Kailh Box Jade vs. Bsun Kiki Red

Overview

When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two options that stand out are the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Kiki Red. The Box Jade is renowned for its medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and pronounced tactility, making it perfect for those who enjoy crisp clicks and crunchy tactile bumps while typing. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. Its smooth actuation and medium-light weighting cater to those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$5.50 per 10

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Kiki Red switches have distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Box Jade features a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This is due to the stiffness of polycarbonate, which enhances resonance. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both switches have POM bottom housings, which contribute to their deep and fuller sound profiles. However, the Box Jade's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the Kiki Red.

Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Kiki Red switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the Box Jade provides a brighter and more resonant sound, while the POM top housing of the Kiki Red offers a deeper and mellower tone. Similarly, both switches share POM bottom housings, resulting in a deeper sound profile with a more muted quality. It is important to consider how these housing materials interact with each other to create a harmonious overall sound when choosing between the two switches.

Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Jade and the Bsun Kiki Red switches will depend on personal preferences for sound characteristics. The Box Jade's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a unique blend of sharpness and depth in its sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM housing materials offer a more subdued and deeper sound experience. Regardless of the differences in housing materials, both switches are designed to cater to individuals looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.

Weight

The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch differ in actuation force and bottom out force. The Box Jade has a higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams, making it feel slightly heavier when triggering keystrokes. Similarly, the Box Jade also has a higher bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 50 grams, indicating that it requires more force to press all the way down. These differences result in the Box Jade feeling slightly heavier and more substantial to type on compared to the lighter and easier-to-press Kiki Red. This makes the Box Jade more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel, while the Kiki Red is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and user preference when it comes to mechanical switches.

Travel distance

The Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this aspect. This means that when typing on a keyboard with either of these switches, you can expect a consistent experience in terms of the distance the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Both switches offer a standard travel distance that is neither too short nor too long, providing a satisfying typing experience for users who prefer either a clicky or linear switch. In summary, the travel distance of the Kailh Box Jade switch and the Bsun Kiki Red switch is the same at 3.6 mm, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch is high-pitched and crunchy, providing a sharp and crisp sound similar to stepping on autumn leaves. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound that can be characterized as crisp, bright, and percussive. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Jade leaning towards a louder and more pronounced click while the Kiki Red offers a more subtle and nuanced auditory feedback.

Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Jade switch is accentuated and invigorating, providing a medium-light weighting with satisfying tactile feedback and a snappy typing sensation. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with reduced friction and enhanced key travel. While the Box Jade emphasizes tactile feedback and a medium-heavy typing experience, the Kiki Red focuses on a refined and smooth keystroke with minimal resistance, catering to those who prefer a more seamless typing feel.

Overall, the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. If you prefer a louder and more tactile typing experience with a high-pitched and crunchy sound, the Box Jade is the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a smoother and more refined typing feel with a clacky sound profile, the Kiki Red is a suitable choice. Both switches cater to different preferences, providing a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts to tailor their typing experience to their liking. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sound, feel, or a combination of both in your mechanical keyboard setup.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Jade clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy typing experience with a clicky sound profile and noticeable tactility, the Box Jade is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and a smooth actuation, the Kiki Red is the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the tactile feedback and audible clicks of the Box Jade or the smooth, subtle performance of the Kiki Red. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.

Mentioned in this article

Kailh Box Jade Clicky

$5.50 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more