Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro 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 Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Akko Cream Yellow Pro V3 switches are a budget-friendly option that provides a poppy, clacky sound and smooth feel, making them ideal for those who enjoy a vibrant auditory experience paired with a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Reds offer a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and exceptional smoothness during actuation, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Both switches have their own strengths and characteristics that make them stand out, 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
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 housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red exhibit significant differences in both sound profile and aesthetics. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro features a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile, ideal for those who prefer a more resonant typing experience. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound, catering to individuals who enjoy a quieter typing experience. While the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's nylon bottom housing enhances the sound profile by creating a deeper and fuller sound, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper sound, albeit with a relatively more muted tone.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique advantages to users. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its translucency, making it ideal for showcasing RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red provides an incredibly pleasing sound profile that is deeper and more muted, appealing to users who prefer a quieter typing experience. Similarly, both switches feature bottom housings that contribute to the overall sound profile; the nylon bottom housing of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro creates a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red offers a unique, pleasing sound profile that complements the top housing material.
In conclusion, while the housing materials of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red may differ in their properties and sound profiles, both switches excel in providing users with a unique typing experience. Whether you prefer the sharper, crisper sound of the V3 Cream Yellow Pro's polycarbonate top housing or the deeper, more muted sound of the Kiki Red's POM top housing, each switch offers distinct advantages to cater to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile, aesthetics, and typing experience.
Weight
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch differ in terms of actuation force and bottom out force. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium typing experience. In contrast, the Kiki Red offers a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be more suitable for those who prefer a more substantial typing feel, while the Kiki Red would be ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. In both cases, users can expect similar results in terms of actuation and bottom out forces, depending on their preference for a lighter or heavier switch.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we find that the Cream Yellow Pro has a shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Kiki Red has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Cream Yellow Pro offers a more responsive typing experience, making it ideal for gamers looking for faster response times. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance, with the Cream Yellow Pro offering a shorter distance and the Kiki Red providing a longer one.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Cream Yellow 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 Yellow 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 V3 Cream Yellow Pro is known for its poppy, clacky sound that provides a vibrant auditory experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switches offered by BSUN produce a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud, appealing to those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback. Both switches provide unique sound signatures, with the V3 Cream Yellow Pro being more vibrant and the Kiki Red delivering a nuanced, balanced sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the V3 Cream Yellow Pro offers a smooth and easy-to-press experience, with feathery lightness that reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. Additionally, the switches have a bouncy and snappy feel, providing a responsive typing experience. Conversely, the Kiki Red switches are described as creamy and frictionless, offering a silky and smooth typing sensation. The switches are polished for reduced friction and effortless key travel, creating a refined typing experience with minimal resistance.
In conclusion, the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switches and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switches each offer a distinct combination of sound and feel qualities. The V3 Cream Yellow Pro is characterized by its poppy and clacky sound paired with an easy-to-press and bouncy typing feel, ideal for those who prefer a vibrant tactile experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switches provide a balanced, high-pitched clacky sound along with a creamy and frictionless feel, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a smooth and refined typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Akko V3 Cream Yellow Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preferences for actuation force and sound profile. If you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force of 60 grams and enjoy a poppy, clacky sound, then the V3 Cream Yellow Pro would be a great choice for you, especially if you appreciate a creamy tactile feel. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter actuation force of 50 grams and enjoy a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without excessive loudness, then the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be the better option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your desired typing experience and the specific characteristics that each switch offers.
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