Outemu Crystal vs. Bsun Kiki Red

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switches and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switches, there are key differences that may influence your decision. The Outemu Crystal switches offer a unique typing experience with their elastic feel and medium-light weight, resulting in a smooth linear feel and a neutral sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switches provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, thanks to their all-POM housings and Ly stems. While the Crystal switches are categorized as 'Chirpy', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Kiki Red switches are categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Easy-to-press'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for sound profile and tactile feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Linear

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$3.40 per 10

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

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Housing materials

In comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Kiki Red, we see that the Crystal uses polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housing, whereas the Kiki Red utilizes POM for both. Polycarbonate is known for its stiffness, which creates a clear, resonant sound profile, especially evident in the sharp, higher-pitched sound of the Crystal. On the other hand, POM produces a deeper, more muted sound, as seen in the Kiki Red. While both materials excel in providing unique sound profiles, the difference in pitch and clarity between the two sets them apart.

The aesthetic appeal of the housing materials also differs between the Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Kiki Red. Polycarbonate's translucency makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, giving a visually pleasing effect when illuminated. In contrast, POM does not offer the same level of transparency, leading to a more subdued appearance. However, both materials are durable and provide a solid foundation for the internal components of the switches, ensuring longevity and reliability in both cases.

When considering the impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the top and bottom housings play distinct roles in the sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the bottom housing, whether polycarbonate or POM, will have a greater influence on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. Conversely, the top housing material will affect the sound when a key is released. Despite these differences, both the Outemu Crystal and the Bsun Kiki Red offer a satisfying typing experience, each with its own unique sound profile and tactile feedback.

Weight

The actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch both play a crucial role in determining the typing experience. The Crystal has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams, making it slightly heavier. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Crystal requires 55 grams while the Kiki Red only needs 50 grams, making the Kiki Red the lighter of the two switches. The difference in force between the two switches may result in a different typing feel; the Crystal offering a more substantial typing experience with a slightly heavier touch, while the Kiki Red provides a lighter touch for smoother typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference, with some preferring the lighter touch for extended typing sessions, while others may prefer the heavier touch for a more tactile typing experience.

Travel distance

The Outemu Crystal linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is considered to be a more traditional distance. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. Gamers may prefer the Kiki Red for its faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Crystal. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key travel distance, with the Crystal offering a longer distance and the Kiki Red providing a shorter one.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Outemu Crystal linear switch provides a chirpy and high-pitched typing experience, setting it apart with a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a clacky sound, known for its sharp, crisp, and percussive sound profile. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Crystal offering a more neutral sound profile while the Kiki Red provides a clacky nuance without being excessively loud. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.

In terms of feel, the Outemu Crystal linear switch is described as polished, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is characterized as creamy, providing a buttery and silky typing sensation with a frictionless and polished finish. Additionally, the Kiki Red switch is noted for its snappy and easy-to-press feel, offering a responsive and low-impact typing experience. Both switches focus on providing a comfortable and smooth typing feel, with the Crystal emphasizing a polished finish and the Kiki Red prioritizing a creamy and frictionless sensation.

In conclusion, the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Crystal delivers a chirpy and high-pitched sound profile with a polished and refined typing feel, while the Kiki Red provides a clacky sound with a creamy and silky typing experience. Both switches cater to enthusiasts looking for unique auditory feedback and finesse in performance, with the Crystal offering a medium-light weight and the Kiki Red boasting all-POM housings and a smooth actuation with Ly stems. Depending on individual preferences in sound and feel, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience for newcomers to mechanical keyboard switches.

Conclusion

To sum up, when it comes to choosing between the Outemu Crystal linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, you should consider your preferences for typing experience. If you enjoy a unique, linear feel with a medium-light weight and a neutral sound profile, the Outemu Crystal switches would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and smooth actuation, along with a medium-light weighting for subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse, the Bsun Kiki Red switches would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel and sound profile.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Linear

$3.40 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more