while the WS Silent Linear's nylon top dampens the sound, contributing to an overall quieter keystroke. However, due to their shared nylon bottom housing, both switches still achieve a deep and satisfying sound upon bottoming out, demonstrating that while the housing materials shape individual characteristics, they can collectively deliver a harmonious experience. Whether you prefer the sharper notes of the Chiikawa or the muted tones of the WS Silent Linear, both switches can yield satisfactory results based on user preference.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch present a clear distinction in both actuation and bottom out forces, making them suited for different user preferences. The Chiikawa switch features an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light, which is ideal for users who favor a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear switch lacks a specified actuation force but has a higher bottom out force of 63.5 grams, placing it in the medium-heavy range. This difference suggests that the WS Silent Linear offers a firmer push, catering to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. Consequently, users seeking a lighter, less fatiguing typing experience would benefit from the Chiikawa switch, while those desiring a more substantial feel in their keystrokes should opt for the WS Silent Linear.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, the Chiikawa offers a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the 3.5 mm of the WS Silent Linear. This 0.1 mm difference means that for users who appreciate a more substantial feel when pressing down on their keys, the Chiikawa may be the preferred option, providing a "hearty depth" that some users find more satisfying. Conversely, the WS Silent Linear, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those who seek a quicker response time, making it a potentially better choice for gamers or those who prefer a more immediate action with less depth. Overall, if you're looking for a more pronounced keystroke experience, the Chiikawa is the way to go, while the WS Silent Linear may be ideal for those who favor speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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 switch is characterized by a bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched noise when typing. This makes it an engaging choice for anyone looking to enhance their auditory experience while typing. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch delivers a more muted soundscape with descriptors such as neutral, muted, and subdued. This switch excels at minimizing keyboard noise, providing a quieter typing experience that can be ideal for office settings or environments where silence is preferred. Overall, the Chiikawa's pronounced audio delivery and the WS Silent Linear's tonal restraint offer users distinctly different auditory experiences.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is known for its very light actuation force, enabling a highly responsive typing experience that invites fast and effortless keystrokes. This quality is particularly appealing for users who enjoy a switch that requires little effort to activate. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that balances comfort and responsiveness. It lands in a more approachable territory, making it suitable for a wide variety of typing styles while still providing satisfaction at bottom-out. While both switches offer pleasant tactile experiences, the Chiikawa caters to those who prefer an incredibly light touch, whereas the WS Silent Linear is designed for a more balanced and gentle feel.
In summary, the Chiikawa - 45g switch shines with its bright sound and very light touch, making it suitable for those who treasure an engaging auditory and tactile experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear manages to blend responsiveness with a quieter operation, appealing to users who prioritize a serene environment while typing. The unique sound profiles and feel characteristics of each switch cater to different preferences, ensuring that whether you choose the Chiikawa or the WS Silent Linear, you will enjoy an engaging and effective typing experience suited to your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch ultimately depends on your specific typing preferences and environment. If you prioritize a light touch and enjoy a brighter, more pronounced sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is ideal for you. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it incredibly responsive, perfect for gaming or fast-paced typing scenarios. On the other hand, if you crave a quieter typing experience that doesn’t compromise on feel and precision, the WS Silent Linear switch would be your best choice. With a heavier bottom-out force of 63.5 grams, it provides a more solid typing experience while minimizing noise, making it an excellent option for office settings or shared spaces. Thus, your choice should ultimately reflect whether you seek the energetic feedback of the Chiikawa or the subtle tranquility offered by the WS Silent Linear, ensuring your mechanical keyboard meets your individual needs.
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