Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. TTC Yunhai
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Yunhai switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to selecting the perfect mechanical keyboard switch, the choice often comes down to personal preference, and two intriguing options are the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Yunhai, both of which are linear switches. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its bright sound profile and light actuation force, delivering a crisp and responsive typing experience that is appealing for those who love a higher-pitched acoustic feedback. On the other hand, the TTC Yunhai distinguishes itself with a deep, rounded sound profile, also featuring an incredibly light actuation force, making it ideal for typists who prefer a smooth and effortless feel. While both switches cater to users who enjoy light actuation, the contrasting sound characteristics can significantly influence your overall typing experience. 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
42g
Bottom-out force
51g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Y3X
Stem material
POK
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
23mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Yunhai, a significant difference lies in the top housing composition. The Chiikawa - 45g features a polycarbonate top housing, which is known for its rigidity and clarity in sound production. This material produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially pronounced when using RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Yunhai utilizes a nylon top housing, which tends to absorb sound more effectively, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile. The nylon's softer properties create a duller and rounder acoustic experience as compared to the crispness provided by polycarbonate, indicating a stark contrast between their keypress responses.
On the bottom housing front, both the Chiikawa - 45g and the TTC Yunhai deploy nylon, leading to shared characteristics in this aspect. The nylon composition in both switches contributes to a similar auditory experience by creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. This consistent use of nylon here suggests that both switches might offer comparable bottom-out acoustics. Since the bottom housing significantly impacts the overall feel and sound when pressing keys down, users of both switches can expect a degree of similarity in the bottoming-out sensation, regardless of the differentiation in their top housing materials.
Ultimately, the differences in the top housing materials of the two switches will significantly influence their overall sound profiles, while the shared nylon bottom housing allows for a consistent tactile experience. Users of the Chiikawa - 45g can anticipate a sharper sound when releasing a key, thanks to the polycarbonate top, contrasted with the rounded sound from the Yunhai's nylon top. However, when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel, the shared nylon material ensures that both switches provide a comparable typing experience. This contrast between the sharpness of polycarbonate and the fullness of nylon showcases how the material choice in switch design can lead to varied auditory experiences while maintaining a core consistency in tactile feedback.
Weight
When comparing the actuation and bottom out forces of the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch, notable differences emerge. The Chiikawa switch has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 51 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Yunhai switch features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a slightly lower bottom out force of 50 grams, making it the lighter option overall. This means that the Yunhai switch requires less force to actuate, which may be preferable for users who type or game for extended periods, while the Chiikawa offers a firmer feel that some users might find more satisfying. Despite their slight differences, both switches offer relatively close bottom out forces, promoting a similar tactile experience, especially in gaming scenarios.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch feature a travel distance of 3.6 mm, indicating that they provide an identical experience when pressed down. This similarity in travel distance means that users can expect comparable keystrokes in terms of depth, which can enhance the overall typing feel and performance when utilizing either switch. Since both switches share the same travel distance, individuals looking for a consistent tactile response can confidently choose between them without worrying about differences in travel characteristics.
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 TTC Yunhai has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yunhai for $5.99.
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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch provides a bright, high-pitched auditory experience that stands out during typing, making it particularly satisfying for those who enjoy a crisp sound. Conversely, the TTC Yunhai linear switch offers a deep, rounded sound profile that creates a more mellow acoustic environment. While the Chiikawa might appeal to users who prefer a sharper, more pronounced sound, the Yunhai is ideal for those favoring a softer and deeper note. It's worth noting that sound perception can also be influenced by the choice of keyboard and keycaps, which can affect how each switch sounds in practice.
Regarding the feel of each switch, the Chiikawa - 45g is known for its very light actuation force, which results in a responsive typing experience. This makes it incredibly easy to register keystrokes with minimal effort. The TTC Yunhai, while also possessing an incredibly light actuation force, offers a different sensation during typing. Its rounded feel promotes a gentle and effortless typing experience, appealing to users who appreciate a more cushioned action as they type. The combination of lightness in both switches is likely to yield a nimble experience, though each offers its unique tactile feedback.
Overall, both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and TTC Yunhai linear switches cater to typists who favor light actuation forces, though they deliver contrasting auditory and tactile experiences. The Chiikawa leans towards a bright, crisp sound and a punchy feel, while the Yunhai provides a soothing, rounded sound with a softer touch. Depending on whether you prioritize an invigorating typing sound or a cushioned feel, your choice between the two will guide your overall typing satisfaction.
Conclusion
To wrap up, your choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the TTC Yunhai linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing style. If you appreciate a medium-light feel with a crisp, bright sound that provides a responsive typing experience, the Chiikawa - 45g may be the better option for you. This switch is ideal for those who enjoy the tactile feedback of each keystroke and appreciate a higher-pitched acoustic profile that can add an engaging element to your typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and a deeper, rounded sound that enhances the gentleness of your keystrokes, then the Yunhai switch would likely suit you better. This switch is particularly great for users who favor a smooth and effortless typing experience, perfect for long writing sessions or casual browsing. Ultimately, your choice should reflect how you balance sound, feel, and actuation force in your daily usage, ensuring an enjoyable and satisfying mechanical keyboard setup.
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