Gateron CM vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron CM 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 Gateron CM and the Bsun Kiki Red stand out for their unique characteristics. The Gateron CM is known for its full nylon housing and smooth typing experience, providing a bouncy sensation with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting for a subtle tactile feedback. While the Gateron CM is categorized as 'Buttery' and 'Bassy', the Bsun Kiki Red falls under categories like 'Clacky' and 'Silky'. 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 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
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Dual-staged 20mm lengthened gold-plated spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron CM and the Bsun Kiki Red share similarities in their use of different materials for the top and bottom housing of the switches. Both switches utilize softer plastics in their housings, with the CM utilizing nylon and the Kiki Red utilizing POM. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, although the Kiki Red's sound is described as relatively more muted compared to the CM. The nylon top housing of the CM creates a duller and rounder sound, while the POM top housing of the Kiki Red creates a unique and pleasing deeper sound.
While the top housing materials of the Gateron CM and the Bsun Kiki Red may have some similarities in terms of creating a deep and fuller sound profile, their bottom housing materials differ in their impact on the overall switch experience. The nylon bottom housing of the CM absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when bottoming out. In comparison, the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red contributes to a more muted sound profile while still maintaining depth. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the overall feel and sound of typing on the switches.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Gateron CM and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer a unique typing experience that combines the qualities of their top and bottom housings. While the CM's nylon housing creates a deeper and fuller sound, the Kiki Red's POM housing offers a more muted yet still pleasing sound profile. Both switches utilize softer plastics that absorb sound, creating a tactile and satisfying typing experience. Whether you prefer the duller and rounder sound of the CM or the deeper and more unique sound of the Kiki Red, both switches offer quality performance with their housing materials playing a significant role in the overall typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter in both regards. The CM has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Kiki Red may be the better choice. However, for those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel, the CM switch provides a heavier push. Both switches offer a different typing experience, with the CM switch requiring more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the lighter Kiki Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and the desired weight of the switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron CM linear switch and Bsun Kiki Red linear switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making them equal in this regard. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience a similar distance in terms of how far the switch travels from the top to the bottom. Therefore, in terms of travel distance, both switches will provide a consistent and comparable typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron CM has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the CM for $4.25.
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, the Gateron CM linear switch is described as having a bassy, thocky, and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep, rich, and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is noted for its clacky sound, offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback during key presses. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the CM switches leaning towards a deeper, more bass-heavy tone, while the Kiki Red switches provide a crisp and bright sound.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron CM linear switch is praised for its buttery, polished, creamy, and frictionless typing experience, ensuring a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. Similarly, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is also described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, highlighting a focus on smoothness, responsiveness, and low resistance during typing. Both switches offer a premium tactile feel that enhances the overall typing experience, making them suitable choices for enthusiasts seeking a luxurious and comfortable typing journey.
In conclusion, while the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer slightly different sound and feel qualities, they both excel in providing a high-quality typing experience. With the CM switch emphasizing a deeper and richer sound profile and a bouncy typing feel, and the Kiki Red switch focusing on a clacky sound and a finely-tuned, smooth typing experience, users can expect distinct yet equally satisfying results depending on their preference. Ultimately, both switches deliver exceptional performance and cater to enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback and tactile finesse in their mechanical keyboards.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Gateron CM linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the characteristics of each switch. If you value a medium-heavy bottom out force and enjoy a bouncy typing experience with a rich sound profile, the CM switch with its full nylon housing and dual-staged spring may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth actuation, the Kiki Red switch with its POM housing and Ly stems could be more suitable for your typing preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for typing experience, sound profile, and tactile feedback. Choose the switch that aligns best with your individual preferences and enjoy a satisfying typing journey.
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