Kailh Box White vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Kiki Red offer distinct advantages for different preferences. The Box White is favored for its clicky feedback, resonant sound, and crunchy tactility, making it ideal for those who enjoy a loud and tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red is known for its balanced and nuanced typing feel, with a clacky nuance that is not overly loud. The all-POM housing and smooth actuation of the Kiki Reds provide a refined and silky typing experience that appeals to those who prefer subtlety in both sound and 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Yes
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
In terms of housing materials, the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Kiki Red switches offer different options for switch enthusiasts. The Box White features a polycarbonate top housing, known for creating a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially ideal for RGB lighting effects. In contrast, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Box White. Both materials bring unique qualities to the switches, with polycarbonate emphasizing clarity and resonance while POM offers a more subtle and pleasing sound profile.
Moving onto the bottom housings, the Box White utilizes a nylon material which is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile compared to other plastics. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound that is distinct from the Box White's polycarbonate top housing. On the other hand, the Kiki Red also features a POM bottom housing, mirroring the material used in its top housing. This consistency in housing materials throughout the switch design ensures a cohesive sound profile that prioritizes depth and richness in sound.
Overall, the choice between the Kailh Box White and the Bsun Kiki Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound. The Box White offers a contrast between the sharpness of polycarbonate and the depth of nylon, providing a dynamic sound experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red maintains a consistent sound profile with both POM top and bottom housings, resulting in a more uniform and muted sound. Both switches offer distinct qualities in housing materials that cater to different preferences in sound profiles, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Kailh Box White clicky switch is 50 grams, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has an actuation force of 42 grams, making the Kiki Red lighter in this aspect. In terms of bottom out force, the Box White requires 60 grams to bottom out, whereas the Kiki Red only needs 50 grams, showing that the Kiki Red is also lighter in this regard. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Kiki Red make it more suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Box White provides a slightly more substantial push feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on the force required, so users can choose the one that best suits their preference for typing or gaming.
Travel distance
Both the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. The similarity in travel distance between these two switches allows for consistent typing experiences with both options. So, in terms of travel distance, you can expect similar results with the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch.
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 White comes in at $2.76 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 White switch offers a resonant and high-pitched clicky sound, reminiscent of stepping on autumn leaves. This switch provides a clean and sharp auditory experience with an immersive feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch produces a clacky and sharp sound profile when pressed, delivering a crisp, bright, and percussive sound. Both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Box White being more pronounced in its clickiness while the Kiki Red strikes a balance with a comfortably high-pitched nuance.
When it comes to feel, the Kailh Box White switch is described as providing a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. The switch offers a refined finish, resulting in a sleek and comfortable typing feel. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, similar to gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The use of lubricant in the switch contributes to a smooth and buttery sensation, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and pleasurable typing experience, with the Box White offering a polished feel and the Kiki Red delivering a silky and snappy experience.
In conclusion, the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch both offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Box White provides a crunchy and high-pitched clicky sound, along with a polished typing experience, while the Kiki Red delivers a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, with the Box White offering a more pronounced clickiness and the Kiki Red providing a balance between high-pitched sound and smooth typing performance. Both switches cater to enthusiasts seeking specific sound and feel characteristics, ensuring a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Kailh Box White clicky switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value maximum audio feedback with a crunchy and high-pitched sound profile, as well as a polished and refined typing experience with medium bottom out force, the Box White may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clacky, sharp sound with creamy and frictionless typing feel, along with a lighter bottom out force for effortless typing, the Kiki Red could be the perfect fit for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for auditory feedback and typing experience.
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