Dareu Aqua vs. Bsun Kiki Red

Overview

When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Dareu Aqua stands out with its super light 37g actuation force, providing a chirpy and clacky sound signature that appeals to users who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and smooth Ly stems, these switches deliver a polished and frictionless feel during actuation. While the Aqua switch is easy-to-press and feathery, the Kiki Red is creamy, silky, and snappy. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Dareu Aqua Linear

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Kiki Red, we can see some significant differences. The Aqua utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Kiki Red features a POM top housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound. While the Aqua's polycarbonate top housing is ideal for those looking for a clear and resonant sound with RGB lighting, the Kiki Red's POM top housing offers a more unique and pleasing sound experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing, the Aqua boasts a nylon bottom housing that provides a deeper and fuller sound profile, thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. In contrast, the Kiki Red also features a POM bottom housing, contributing to the deeper and more muted sound profile that the switch is known for. While both switches offer a different sound experience due to their bottom housing materials, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.

Overall, while the Dareu Aqua and the Bsun Kiki Red have different top and bottom housing materials, they both strive to offer users a pleasant typing experience. The Aqua's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housings creates a clear and resonant sound with a deeper bottom-out feel, while the Kiki Red's POM housings provide a more unique and muted sound profile throughout the typing experience. Whether a user prefers a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences.

Weight

The Dareu Aqua 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. However, the bottom out force for the Kiki Red is heavier at 50 grams, while the bottom out force for the Aqua is unknown. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Aqua switch, as it requires less force to actuate. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Kiki Red switch, with its heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer slightly different tactile experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences for typing or gaming purposes. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Dareu Aqua linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Dareu Aqua has a longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. The difference of 0.4 mm may not seem significant, but when it comes to the feel of the switch, it can make a noticeable impact. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Aqua. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of keypress feel and response time.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Dareu Aqua linear switch is characterized by a unique blend of chirpy and clacky sound signature, adding a distinctive flair to your typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch delivers a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud, providing a more subtle auditory feedback. Both switches offer a satisfying sound profile, with the Aqua leaning towards a lighter and chirpier tone, while the Kiki Red provides a balanced and refined sound that appeals to those seeking a more understated acoustic experience.

Moving on to the feel, the Dareu Aqua switch features a super light 37g actuation force, making it easy-to-press and offering a feathery typing experience that minimizes finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a smooth and buttery typing experience due to its POM housing and Ly stems, offering a creamy and polished sensation with frictionless key presses. The Kiki Red switch also boasts medium-light weighting, adding a snappy and responsive feel to each keystroke. Both switches prioritize comfort and effortless typing, with the Aqua focusing on a light and gentle touch, while the Kiki Red emphasizes smoothness and finesse in performance.

In conclusion, the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Aqua excels in providing a chirpy and light sound profile and an easy-to-press typing experience, the Kiki Red stands out with its creamy and polished feel, accompanied by a balanced and subtly clacky sound. Both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience, making them suitable choices for users looking for a distinct auditory feedback and a comfortable typing feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer the chirpy lightness of the Aqua or the creamy smoothness of the Kiki Red, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Dareu Aqua linear switch and the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force, sound, and feel. If you prefer a super light actuation force and a distinctive chirpy and clacky sound signature, the Dareu Aqua switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a finely-tuned typing experience with a medium-light weighting and a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, the BSUN Kiki Red switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the specific typing experience you are looking for, whether it be light and chirpy or nuanced and balanced. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall keyboarding experience.

Mentioned in this article

Dareu Aqua Linear

$6.59

$3.76 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more