Akko V3 Crystal Pro vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The V3 Crystal Pro stands out with its fully polycarbonate construction, providing a bright and chirpy sound signature along with a silky smooth typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, thanks to its all-POM housings and smooth actuation. While the V3 Crystal Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Chirpy', and 'Polished', the Kiki Red is categorized 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
48g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Polycarbonate
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
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 Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for their top and bottom housings. The V3 Crystal Pro features a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, known for creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. On the other hand, the Kiki Red uses POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. While the V3 Crystal Pro offers a more clear and resonant sound with its polycarbonate housing, the Kiki Red provides a unique sound with its POM material.
Despite the differences in housing materials, both the V3 Crystal Pro and the Kiki Red offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Crystal Pro enhances its sound profile, making it ideal for those seeking a sharper and higher-pitched typing experience. In contrast, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red creates a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to users looking for a more subtle typing sound. While the housing materials may vary, each switch offers its own unique sound characteristics that set them apart.
Overall, the choice between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The polycarbonate housing of the V3 Crystal Pro delivers a clear and resonant sound, while the POM housing of the Kiki Red produces a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a sharper typing experience with the V3 Crystal Pro or a softer sound with the Kiki Red, both switches offer exceptional quality and performance. Ultimately, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, tailored to their individual sound preferences.
Weight
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The V3 Crystal Pro has a higher actuation force of 48 grams and a higher bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a medium resistance level. In contrast, the Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a more gentle typing experience. Those who prefer a lighter touch may gravitate towards the Kiki Red for extended typing sessions, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing feel may opt for the V3 Crystal Pro. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on individual preferences, with the V3 Crystal Pro being the heavier option and the Kiki Red being the lighter option for typing enthusiasts.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is clear that the V3 Crystal Pro has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.8 mm compared to the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm. While both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among users seeking quicker response times, the V3 Crystal Pro offers a bit more depth for those who prefer a more substantial key press feel. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a slightly shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for ultra-fast key actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key press depth and response time.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Akko V3 Crystal Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Crystal Pro for $3.30.
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
From a sound perspective, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch offers a chirpy sound, providing a unique squeaky tone that sets it apart. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch produces a clacky sound, known for its sharp, snappy, and percussive noise when pressed. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Crystal Pro sounding bright and chirpy while the Kiki Red delivers a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance.
As for the tactile feel, the Akko V3 Crystal Pro switch is described as bouncy and polished, providing a spring-like feedback and a smooth typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, guaranteeing a smooth and buttery sensation while typing. Both switches aim for a refined and smooth typing experience, with the Crystal Pro being bouncy and polished, and the Kiki Red focusing on creaminess and minimal resistance.
Overall, while the Akko V3 Crystal Pro and Bsun Kiki Red linear switches offer slightly different sound profiles and tactile feels, both aim to provide a smooth typing experience with unique characteristics. Depending on your personal preferences in terms of sound and feel, either switch could be a great choice for enthusiasts looking for a high-quality typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer top-notch performance and would deliver similar satisfactory results depending on the user's preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Akko V3 Crystal Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preference for bottom out force and sound and feel characteristics. If you prefer a medium bottom out force of 60 grams and a bright, chirpy sound with a silky smooth typing experience, the V3 Crystal Pro may be the better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and a high-pitched, clacky sound with a finely-tuned typing experience that offers smoothness during actuation, the Bsun Kiki Red could be the ideal choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the type of typing experience you are looking for in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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