Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. PH Studio Yoel
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the PH Studio Yoel switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the PH Studio Yoel stand out as excellent choices for enthusiasts who favor linear switches, yet they offer distinctly different typing experiences. The Chiikawa - 45g is renowned for its bright sound profile and very light actuation force, allowing for a notably responsive feel during typing, complemented by a crisp, high-pitched sound. This makes it ideal for those who enjoy swift keystrokes with minimal resistance. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel provides a delectably chewy typing sensation that envelops the fingertips with its clacky acoustics. With a pronounced resonance upon bottoming out, this switch caters to users who appreciate a more textured and auditory feedback while typing. Both switches have unique qualities that cater to different preferences, from the Chiikawa's lightweight responsiveness to the Yoel's satisfying resonance. 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
53g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
Single stage lengthened 20mm spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the PH Studio Yoel both utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, leading to a shared characteristic of producing a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. This quality is largely attributed to polycarbonate's stiffer nature, which permits more resonance and clarity in sound output. Additionally, both switches benefit from the translucency of polycarbonate, which enhances the aesthetic appeal when RGB lighting is in use. As a result, users of either the Chiikawa or the Yoel will experience a similar auditory response when pressing keys due to the identical material used in their top housings, making them suitable for users seeking both visual aesthetics and a clear sound.
The primary distinction between the two switches arises from the choice of material in their bottom housings. The Chiikawa 45g employs a nylon bottom housing, renowned for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is due to nylon's relatively softer consistency, which absorbs sound waves more efficiently compared to harder materials. Contrastingly, the Yoel's bottom housing is crafted from POM (polyoxymethylene), which results in a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper yet more muted than the nylon. Therefore, users will notice that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches differ significantly, with the Chiikawa providing more richness and fullness while the Yoel offers a subdued clarity.
When pressed together, the variances in the bottom housing materials of the Chiikawa and the Yoel will impact the overall acoustic experience. Although both share a bright and clear sound from the polycarbonate top, the nylon in the Chiikawa will contribute to a more pronounced bottom-out impact, whereas the POM in the Yoel creates a softer, more muted sensation when the key is released. The overall feel of each switch will reflect these material differences, leading to contrasting tactile experiences even though the top housing contributes to a similar auditory profile. Thus, while the top housings of both switches yield common sound characteristics, the bottom housing differences result in varied tactile experiences, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences in key feel and sound production.
Weight
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch present interesting contrasts in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams, making it lighter and suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming marathons where fatigue might be a concern. In contrast, the Yoel switch has a higher actuation force of 53 grams, which provides a more substantial push feel that some users might prefer for a firmer typing experience. Additionally, the bottom out force of the Chiikawa is 51 grams, while the Yoel’s bottom out force is 60 grams, further emphasizing the Chiikawa’s lighter feel overall. While both switches differ in their forces, those seeking a switch that requires less effort will gravitate towards the Chiikawa, whereas those who favor a firmer touch may opt for the Yoel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the PH Studio Yoel linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.2 mm. This means that the Chiikawa provides a deeper feel when pressing down on a key compared to the Yoel, which may appeal to users who prefer a more substantial keypress. On the other hand, the shorter travel distance of the Yoel switch may cater to gamers seeking quicker response times, as it allows for faster actuation. Therefore, if you favor responsiveness and quick actions, the Yoel would be the better choice, whereas those who appreciate a more traditional, hearty depth in their keystrokes might prefer the Chiikawa. Overall, while both switches serve different preferences, they do not have similar travel distances, with the Chiikawa being longer at 3.6 mm and the Yoel shorter at 3.2 mm.
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 PH Studio Yoel has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yoel for $4.10.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g switch is recognized for its bright and crisp audio profile, which creates a high-pitched resonance when typing. This contributes to an overall lively typing experience, with each keystroke producing a clean and clear sound that is likely to appeal to users who favor higher-pitched audio. On the other hand, the PH Studio Yoel linear switch also boasts a bright and clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp, snappy sound as keys reach their bottom-out point. This creates a satisfying auditory feedback that adds to the engagement while typing. Both switches deliver a lively sound, but while the Chiikawa is described as high-pitched, the Yoel introduces a more resonant quality, potentially making it sound a bit richer and more pronounced.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g doesn’t have specific descriptions, leaving its tactile sensation a bit ambiguous. In contrast, the PH Studio Yoel provides a delectable and creamy experience characterized by smooth and buttery keystrokes. This is often enhanced by factory lubrication, which helps reduce friction and create a polished, silky touch. The additional creamy sensation is likely to be particularly enjoyable for those who appreciate a fluid typing action. Consequently, while we can't specify the feel of the Chiikawa, the Yoel distinctly offers a refined tactile experience that promotes comfort and speed during long typing sessions.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and PH Studio Yoel linear switches showcase bright sound profiles that signal engaging auditory feedback. However, the tactile experience differs, with the Yoel's creamy, smooth sensation standing out against the Chiikawa's unclear feel. Users seeking a high-pitched auditory experience will find satisfaction in both switches, while those needing a tactile, buttery sensation may lean towards the Yoel. Ultimately, the choice between these two may come down to personal preference, especially if the feel of the Chiikawa is not a critical factor for the user.
Conclusion
To conclude, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the PH Studio Yoel linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for typing feel and sound profile. If you enjoy a lighter actuation force for faster responses and a bright, crisp sound that feels both percussive and animated, then the Chiikawa - 45g is the ideal choice for you. It's particularly well-suited for typing enthusiasts who prioritize a more responsive and high-pitched auditory experience, making it great for gaming or fast-paced typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile push with a slightly heavier bottom-out force that delivers a unique "chewy" experience, the Yoel switch could be your best bet. Its creamy, polished feel combined with a pronounced, clacky resonance at bottom out can offer a satisfying typing experience, especially for those who enjoy a richer sound complemented by a smooth keystroke. Therefore, consider your typing style, whether you lean towards a lighter touch or prefer a more substantial feedback, and choose the switch that best enhances your keyboard experience.
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