Gateron CJ vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The CJ is praised for its smooth and high-pitched clacks, providing a distinct typing experience categorized as 'Chirpy', 'Neutral', and 'Thocky'. On the other hand, the Kiki Red is known for its finely-tuned balance between high-pitched clacks and smooth actuation, categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky'. While the CJ is ideal for those who enjoy a unique linear switch with a smooth push feel, the Kiki Red is preferred by enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Kiki Red, it is clear that both switches utilize POM material for their bottom housing, creating a deep and muted sound profile. This means that when pressing down on either switch, users can expect a similar experience in terms of how the bottom housing impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch. However, the top housing of the CJ features Gateron's proprietary INK blend, known for its high-pitched and clacky sound, while the Kiki Red's top housing is also made of POM but offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. This contrast in top housing materials will result in a noticeable difference in sound when releasing a key.
While both the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Kiki Red share a common POM bottom housing material that contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, their top housing materials differ significantly in terms of sound characteristics. The CJ's top housing, made of Gateron's proprietary INK blend, produces a pointed and relatively high-pitched sound that is described as clacky. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound. This distinction in top housing materials will ultimately impact the overall sound experience for users, with the CJ offering a sharper and higher-pitched sound compared to the softer and deeper sound of the Kiki Red.
In terms of the sound profile and feel of the Gateron CJ and the Bsun Kiki Red, the differences in their top housing materials play a significant role. The Gateron CJ's top housing, featuring the proprietary INK blend, is known for its satisfying thin and higher-pitched sound that is often described as clacky. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound profile. This means that when users press down on the switches, they will feel the impact of the bottom housing's POM material, while the sound produced upon releasing a key will be influenced by the contrasting characteristics of the top housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference in sound profile and feel.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in both actuation force and bottom out force. The Gateron CJ has a higher actuation force of 50 grams and a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a more medium resistance. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option overall. This means that the Gateron CJ will require more force to trigger a keystroke and to fully press down compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. Individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Bsun Kiki Red, while those who desire a more substantial typing feel may lean towards the Gateron CJ. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is preferred.
Travel distance
The Gateron CJ linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gateron CJ offers a longer travel distance, providing a more substantial feeling when pressing down on the key. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red has a slightly shorter travel distance, making it ideal for those looking for quicker response times. Gamers may prefer the Bsun Kiki Red for its shorter travel distance, allowing for rapid key presses during gameplay. However, those who enjoy a more tactile and in-depth keystroke experience may opt for the Gateron CJ with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of desired key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CJ has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CJ for $5.35.
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 Gateron CJ linear switch is often described as chirpy and neutral, offering a unique acoustic signature that sets it apart from other switches. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. The CJ leans towards a higher-pitched clack, while the Kiki Reds strike a balance with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Gateron CJ linear switch is described as mild, offering a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe, middle-ground zone. Conversely, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press characteristics. These switches provide a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, allowing for effortless keystrokes. The medium-light weighting of the Kiki Red switch contributes to a refined and polished typing feel that appeals to enthusiasts looking for finesse in performance.
Overall, both the Gateron CJ and Bsun Kiki Red linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The CJ provides a chirpy and neutral sound with a mild typing experience, while the Kiki Red delivers a clacky sound profile with a creamy and frictionless typing feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, as both switches offer a distinct typing experience that caters to different preferences in auditory feedback and tactile sensations. Experimenting with both switches on different keyboards and keycaps can help determine which one suits your typing style and preferences best.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron CJ linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preference in bottom out force, sound profile, and typing feel. If you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams and enjoy a chirpy, neutral sound with a mild typing feel, the CJ switches may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and appreciate a clacky sound with a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press typing feel, then the Kiki Red switches could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on which characteristics align best with your typing preferences and overall typing experience.
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