KTT Cream Yellow vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Cream Yellow switch is renowned for its bouncy and clacky sound, thanks to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem, as well as its lengthened spring for a bouncy typing feel. On the other hand, the Kiki Reds from BSUN provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a balanced high-pitched clacky nuance and all-POM housings for a unique sound signature. While the Cream Yellow is categorized as 'Bouncy' and 'Clacky', the Kiki Reds are described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. 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
58g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
18mm spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the KTT Cream Yellow and the Bsun Kiki Red, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Cream Yellow's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound, while the Kiki Red's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials have their own distinct qualities that contribute to the overall typing experience.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Cream Yellow features a nylon bottom housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the material's softer nature. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also offers a deeper sound profile, complementing the POM top housing's characteristics. While the materials differ, they both enhance the overall sound and feel of the switches in their own unique ways.
When looking at how the top and bottom housings interact with each other, it becomes clear that each material plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience. While the Cream Yellow splits the qualities of polycarbonate and nylon between the top and bottom housings, the Kiki Red maintains consistency with POM materials throughout. Ultimately, both switches offer a unique and pleasing typing experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a distinctive sound profile.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the KTT Cream Yellow has a heavier actuation and bottom out force compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. The Cream Yellow requires 50 grams of force to actuate and 58 grams to bottom out, while the Kiki Red only needs 42 grams to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out. The Cream Yellow provides a more substantial typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a heavier push feel, while the Kiki Red offers a lighter typing experience, ideal for extended use during work or gaming sessions. Overall, the weight of the switch is an essential factor to consider based on individual preference for typing comfort and typing intensity.
Travel distance
The KTT Cream Yellow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, which is slightly shorter than the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch with a travel distance of 3.6 mm. While the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, it may still impact the typing or gaming experience for some users. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Cream Yellow switch with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Kiki Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, both switches offer a smooth linear feel, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing or gaming performance.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Cream Yellow has an MSRP of $2.75 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Cream Yellow for $2.55.
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
The Cream Yellow linear switch is known for its distinctive clacky sound, delivering a sharp and percussive audio feedback due to its shortened bottom-out distance and long-pole stem. On the other hand, the Kiki Red linear switch also offers a clacky sound, but with a comfortably high-pitched nuance that avoids being excessively loud. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory experience, although the Cream Yellow may lean towards a sharper sound compared to the Kiki Red's more balanced tone.
When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow is characterized by its bouncy typing sensation, offering a spring-like feedback that gives keys a lively feel with rebound. Meanwhile, the Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These qualities suggest a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. While the Cream Yellow emphasizes a bouncy feel, the Kiki Red provides a variety of smooth and responsive attributes, catering to different preferences in typing feel.
In conclusion, both the KTT Cream Yellow and Bsun Kiki Red linear switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow excels in delivering a clacky sound with a bouncy keystroke feel, while the Kiki Red provides a balanced clacky sound with a smooth and effortless typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound and typing feedback, either of these switches can elevate your mechanical keyboard experience with their unique characteristics. Ultimately, experimenting with both switches or considering their individual qualities can help you determine the best fit for your typing needs.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the KTT Cream Yellow linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the factors that matter most to you. If you prioritize a distinctively clacky sound and a bouncy typing feel, the Cream Yellow switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance with a more subtle tactile experience, the Kiki Red switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing experience. Make sure to test out both switches if possible to determine which one aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
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