Kailh Box Royal vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Kiki Red offer unique experiences for users. The Box Royal is renowned for its intense tactile feedback, making it a top choice for those who desire a sharp, binary tactility. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a more nuanced typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched sound and smooth actuation. The Box Royal leans towards a higher-pitched sound profile, while the Kiki Red has a clacky, creamy, and silky feel. If you prefer a switch with aggressive tactility and a higher pitch, the Box Royal is the way to go. However, for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the Bsun Kiki Red may be the better option. It's essential to take a deeper look beyond these general characteristics to determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Kiki Red, it is evident that they both prioritize creating a deep and fuller sound profile for the users. The Box Royal utilizes a nylon top housing, known for its sound-absorbing properties which produce a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red opts for a POM top housing, offering a more muted yet pleasing sound profile on the deeper side. Despite this difference, both switches aim to enhance the typing experience through the material used in their top housings.
In terms of bottom housing, the Box Royal and the Kiki Red once again show similarity in their approach towards creating a deeper sound profile. The Box Royal's nylon bottom housing absorbs sound effectively, resulting in a fuller sound profile, while the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing contributes to a relatively more muted sound. Both switches strive to provide users with a satisfying typing sound experience by utilizing housing materials that enhance the overall sound profile of the switch.
Overall, while the Kailh Box Royal and the Bsun Kiki Red utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings, they both share the goal of enhancing the sound profile of the switch for a more enjoyable typing experience. The nylon and POM materials used in the housings each bring unique qualities to the table, with one focusing on sound absorption and the other on creating a pleasing sound profile. By understanding the impact of each housing material on the overall sound, users can make an informed decision based on their sound preferences when choosing between the two switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch both play a significant role in the typing experience. The Box Royal has a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams, making the Box Royal slightly heavier. The bottom out force of the Box Royal is also heavier at 70 grams, compared to the Kiki Red's lighter 50 grams. Choosing between the two switches depends on personal preference, with some users preferring the lighter feel of the Kiki Red for longer typing periods, while others may opt for the heavier push of the Box Royal for a more robust typing experience. Both switches offer different tactile feedback due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, users can expect different results based on their preferences for lighter or heavier typing experiences.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is the same, both measuring at 3.6 mm. When comparing these two switches, it can be noted that the actuation and bottom out distances are equal, resulting in a consistent typing experience in terms of travel distance. Whether you choose the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, you can expect a similar travel distance when pressing down on the keys.
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 Royal comes in at $6.25 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
In terms of sound, the Kailh Box Royal switch is best suited for individuals who prefer a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a clacky, crisp sound that provides a balance of auditory feedback without being excessively loud. Both switches deliver distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box Royal being more high-pitched and the Kiki Red offering a nuanced clacky sound. It is important to note that the sound produced by keyboard switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps being used.
When it comes to the tactile feel of the switches, the Kailh Box Royal offers a sharp and intense tactile feedback with a prominent and distinct tactile bump that can be felt with each keystroke. Conversely, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a creamy, frictionless typing experience due to its all-POM housing and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly in the stems. With their medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red switches offer a polished, silky sensation that enhances typing comfort and performance. While the Box Royal excels in providing a sharp tactile response, the Kiki Red stands out for its smooth and effortless key travel, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a refined typing experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box Royal switch is characterized by its aggressive tactility and high-pitched sound profile, appealing to users who enjoy intense tactile feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a more balanced and nuanced typing experience with a clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel that caters to enthusiasts seeking a smoother and more refined typing experience. Both switches have their own unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience based on individual preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on whether you prioritize sharp tactility and high-pitched sound (Box Royal) or a smooth, clacky feel with a balanced sound profile (Kiki Red).
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Kailh Box Royal tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preference for typing experience. If you are someone who enjoys a strong, aggressive tactile feedback with higher pitch sound profile, then the Box Royal would be the ideal choice for you. However, if you prefer a more refined and smooth typing experience with a lighter actuation force and clacky sound profile, then the Kiki Red switches would be more suited to your taste. Consider your preference for tactility, sound, and feel when choosing between these two switches to ensure that you have the best typing experience possible.
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