Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. HMX Xinhai (Heavy)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) present two intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking to enhance their typing experience. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its exceptionally light actuation force and bright sound profile, allowing for quick, responsive keystrokes that generate a crisp and high-pitched tone when typing. This switch is ideal for users who prioritize speed and auditory feedback, making it a great choice for fast typists or gamers. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) offers a more robust experience with its heavier actuation force and a unique PA12 top housing that contributes to softer acoustics, paired with a POM stem that enhances its higher-pitched resonance. The Xinhai is well-suited for those who favor a more deliberate typing style, appreciating the added weight and refined sound quality. Both switches have their unique appeal, tailored to different preferences and typing styles. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) highlight the distinct advantages of different housing materials in keyboard switches. The Chiikawa - 45g utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that enhances clarity and resonance. This stiffer plastic not only allows for a more vibrant sound experience, but its translucent nature is also advantageous for RGB lighting, highlighting its aesthetic appeal. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) incorporates a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile due to nylon's softer characteristics. This material absorbs sound more effectively than stiffer plastics, yielding a duller and rounder auditory experience, appealing to users who prefer a more muted keystroke sound.
Interestingly, both switches utilize a nylon bottom housing, which serves to unify their sound profiles in varying degrees. The nylon in the Chiikawa - 45g and the Xinhai (Heavy) contributes to a more profound acoustic experience, emphasizing the deeper qualities that define their bottom-out sounds. Given that both switches share the same bottom housing material, users can expect a rich and resonant tactile feedback when pressing any of these switches. This commonality in housing materials makes for a more consistent typing experience at the heart of each switch, even when the top housing presents different acoustic properties.
Ultimately, the combination of polycarbonate in the Chiikawa - 45g's top housing and nylon in both switches results in a unique keystroke experience for each model. The Chiikawa's sharper top profiles define the sound of releasing a key, whereas the nylon bottom offerings ensure that both switches retain a warm depth in their sound when bottomed-out. This differential design architecture means that while users may be privy to subtle distinctions in the manner that each switch sounds and feels while typing, both switches can deliver an enjoyable keyboard experience through their shared nylon bottom housing. Thus, regardless of the unique characteristics of the top materials, the overlap in bottom housing provides an essential foundation for performance, creating a balanced experience between sharpness and fullness.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch differ significantly in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has a lighter actuation force of 45 grams, making it ideal for users who prefer a gentler touch for extended typing sessions or long gaming marathons. In contrast, the Xinhai switch requires a heavier actuation force of 55 grams, appealing to those who favor a more substantial typing experience. Similarly, when it comes to bottom out forces, the Chiikawa features a bottom out force of 51 grams, whereas the Xinhai has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams. As a result, the Chiikawa switch is the lighter option overall, while the Xinhai is the heavier choice, catering to different user preferences in terms of tactile feedback and force requirements.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch, the Chiikawa features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Xinhai measures slightly less at 3.4 mm. This means that the Chiikawa has a longer travel distance, offering a more pronounced key press that some users may find more satisfying, particularly those who favor a deeper feeling when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Xinhai’s shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers or those who prefer quicker, more responsive keystrokes, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you value a more pronounced depth, the Chiikawa would be the better choice, while the Xinhai would suit those looking for quick response times in a more compact form.
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 (Heavy) 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 (Heavy) for $2.99.
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 stands out with its bright sound profile, producing a crisp, high-pitched resonance that's particularly engaging for typists who enjoy auditory feedback. This characteristic tonal quality can elevate the typing experience, making each keystroke feel lively and responsive. In contrast, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch offers a unique acoustic experience thanks to its PA12 top housing, designed for a softer sound profile. While it also delivers a high-pitched resonance, the overall sound is more refined and subtly sophisticated, which may appeal to individuals seeking a balance between auditory feedback and subtlety. It's important to note that the sound produced by each switch can be influenced by various external factors such as the keyboard's construction and the materials used in the keycaps.
Regarding feel, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, making it incredibly easy to type quickly and with minimal effort. This allows for rapid key presses and a generally responsive typing experience that many users find enjoyable, especially during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) switch features a heavier design that provides a different tactile experience, encouraging more deliberate typing with its increased resistance. This heavier actuation may be preferred by individuals who appreciate a bit more feedback in their keystrokes, as it can help reduce the chance of accidental key presses while still maintaining a smooth linear action.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switches offer distinct auditory and tactile experiences that cater to different types of users. The Chiikawa excels in providing a bright and lively sound with a light touch, ideal for fast-paced typists, while the Xinhai brings a more sophisticated sound with a heavier feel, catering to those who prefer a more deliberate approach. Each switch provides its own unique advantages, and choosing between them largely depends on personal preference and typing style. Those who appreciate lightness and responsiveness will find satisfaction in the Chiikawa, while those who thrive on intentionality and refined acoustics will likely gravitate towards the Xinhai.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the HMX Xinhai (Heavy) linear switch hinges on your personal preferences in typing experience and sound profile. If you favor a lightweight and highly responsive switch that allows for swift keystrokes and a bright, high-pitched sound, the Chiikawa - 45g is your best bet. Its medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams makes it an excellent option for rapid typists or gamers who prioritize speed and agility over resistance. On the other hand, if you appreciate a bit more feedback with a solid, balanced force, then the Xinhai (Heavy) should be your go-to. With a bottom-out force of 62.5 grams, this switch delivers a more substantial feel which can be comforting during long typing sessions, while its unique PA12 top housing contributes to a softer acoustics profile that emphasizes sophistication. Ultimately, your choice should align with whether you prefer the crispness and quick actuations of the Chiikawa or the refined, more grounded experience that the Xinhai offers.
Mentioned in this article
