Kailh Box Navy vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Navy and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that stand out are the Kailh Box Navy and the Bsun Kiki Red. The Box Navy switches are a clicky switch known for their heavy typing experience and nostalgic sound signature reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards from the 80s. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switches offer a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of high-pitched clackiness and smooth actuation, thanks to their all-POM housings and Ly stems. While the Box Navy excels in providing a sharp, crunchy, and invigorating feel, the Kiki Red delivers a creamy, polished, and easy-to-press typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities and caters to different preferences, but diving deeper into their specific characteristics will help you choose the best switch for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
90g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Kailh Box spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Kailh Box Navy and Bsun Kiki Red switches both utilize unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Box Navy features a polycarbonate top housing which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Kiki Red uses a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the clear polycarbonate top housing of the Box Navy allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visual appeal to the switch. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red offers a different tactile experience with its softer plastic composition.
While the top housings of the Box Navy and Kiki Red switches differ in material, their bottom housings also play a significant role in sound production. The Box Navy utilizes a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition. Similarly, the Kiki Red features a POM bottom housing that contributes to its unique sound profile on the deeper and more muted side. The combination of the top and bottom housing materials in each switch ensures a balanced and distinct typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box Navy and Bsun Kiki Red switches may come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel. The use of polycarbonate in the top housing of the Box Navy results in a crisper and sharper sound, while the POM top housing of the Kiki Red offers a deeper and more muted sound. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Box Navy provides a fuller sound experience, while the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red maintains its unique sound characteristics. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Weight
The Kailh Box Navy clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 90 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it easier to type on for longer periods. The actuation force of the Box Navy is heavier than that of the Kiki Red, offering a more pronounced push feel when typing, while the Kiki Red provides a more lightweight typing experience. Both switches have different weight requirements which cater to different preferences in typing force. If a user prefers a lighter touch, the Kiki Red would be the better option, while those who prefer a stronger push feel may lean towards the Box Navy.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch have a travel distance of 3.6mm, making them equal in this aspect. When comparing the travel distance of these two switches, it can be said that they will provide a similar typing experience in terms of how far the switch travels when pressed. This means that regardless of whether you choose the Box Navy clicky switch or the Kiki Red linear switch, you can expect to get similar results in terms of the distance the switch travels when actuated.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Kailh Box Navy comes in at $5.50 per 10 switches.
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, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch is known for its resonant and crunchy profile, offering a higher-pitched and immersive experience reminiscent of vintage buckling keyboards. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch provides a clacky sound that is sharp, bright, and percussive, striking a balance between high-pitched tones and moderate loudness. Both switches provide distinct auditory feedback, making them suitable for users with different preferences in sound profiles.
Moving on to feel, the Kailh Box Navy switch is described as sharp, invigorating, and stiff, offering a strong tactile bump and requiring higher actuation force. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and responsiveness with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Each switch caters to a unique typing sensation, with the Box Navy focusing on tactile feedback and resistance, while the Kiki Red prioritizes smoothness and ease of pressing.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box Navy excels in providing a heavy typing experience with a resonant and crunchy sound profile, ideal for those who enjoy a vintage tactile feel. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a clacky sound and a range of smooth and responsive qualities, appealing to users looking for subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Kailh Box Navy clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it all comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a heavy typing experience with a loud and crisp sound profile, the Box Navy switches are the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother, lighter touch with a more subtle and clacky sound, the Kiki Red switches would be a better fit for you. Ultimately, consider your desired bottom out force, sound preferences, and tactile feedback when making your decision between these two distinct mechanical keyboard switches.
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