Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When selecting a mechanical keyboard switch, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as excellent linear options, each catering to different preferences and typing styles. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its light actuation force and distinctive bright sound profile, offering a remarkably responsive feel and a crisp, high-pitched auditory experience that many typists find engaging. This makes the Chiikawa a suitable choice for those who enjoy a tactile auditory feedback with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch combines a similar light actuation force with a neutral sound profile, making it an ideal option for both gamers and typists who prioritize speed and responsiveness without the extra auditory distraction. While both switches provide a delightful typing experience, their unique characteristics may appeal to different users. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which results in a remarkably similar sound profile. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, allowing it to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This material's translucent nature enhances the visual appeal when using RGB lighting, as it efficiently diffuses light, making the switches illuminate more vividly. Consequently, users can expect to achieve a similar auditory experience when it comes to the sound produced upon keystroke release for both switches, as the qualities of polycarbonate contribute to a clear and resonant sound.
In contrast, both switches feature nylon for their bottom housing, which significantly impacts the overall typing experience. Nylon is recognized for its acoustic properties; being a softer material, it absorbs sound more effectively than its polycarbonate counterpart. This absorption results in a deeper and fuller sound profile when the switch is bottomed out. As such, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the Yellow Silver will produce a sound characteristic that is very much alike when it comes to feeling the impact during key presses. The rounded sound profile resulting from nylon will create a warm and substantial feel, similar across both switch types.
Ultimately, while the materials used in the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Outemu Yellow Silver are the same, the distinct sound qualities between the two materials will present themselves differently during use. The polycarbonate top housing contributes primarily to the sound experienced during key release, whereas the nylon bottom housing influences the sound and feel during actuation. This division of acoustic properties means that users can expect a balanced auditory experience that combines the clarity of polycarbonate with the depth provided by nylon across both switch options. As a result, regardless of which switch is chosen, the combination of these materials ensures a satisfying and enjoyable typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, both switches feature the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equally responsive to key presses. However, their bottom out forces differ slightly; the Chiikawa switch bottoms out at 51 grams, while the Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while users will experience a similar feel when pressing down to actuate a keystroke, the Yellow Silver will require a bit more force to engage fully against the key's travel. As a result, the Chiikawa switch could be seen as the lighter option, making it potentially more comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions, whereas the Yellow Silver might appeal to those who prefer a heavier feel for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, while both switches are categorized as medium-light, the slight variance in their bottom out forces could influence user preference based on their comfort and typing style.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, we find that the Chiikawa switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Yellow Silver switch measures 4.0 mm. This makes the Chiikawa switch the shorter option, appealing to gamers who prefer quicker response times due to its more compact travel distance. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver switch, with its longer travel distance, may provide a more substantial feel that some users prefer for a more traditional typing experience. Ultimately, if you lean towards faster responsiveness, the Chiikawa switch serves well, whereas the Yellow Silver is better suited 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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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
The sound profile of the Chiikawa - 45g is characterized by a bright and crisp tone, making it particularly responsive during use. This high-pitched sound can be appealing to those who enjoy an auditory feedback that feels lively and engaging as they type. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver features a neutral sound profile, which indicates a more balanced auditory experience. This neutrality makes it versatile for various environments, whether at home or in an office setting, catering to both casual users and gamers alike. While the Chiikawa might stand out with its higher-pitched tones, the Yellow Silver's muted sound is preferable for users who favor a less intrusive auditory experience.
When considering the feel of these switches, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, which contributes to an effortless typing experience that promotes speed and lightness in strokes. This can make it particularly enjoyable for those who type frequently or engage in long gaming sessions. In comparison, the Yellow Silver's light actuation force also ensures a similarly quick response, allowing for rapid key presses that enhance gameplay and typing efficiency. Both switches lean towards a light touch, making them appealing options for users who prioritize speed and responsiveness in their typing or gaming.
In conclusion, while the Chiikawa - 45g and Outemu Yellow Silver switches differ slightly in their sound profiles—with the former being bright and crisp and the latter more neutral—they both share a similar light actuation force that enhances their responsiveness. This makes them both excellent choices for users seeking speed and ease of use, whether in casual typing or competitive gaming scenarios. Ultimately, the choice between them will come down to personal preference for sound and the specific typing experience one desires.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, your specific preferences and use cases will significantly influence your decision. If you prioritize a light actuation force and enjoy a bright, high-pitched sound while typing, the Chiikawa - 45g is an excellent choice, particularly if you favor a more tactile experience that feels snappy and responsive. This switch is well-suited for those who engage in extensive typing sessions or enjoy a more expressive sound profile. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a switch that balances speed and performance with a neutral sound, the Outemu Yellow Silver is likely the better option for you. With its slightly higher bottom out force, it offers a satisfying typing experience that caters particularly well to gamers and those who prioritize performance across various tasks. The neutral sound profile also means it's conducive to both professional and casual environments, making it more versatile for different settings. Thus, aligning your choice with your typing habits and workspace conditions will lead you to the perfect switch for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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