Akko V3 Cream Black Pro vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Black Pro V3 switches are ideal for those on a budget seeking high-quality switches with a poppy and clacky sound accompanied by smoothness. On the other hand, the Kiki Reds from BSUN provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, thanks to their all-POM housings and Ly stems for exceptional smoothness during actuation. While the Cream Black Pro V3 is known for being bouncy and snappy, the Kiki Red is described as silky and frictionless. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences and typing styles. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial 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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20mm
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red differ in terms of both their top and bottom housings. The V3 Cream Black Pro features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and crisper sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound. On the bottom housing side, the V3 Cream Black Pro utilizes a nylon material, known for its ability to create a fuller and deeper sound profile, while the Kiki Red also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound profile.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the Kiki Red both contribute to creating pleasing and unique sound profiles. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the POM top housing of the Kiki Red both offer distinct sound characteristics, with the former providing a sharper sound and the latter offering a deeper tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Black Pro and the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red both contribute to the switches' overall sound profile, resulting in a more rounded and duller sound.
When comparing the two switches, it's evident that the choice of housing material plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the V3 Cream Black Pro's polycarbonate top housing leads to a sharper and more resonant sound, the Kiki Red's POM top housing offers a deeper and more muted sound. On the bottom housing side, the V3 Cream Black Pro's nylon material creates a fuller sound, whereas the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing contributes to a similar deep and muted sound profile. Overall, both switches provide unique sound experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. The V3 Cream Black Pro has a medium-heavy actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, while the Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Kiki Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Cream Black Pro offers a more substantial typing experience due to its heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the V3 Cream Black Pro providing a heavier feel and the Kiki Red offering a lighter touch for typing or gaming sessions.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that the Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Black Pro. In general, a shorter travel distance can provide faster response times, making it ideal for gamers who need quick reactions. On the other hand, a longer travel distance can provide a more satisfying key press for those who prefer a deeper feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Black Pro has an MSRP of $3.77 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Black Pro for $2.70.
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 Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch is known for its high-pitched and poppy sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a clacky nuance that is described as bright, percussive, and not excessively loud. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Black Pro having a sharper tone compared to the Kiki Red's more subtle and balanced sound.
In terms of feel, both the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red switches are described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience that is highly desirable among enthusiasts. Additionally, the Cream Black Pro is noted for its bouncy and snappy feedback, providing a lively feel during typing, while the Kiki Red boasts frictionless and silky properties that enhance the overall smoothness of the typing feel. Both switches offer a polished typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel, making them comfortable options for extended typing sessions.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro and Bsun Kiki Red linear switches both excel in providing a premium typing experience with unique sound profiles and smooth tactile feedback. While the Cream Black Pro leans towards a high-pitched and poppy sound with bouncy feedback, the Kiki Red offers a nuanced clacky sound with frictionless and silky typing feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback, but either option promises a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Black Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the level of force you prefer in your typing experience. If you enjoy a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and a unique poppy and clacky sound coupled with notable smoothness, the V3 Cream Black Pro is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky sound and exceptional smoothness during actuation, the Kiki Red switch would be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences that cater to varying preferences, so choose based on the specific feel and sound profile you desire in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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