Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes clear that each offers unique qualities to enhance your typing experience. The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a tactile feedback with a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it an ideal choice for users who enjoy an audible response paired with a smooth tactile sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red offers a linear typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance between sound and comfort. While the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is more accentuated and bouncy, the Bsun Kiki Red is known for its creamy and easy-to-press nature. 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.20 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
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The V3 Cream Blue Pro uses a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a crisp typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound, offering a different typing experience. While both switches offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two will ultimately come down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the V3 Cream Blue Pro features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. In contrast, the Kiki Red uses a POM bottom housing, which again contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. While both switches offer a similar sound profile in terms of the bottom housing, the slight differences in material may lead to a nuanced typing experience for users who are particularly sensitive to sound and feel.
While the V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red may have different housing materials for their top and bottom, they both aim to provide an enjoyable typing experience with unique sound profiles. The split between the top and bottom housings allows for a balance of qualities in the sound and feel of the switch. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper, more muted sound of POM, both switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
When comparing the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams. Additionally, the V3 Cream Blue Pro has a higher bottom out force of 55 grams, whereas the Kiki Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the V3 Cream Blue Pro provides a slightly heavier typing experience overall compared to the Kiki Red, which is slightly lighter. Both switches fall within the medium-light to light range of actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for users who prefer a softer touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and the amount of force one prefers when typing.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the V3 Cream Blue Pro. The difference may not be significant, but it can still affect the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the V3 Cream Blue Pro with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may opt for the Kiki Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro has an MSRP of $2.88 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Cream Blue Pro for $2.00.
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 Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro offers a distinct poppy and clacky sound profile, making it a lively and audible choice for those who enjoy a tactile feedback accompanied by a creamy sensation. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. Both switches offer a unique sound signature and a pleasant typing experience, although the Cream Blue Pro may lean towards a more pronounced and vibrant auditory feedback compared to the Kiki Red's subtler approach.
When it comes to feel, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro is characterized by an accented and bouncy tactile experience, offering a solid level of tactility without being overwhelming. It also provides a snappy and polished key feel, ensuring a smooth and refined typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing sensation, with a silky and snappy response, making it effortless and comfortable to use. Both switches deliver a smooth and responsive typing experience, albeit with slightly different tactile profiles that cater to specific preferences.
Overall, the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red switches both offer quality options within their respective categories. The Cream Blue Pro excels in providing a vibrant and tactile sound profile paired with lively tactile feedback, making it a standout choice for users who appreciate an audible typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch delivers a subtler yet smooth and responsive typing feel, ideal for those seeking a more refined and effortless typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance.
Conclusion
Therefore, when considering whether to choose the Akko V3 Cream Blue Pro tactile switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, you should take into account your preference for sound and feel. If you enjoy a lively, audible feedback with a creamy, tactile sensation, the V3 Cream Blue Pro would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance with a smooth and frictionless typing experience, the Bsun Kiki Red would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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