Bsun Pine vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Pine and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Pine and BSUN Kiki Red offer distinctive typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Pine switch is known for its sharp tactile bump and quick bottom-out, providing direct and no-nonsense tactility, making it a favorite for those who seek a more pronounced typing feel. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch strikes a balance with a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud, thanks to its POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation. The medium-light weighting of the Kiki Red switch adds a subtle touch to its auditory feedback, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate 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
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Pine and Bsun Kiki Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their sound profiles. The Pine utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched sound, while the Kiki Red uses POM for a deeper and more muted sound. In terms of aesthetics, the Pine's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM top housing may not offer the same translucent effects but provides a distinct and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Pine incorporates nylon for a fuller and deeper sound profile, while the Kiki Red features POM for a unique and deep sound with muted qualities. The choice of housing material for the bottom of the switch can greatly impact the overall typing experience, as the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their bottom housing material, with the Pine's nylon providing a rounder sound and the Kiki Red's POM creating a more muted tone.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Bsun Pine and Bsun Kiki Red both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience. The use of polycarbonate and POM for the top housings offers distinct sound profiles, with the Pine emphasizing a crisper sound and the Kiki Red focusing on a deeper tone. Similarly, the choice of nylon and POM for the bottom housings adds to the switches' unique tactile feel and sound characteristics. Ultimately, both switches cater to different preferences in sound and feel, allowing users to choose based on their individual typing preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Pine requires 65 grams, which is heavier than the Kiki Red's 50 grams. This means that the Pine switch provides a more substantial typing experience with a greater resistance throughout the keystroke, while the Kiki Red offers a lighter touch overall. Some may prefer the Pine for its heavier actuation and bottom out forces, which can help prevent accidental key presses, while others may find the lighter touch of the Kiki Red more comfortable for longer typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Pine tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals seeking a more responsive typing or gaming experience. The difference of 0.2 mm between the two switches may not be significant to most users, but for those who are very particular about their switch specifications, it could make a difference in how the keys feel when typing. Ultimately, the Pine switch offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Kiki Red switch, providing a potentially faster response time for users. However, both switches are still within the range of shorter travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing experience with either option.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Pine has an MSRP of $4.70 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Pine for $3.70.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Pine switch offers a sharp and distinct click with a quick bottom-out, providing a crisp and audibly satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is known for its clacky sound that strikes a balance between high-pitched tones and a comfortable level of noise, perfect for those who prefer a more subtle auditory feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Pine switch delivers an invigorating and snappy tactile feedback with a sharp bump that is noticeable with each keypress, offering a dynamic typing sensation. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a creamy and polished typing experience with a silky smooth key travel, thanks to the POM housings and lube in the stems. These switches are designed to offer a frictionless and easy-to-press feel, making them an excellent choice for users who value a smooth and effortless typing experience.
Overall, while the Bsun Pine and Kiki Red switches offer different sound and feel profiles, both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience for users who appreciate tactile feedback and smooth performance. Whether you prefer a sharper, more pronounced tactile bump or a smoother, quieter typing experience, both switches provide high-quality craftsmanship and performance that will satisfy keyboard enthusiasts seeking top-tier mechanical switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Pine tactile switch and the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a sharp tactile bump with clear-cut feedback and quick bottom-out, the Pine switch might be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a balance of high-pitched clackiness, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting for a subtle and refined typing experience, the Kiki Red switch could be more suited to your taste. Ultimately, your decision should be based on factors like tactile feel, sound profile, and bottom-out force that align with your typing style and preferences. Choose the switch that enhances your typing experience and provides the feedback and performance you desire.
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