Gateron Beer vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Gateron Beer tactile switch to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it's clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Beer stands out with its translucent green design inspired by Tsingtao beer bottles, providing a light and stepped tactility that gives a distinct clacky sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched clacky nuance, thanks to its all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly in the stems. While the Beer is easy-to-press and offers a unique clacky experience, the Kiki Red provides a creamy and polished feel with a frictionless operation. 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
38g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron Beer and the Bsun Kiki Red switches both boast unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Beer features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This stiffness of polycarbonate leads to a clear and resonant sound profile, making it ideal for switches with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to polycarbonate. These differences in housing material result in contrasting auditory experiences when typing on these switches.
Similarly, the bottom housing materials of the Beer and Kiki Red switches also offer distinct characteristics. The polycarbonate bottom housing of the Beer contributes to its sharp and crisp sound profile, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red creates a more pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. These differences in bottom housing materials further differentiate the typing feel and sound of these switches, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the combination of different housing materials in the Gateron Beer and the Bsun Kiki Red switches leads to a well-rounded typing experience. While the Beer excels in producing a sharper, clearer sound with its polycarbonate top and bottom housing, the Kiki Red offers a more unique and muted sound profile with its POM housing. Both switches provide distinct tactile feedback and sound characteristics, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for typing feel and sound aesthetics. Whether you prefer a crisper sound profile or a deeper and more muted one, both switches offer top-tier performance in their respective categories.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we see that the Beer has a lighter actuation force of 38 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Beer makes it easier to trigger keystrokes, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a slightly stronger push feel, offering a more substantial typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force, with the Beer being lighter and the Kiki Red offering a slightly heavier feel.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, the Beer has a travel distance of 3.4 mm while the Kiki Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular for gamers looking for quick response times. The Beer's 3.4 mm travel distance is slightly shorter than the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option. However, both switches offer relatively similar travel distances, so users can expect comparable results in terms of key feel and responsiveness. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Beer has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Beer for $4.59.
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
When it comes to sound, both the Gateron Beer and Bsun Kiki Red switches are described as having a clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This type of sound can be crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a satisfying auditory experience to your typing.
In terms of feel, the Gateron Beer switches offer an easy-to-press sensation with minimal force required to activate the keys, making typing effortless and comfortable. They also feature a stepped tactility, providing a more subtle tactile feedback with two distinct stages during keystrokes. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switches have a creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience due to their POM housings and smooth actuation stems. They offer a refined and smooth typing feel, perfect for those who appreciate a heightened level of finesse in performance.
Overall, both switches provide unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you enjoy a clacky sound with a lighter actuation force and stepped tactility, the Gateron Beer switches would be an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a creamy, smooth, and polished typing experience with a high-pitched clacky nuance, the Bsun Kiki Red switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on your personal preferences for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Gateron Beer tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a light, clacky sound with a stepped tactility, the Beer switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky sound with a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel that offers a smooth and buttery typing experience, the Kiki Red switch could be more suitable. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, making them light and easy to press, so the decision may come down to the specific nuances of sound and feel that align with your typing preferences. Ultimately, choose the switch that best complements your typing style and enhances your overall keyboarding experience.
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