Bsun Chiikawa - 45g vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and the Gateron Zero Degree 0°, both linear switches offer distinct advantages that cater to different typing preferences. The Chiikawa - 45g is celebrated for its notably light actuation force, making it incredibly responsive and ideal for fast typists who enjoy a crisp, bright sound profile with every keystroke. Its vibrant auditory feedback can enhance the typing experience for those who appreciate a more lively connection to their work. In contrast, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° focuses on a silent experience with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, providing unparalleled smoothness and stability. This switch allows for a soft, elastic feel that not only absorbs sound but also enhances the overall typing experience without disruptive noise, perfect for office settings or shared spaces. While both switches excel in their own right, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences in sound and feel. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
1.80 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
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage spring
Spring
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches share several similarities in their housing materials, particularly in the composition of their top housings. Both use polycarbonate for their top housings, which contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The rigidity of polycarbonate enhances the clarity of sound produced when the key is released, making both switches ideal for users who value a bright auditory feedback. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate allows RGB lighting to shine through effectively, adding an aesthetic appeal that is particularly sought after by enthusiasts. This commonality in top housing sets a solid foundation for achieving a similar sound signature between the two switches, allowing users to enjoy a comparable auditory experience when typing.
On the other hand, the bottom housing materials differ between the two switches, with both utilizing nylon for this component. Nylon is known for its softer characteristics, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to the top housing's tonal qualities. This contrast between the top and bottom housings means that the Chiikawa - 45g and Zero Degree 0° switches will produce different auditory experiences when typing. While the top housing contributes to the clarity of the release sound, the bottom housing influences the deeper and rounder sound upon bottoming out. Consequently, although both switches feature nylon as their bottom housing material, the overall sound produced while typing will exhibit variations due to the distinct impacts of their respective top housings.
In summary, while the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches share identical top and bottom housing materials, the structural roles of these materials in sound perception lead to differences in auditory feedback. Both switches benefit from the polycarbonate top, producing a consistent high-pitch sound, while the nylon bottom provides depth and fullness. To achieve similar results in terms of sound profile and overall typing experience, users can leverage the qualities of these materials. However, the interaction between the top and bottom housings creates nuances in sound that make each switch unique while remaining within similar auditory realms.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, both switches share the same actuation force of 45 grams, making them equivalent in terms of the force needed to trigger a keystroke. However, the bottom out forces differ significantly; the Chiikawa switch has a bottom out force of 51 grams, reflecting a slight extra resistance when pressing down fully. In contrast, the bottom out force for the Zero Degree switch is unknown, leaving its complete performance during heavy use unclear. As a result, the Chiikawa switch is a better option for users seeking a medium-light actuation with a tangible bottom out feel, making it suitable for long typing sessions or gaming. Without knowing the bottom out force of the Gateron, it's challenging to determine its suitability for users who prefer a heavier push feel, whereas the Chiikawa is undoubtedly the heavier option due to its 51-gram bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have an identical travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on the keys, users will experience the same travel distance for both switches, resulting in a similar tactile feedback and actuation feel. Since the travel distances are equal, users can expect a uniform responsiveness whether using the Chiikawa or the Zero Degree switch, making them comparable in terms of performance in this specific aspect.
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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 Chiikawa - 45g linear switch is characterized by a bright, high-pitched sound profile that can be quite engaging for typists. It delivers a crispy auditory feedback which adds a lively character to the typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch takes a starkly different approach by focusing on quiet operation. Its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure not only provide a distinctively smooth feel but also significantly reduce typing noise, making it ideal for environments where silence is preferred. When comparing the two, it's clear that the Chiikawa produces a more pronounced sound, while the Zero Degree emphasizes muted keystrokes, allowing for a more discreet typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Chiikawa - 45g boasts a very light actuation force that enhances its responsiveness, making it enjoyable for rapid typing and gaming. Its overall tactile experience is generally regarded as smooth, though the focus is more on the speed of actuation than on tactile feedback. Conversely, the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch is recognized for its soft and elastic feel, which contributes to a luxurious typing experience. The combination of its dual-rail design and self-padding system ensures a seamless keystroke, translating into stability and a plush touch. While both switches aim to create a smooth experience, the Chiikawa is all about responsiveness, while the Zero Degree prioritizes softness and cushioning for a more leisurely typing feel.
In conclusion, when choosing between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, you'll find two distinct options that cater to different preferences. The Chiikawa offers a bright, crisp sound and a very responsive feel, ideal for those who enjoy a lively typing experience. In contrast, the Zero Degree focuses on quietness and plush comfort, perfect for users seeking a soft, muted keystroke. Depending on your typing style and acoustic preferences, either switch can significantly enhance your mechanical keyboard experience, and both will provide smooth linear actuation, making them appealing choices for newcomers in the mechanical keyboard community.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the Bsun Chiikawa - 45g linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch ultimately depends on your preferences for sound and feel while typing. If you prefer a lively and responsive typing experience with a brighter sound profile, the Chiikawa - 45g is the way to go, offering a medium-light bottom-out force of 51 grams that provides an engaging tactile feedback. This makes it ideal for typists who enjoy a bit of auditory feedback during their session. On the other hand, if silent typing is your priority—maybe you work in a shared space or just appreciate a quieter keyboard—the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch stands out with its innovative self-padding design. This switch is engineered for an exceptionally smooth and silent experience, making it perfect for those who value discretion without sacrificing typing comfort. In essence, choose the Chiikawa for an enjoyable, sound-oriented typing experience, and opt for the Zero Degree if you desire smooth, quiet performance.
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