Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing style, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its linear design, which features a bright sound profile and a notably light actuation force. This combination allows for a responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched sound when typing, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a tactile and lively feedback without the resistance of a tactile bump. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switch is designed with the office environment in mind, providing a medium tactility paired with advanced noise reduction capabilities. Its precision-engineered design ensures a silent operation without compromising the crisp tactile feedback that typists may appreciate. While the Chiikawa is perfect for users who thrive on a lively auditory experience, the WS Silent Tactile caters to those who seek a quieter typing solution without sacrificing the nuance of tactility. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch 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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile exhibit notable differences in their top housing materials, significantly influencing their respective sound profiles. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which imparts a sharp, higher-pitched sound characterized by clarity and resonance. This is largely attributed to polycarbonate’s stiffness, making it well-suited for applications that prioritize enhanced sound projection. Furthermore, the translucent nature of polycarbonate allows for vibrant RGB lighting effects, elevating both aesthetics and functionality. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile employs a nylon top housing, known for its softer profile that contributes to a deeper and fuller sound. As nylon absorbs more sound, it results in a sound that is more dulcet and rounded compared to the crisp tones of polycarbonate.
Both switches, however, share a commonality in their bottom housing materials, both constructed from nylon. This shared characteristic means that, when typing on these switches, users will experience a similar depth and fullness in sound as a result of the nylon’s sound absorption properties. The bottom housing plays a pivotal role in shaping the feel and bottom-out sound of the switch, creating a cohesive auditory experience despite the differing upper housings. The consistency provided by nylon in the bottom housing ensures that both switches deliver a rich typing experience, even if they individually resonate in different tonal ranges due to their top housings.
Ultimately, the contrasting top housing materials of the Chiikawa - 45g and the WS Silent Tactile create distinct auditory profiles that can cater to varying user preferences. The Chiikawa's polycarbonate top housing contributes to a brighter sound, while the WS Silent Tactile’s nylon top offers a more muted yet warm auditory experience. Nevertheless, the shared nylon bottom housing in both switches harmonizes the typing experience, allowing users to enjoy a rich and resonant sound irrespective of the differing upper materials. This combination illustrates how varying materials can impact performance while still enabling a foundational consistency in audio experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile tactile switch, there are notable differences in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a defined actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, classifying it as medium-light. In contrast, the WS Silent Tactile switch has an unknown actuation force but a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which categorizes it as medium-heavy. Consequently, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option, making it favorable for extended typing or gaming sessions, as it requires less effort to actuate. On the other hand, the heavier bottom out force of the WS Silent Tactile may appeal to those seeking a more substantial typing feel, although the unspecified actuation force leaves room for uncertainty regarding its overall typing experience. Overall, users will likely find that the Chiikawa offers a softer touch, while the WS Silent Tactile provides a firmer response.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch, we find that the Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the WS Silent Tactile switch features a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. This means that if you choose the Chiikawa switch, you will experience a bit more depth when pressing the key, which can offer a more substantial feel for those who prefer a hearty depth in their keystrokes. In contrast, the shorter travel distance of the WS Silent Tactile may appeal to gamers or users who seek quicker response times and a more immediate actuation. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Chiikawa - 45g provides a slightly longer travel experience, making it the better option for those who enjoy a deeper keystroke.
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 Tactile 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 linear switch is notable for its bright and high-pitched sound profile, which produces a crisp auditory feedback that is distinctly responsive and lively. This quality makes it particularly suited for users who enjoy the auditory aspect of typing and appreciate a switch that announces each keystroke with clarity. In contrast, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch offers a more subdued auditory experience, characterized by its neutral sound profile. It balances a medium actuation force with superior noise reduction, making it an excellent choice for office environments or shared spaces where minimizing disruption is a priority. Users can expect the WS Silent Tactile switch to provide a quiet yet satisfying typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Chiikawa - 45g excels with its very light actuation force that allows for a swift, almost effortless typing experience. This linear switch does not provide any tactile bump, resulting in a smooth keystroke that many gamers and typists enjoy for rapid inputs. Conversely, the WS Silent Tactile switch showcases a medium tactile feel that is both invigorating and mildly accented. It offers pronounced feedback that enhances the typing experience without being overpowering, making it feel snappy and reactive. This combination results in a typing sensation that caters to users who enjoy tactile feedback while maintaining a level of subtlety.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is ideal for those who prefer a tactile and responsive auditory experience, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch caters to users looking for a quieter option without sacrificing tactile feel. Both switches provide unique advantages: the Chiikawa appeals to those who enjoy a brighter sound and a smooth keystroke, while the WS Silent Tactile serves those who prioritize a muted environment paired with a satisfying tactile response. Ultimately, your choice will depend on personal preferences regarding sound and feel, but both options promise to enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Tactile switch ultimately hinges on your personal preferences and intended use case. If you prioritize a responsive typing experience with lighter actuation and a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent option. It's particularly suited for those who enjoy a fast and lively feel when typing, making it ideal for gamers or anyone who enjoys a tactile, engaging experience without concern for noise. On the other hand, if you value a quiet typing environment, such as in an office setting or shared space, the WS Silent Tactile switch is the way to go. With its medium-heavy resistance and innovative design that ensures both silent operation and tactile feedback, it offers a well-balanced typing experience that is perfect for productivity without disturbing those around you. In summary, choose the Chiikawa for a lively and bright typing experience, and opt for the WS Silent Tactile when you need a more muted yet responsive feel.
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