Zuoce Bubblegum vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Zuoce Bubblegum switch and the Bsun Kiki Red switch both offer unique and desirable qualities for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Bubblegum switch stands out for its captivating colorways and satisfyingly clacky typing experience, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the innovative side of mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance while maintaining a subtle and smooth actuation process. Each switch is tailored to different preferences, with the Bubblegum switch best suited for those who enjoy a bouncy and clacky feel, while the Kiki Red switch is ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a creamy, polished, and easy-to-press experience. 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
37g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM+SL
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Bsun Kiki Red, it is clear that they both use POM for their top housings. POM is known for creating a unique and pleasing sound profile that leans towards the deeper side and is relatively more muted. This means that in terms of sound characteristics, both switches will offer similar results due to the shared POM material in their top housings.
However, where the two switches differ is in their bottom housing material. The Bubblegum utilizes nylon for its bottom housing, which results in a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is softer compared to harder plastics, absorbing more sound and creating a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red opts for a POM bottom housing, still providing a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This difference in bottom housing materials will impact the overall sound and feel of each switch when pressed.
It is important to note that the qualities of the housing materials are split between the top and bottom of the switch. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed, while the top housing will influence the sound when the key is released. Therefore, despite both switches using POM in their top housings, the choice between Nylon and POM for the bottom housing will result in variations in sound characteristics and typing experience between the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Bsun Kiki Red.
Weight
When comparing the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The Bubblegum has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams, while the Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Bubblegum slightly lighter in both aspects compared to the Kiki Red. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience with a light touch, which is ideal for those who prefer a lighter key press. For users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, they may find the Kiki Red to be a better option with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for key press weight and typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distances of the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that the Bubblegum has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are favored by gamers for their faster response times. Choosing a switch with a shorter travel distance can be beneficial for those seeking quick and precise key presses. However, some users may find shorter travel distances to be too abrupt and prefer switches with a longer travel distance for a more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the Bubblegum and Kiki Red switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Zuoce Bubblegum has an MSRP of $3.10 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bubblegum for $2.30.
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
In terms of sound, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and the Bsun Kiki Red switches are described as clacky, which means they produce a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The sound can be crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bubblegum switch is described as bouncy, providing a spring-like or elastic feedback sensation that gives a lively feel and rebound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This means that the Kiki Red switch delivers a smooth and buttery feel with minimal resistance or friction, promoting effortless key presses and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, both the Zuoce Bubblegum and Bsun Kiki Red switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Bubblegum switch may provide a clacky sound and bouncy feel, the Kiki Red switch excels in offering a creamy and smooth typing experience with various levels of lubrication and smoothness. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, you can achieve similar results with either switch by pairing them with a compatible keyboard and keycap combination. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference in sound and typing sensation.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when it comes to choosing between the Zuoce Bubblegum linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately boils down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you are looking for a light typing experience with a unique colorway and satisfyingly clacky sound, the Bubblegum switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched yet clacky nuance, all-POM housings, and a medium-light weighting for subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance, then the Kiki Red switch could be the ideal option. Consider your priorities in sound, feel, and performance to make the decision that best suits your typing needs. Ultimately, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community.
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