Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Xinhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When choosing the right mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai offer two appealing options for users who prefer linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its very light actuation force, making it exceptionally responsive while delivering a bright, high-pitched sound that can enhance the typing experience. Its lightweight nature makes it an excellent choice for users who enjoy rapid keystrokes, particularly in fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai offers a more sophisticated auditory experience with its unique PA12 top housing, which provides softer acoustics, and its POM stem that contributes to a distinctively crisp-upward resonance. This switch is characterized by three descriptors: 'Bouncy,' 'Clacky,' and 'Creamy,' appealing to those who appreciate a more textured and nuanced typing feel. While both switches are great choices for linear lovers, their sound profiles and tactile responses cater to different preferences. 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
37g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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 single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai, the differences in their top housing materials significantly influence their acoustic profiles. The Chiikawa features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile due to its stiffer nature. This translucency allows RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the Xinhai employs a nylon top housing that yields a deeper and fuller sound profile, as the softer nature of nylon absorbs sound waves, resulting in a rounder auditory experience. Thus, while the Chiikawa's sound is accentuated and bright, the Xinhai provides a smoother and more subdued audio feedback, showcasing the stark contrast between their manufacturing materials.
Looking at the bottom housing, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai utilize nylon as their material, which contributes similarly to the sound characteristics. The nylon used in both switches promotes a deep and rich auditory feel, as it absorbs sound, creating a transitional harmony in the typing experience. Here, the commonality lies in how the bottom housing impacts the key's bottom-out sound and tactile feedback, where both switches succeed in delivering a rounded and pleasant auditory feedback that defines the user's experience. This shared nylon material reinforces a familiarity in sound across both models, despite differing top housing materials.
Overall, the juxtaposition of the Chiikawa's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom with the Xinhai's nylon top and bottom allows for an interesting exploration of how these varying materials contribute to the overall sound and feel of a switch. Although the materials differ significantly in the top housing, they converge in the bottom housing, offering a blend of sharpness and depth in sound when typing on the Chiikawa and a softer, more blended experience with the Xinhai. Consequently, regardless of the top material differences, users can still achieve a satisfying typing experience, albeit characterized by contrasting auditory nuances derived from their individual designs.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces become quite apparent. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light and providing a more substantial push feel for users who prefer a slightly heavier typing experience. In contrast, the Xinhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This lower actuation force may benefit users who type for extended periods, as it reduces finger fatigue during long gaming sessions or work. Therefore, while both switches are designed for linear feedback, the Chiikawa appeals to those who appreciate a firmer response, while the Xinhai may attract those seeking a softer touch.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, there is a clear distinction between the two. The Chiikawa - 45g features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the longer option, while the Xinhai has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This difference, while modest, can affect the typing experience; the Chiikawa may provide a more pronounced feel with its greater depth, which some users prefer for a satisfying tactile response. Conversely, the Xinhai, with its shorter travel distance, can appeal to gamers and those seeking quicker response times. Therefore, if you value responsiveness and faster gameplay, the Xinhai may be preferable, while the Chiikawa could be better suited for users who appreciate a deeper and more substantial 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 HMX Xinhai has an MSRP of $3.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Xinhai for $3.19.
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
The sound profile of the Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its bright, high-pitched characteristics, making it a responsive and snappy choice for typing enthusiasts. This leads to a crisp auditory experience, as each keypress emits a noticeable and lively sound. In comparison, the HMX Xinhai switch produces a clacky sound that is also sharp and percussive, complemented by its unique PA12 top housing which enhances its softer acoustic profile. Both switches can deliver an engaging sound experience, although the Chiikawa leans towards a brighter and lighter tone, while the Xinhai offers a more pronounced clacky resonance that can add a distinct flavor to your typing experience.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is noted for its light actuation force, contributing to an overall effortless and responsive typing sensation. The switch's lightweight nature may provide a higher level of speed and agility when typing quickly. The HMX Xinhai, on the other hand, is characterized by its bouncy and creamy feel. The bouncy aspect provides an elastic feedback that enhances the lively nature of the switch, while the creamy sensation offers a smooth typing experience akin to gliding fingers over silky surfaces. This combination gives the Xinhai a unique tactile feedback, ensuring that typists experience both comfort and sophistication while using the switch.
In conclusion, while both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and HMX Xinhai linear switches cater to users seeking distinct sound and feel experiences, they offer different nuances. The Chiikawa is perfect for those who appreciate a bright and responsive sound along with a light and agile feel. Conversely, the Xinhai caters to users looking for a distinguished clacky auditory signature combined with bouncy and creamy tactile feedback. Ultimately, picking between them may boil down to personal preference in sound and feel, both of which can lead to an enjoyable typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences in typing feel and sound. If you prioritize a light actuation force combined with a bright, crisp sound, the Chiikawa - 45g may be more suited to your needs. It offers a responsive experience, perfect for rapid typing and gaming, especially if you enjoy that high-pitched acoustic feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly softer feel and a bouncier response, the HMX Xinhai could be the better choice. With its unique acoustics and smooth, creamy typing sensation, the Xinhai switch can provide a delightful blend of subtle sophistication and precise performance, ideal for those who seek a balanced typing experience with a more muted sound profile. Essentially, your decision should reflect your typing habits and sound preferences, ensuring you choose the switch that enhances your typing enjoyment.
Mentioned in this article
