Durock Black Lotus vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When looking at the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both switches have their own unique qualities that appeal to different preferences. The Black Lotus is recognized for its silky smooth feel and precise typing experience, with reduced wobble for maximum pleasure. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. While the Black Lotus is categorized as 'Silky' and 'Buttery', the Kiki Red is categorized as 'Clacky' and 'Creamy'. Both switches provide a polished and smooth typing experience, but with different characteristics that cater to individual preferences. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 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
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Kiki Red switches both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profile and feel. The Black Lotus utilizes a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, which gives it a premium and unique feel. In contrast, the Kiki Red boasts a POM top housing that creates a pleasing and deep sound profile. While both switches offer a distinct sound experience, the Black Lotus may be perceived as having a slightly more premium feel due to its housing material.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Black Lotus features a nylon material that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. This is because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when typing. On the other hand, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM bottom housing, which also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a unique typing experience due to the qualities of their bottom housing materials, allowing for a satisfying feel with each key press.
While the Black Lotus and the Kiki Red have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer a unique sound profile and feel. The top housing material impacts the sound when letting go of a key, while the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Both switches are designed to provide a premium typing experience, with the Black Lotus potentially offering a slightly more luxurious feel due to its modified PC & UPE Blend top housing. Ultimately, the choice between these switches may come down to personal preference for sound and feel.
Weight
The Durock Black Lotus linear switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it more medium-heavy compared to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, which has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Black Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Both switches have their advantages, with the Black Lotus being heavier and the Kiki Red being lighter, catering to different preferences and typing styles. Ultimately, choosing between the two will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Black Lotus has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. The Black Lotus may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing down on the keys, while the Kiki Red offers a slightly shallower experience. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Kiki Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Black Lotus with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer different tactile experiences, so the choice between the two ultimately depends on personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Black Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Black Lotus for $4.57.
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, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch is known for its quiet operation, lacking any specific descriptors for sound characteristics. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is described as having a "clacky" sound, which implies a sharp and snappy tone when keys are pressed. The clacky nature of the Kiki Reds provides a distinctive auditory feedback that some users may prefer for its lively and percussive quality.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Black Lotus is praised for its silky and buttery smooth typing experience, offering minimal resistance and a polished finish. These qualities contribute to a refined and effortless typing sensation that is gentle yet satisfying. In comparison, the Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These attributes highlight the smooth and fluid keystroke feel of the Kiki Reds, making them ideal for users seeking a responsive and comfortable typing experience with a touch of liveliness.
Overall, when considering all the available information, it is clear that both the Durock Black Lotus and the Bsun Kiki Red switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Black Lotus excels in providing a smooth and refined typing experience with a quiet operation, while the Kiki Reds stand out for their balanced mix of tactile feedback and comfortable actuation weight, coupled with a distinct clacky sound. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on whether the user prioritizes the feel, sound, and specific features offered by each switch.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother and more robust typing experience with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Durock Black Lotus linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. With its silky and buttery feel, coupled with unparalleled precision and in-switch lighting options, these switches are sure to enhance your typing pleasure. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force and enjoy a clacky sound profile with a balanced tactile experience, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is the way to go. Known for its finely-tuned typing experience, all-POM housings, and smooth actuation, these switches offer a unique and enjoyable typing sensation for enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Ultimately, your decision between the Black Lotus and Kiki Red switches will depend on your preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose wisely to optimize your mechanical keyboard typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
