Bsun Akashi vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Akashi and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Akashi and the BSUN Kiki Red both have their own unique qualities to offer. The Akashi stands out for its innovative design featuring a UPE stem and a hybrid housing combo of POM and nylon, delivering a crisp bottom-out sound and a rich acoustic experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red is known for its finely-tuned typing experience with all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, offering a balance of high-pitched, clacky feedback without being overly loud. Both switches share categories such as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', making them appealing choices for users seeking a premium 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
UPE
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm single-stage extended spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Bsun Kiki Red offer different characteristics and experiences when typing. The Akashi features a POM top housing, which creates a unique and pleasing sound that is deeper and relatively more muted. In contrast, the Kiki Red also utilizes a POM top housing with similar sound qualities. However, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition, absorbing more sound and resulting in a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM bottom housing, which contributes to the overall sound profile of the switch.
Despite the similarities in the top housing material of POM between the Bsun Akashi and Bsun Kiki Red switches, the difference lies in their bottom housing materials. The Akashi's nylon bottom housing offers a unique typing experience with a deeper and fuller sound profile, emphasizing the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. In comparison, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing still provides a pleasing sound profile but may not offer the same depth and richness as the nylon bottom housing of the Akashi. This highlights how the choice of bottom housing material can significantly impact the overall typing experience and sound produced by the switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Akashi and the Bsun Kiki Red play a crucial role in defining the sound profile and feel of the switches. While both switches feature a POM top housing with deep and muted sound qualities, the Akashi's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and richer typing experience compared to the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and overall typing experience desired by the user.
Weight
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams compared to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. When it comes to bottom out force, the Akashi requires 43 grams, while the Kiki Red needs 50 grams. Both switches are relatively light, but the Akashi is slightly lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force. This means that the Akashi may be preferred by those who enjoy a softer typing experience and want to minimize fatigue during extended typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Kiki Red may be better suited for users who prefer a bit more resistance and feedback while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Akashi linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them popular choices for those looking for faster response times. Gamers may lean towards the Bsun Kiki Red for its slightly shorter travel distance, which can provide a quicker keystroke. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Bsun Akashi with its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer similar responsiveness, but the Bsun Kiki Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Bsun Akashi.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Akashi has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Akashi for $3.70.
The Bsun Kiki Red has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Kiki Red for $3.83.
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, both the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch are described as having a "clacky" sound profile, meaning they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound can be crisp, bright, and percussive, offering a satisfying auditory feedback during typing. It's important to note that the overall sound of a keyboard switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, both the Akashi and Kiki Red switches are described as "creamy", offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. This suggests a silky sensation while typing, with a reduced sense of friction or resistance during key presses. The switches are easy to press, providing gentle resistance that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Overall, they offer a polished and refined feel, enhancing the typing experience with their smooth and responsive nature.
In conclusion, the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. Both switches provide a clacky sound profile and a creamy typing experience, with smooth and effortless key presses. Whether you choose the Akashi for its unique sound contrast or the Kiki Red for its medium-light weighting, you can expect a high-quality typing experience that caters to enthusiasts seeking a balance of auditory feedback and performance finesse. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Bsun Akashi linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preferences for tactile feedback and sound. If you prefer a unique, resonant experience with each keystroke, the Akashi may be the right choice for you with its bright, crisp bottom-out and hybrid housing design. On the other hand, if you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red could be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches offer smoothness and a subtle auditory feedback, but the Akashi leans towards a brighter sound while the Kiki Red provides a comfortable clackiness. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the type of typing experience you desire, be it a brighter, resonant feel or a nuanced, clacky sensation.
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