Durock Dolphin vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Kiki Red stand out as popular options within the linear switch category. The Durock Dolphins are favored for their silent operation, making them suitable for quiet office environments or settings where noise is a concern. With a medium-heavy actuation force of 62g, these switches offer a satisfying press with a balanced level of resistance, appealing to those who value precision. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Reds provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. The all-POM housings and Ly stems contribute to a unique sound signature and exceptional smoothness during actuation. The medium-light weighting of the Kiki Reds adds to the tactile experience, making them a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Both switches offer distinct characteristics, catering to different preferences in terms of sound, feel, and performance. 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
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
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
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
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Kiki Red both utilize different materials for their top and bottom housing components, creating unique sound profiles for each switch. The Dolphin features a polycarbonate top housing, which produces a sharper and crisper sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM top housing, which creates a deeper and more muted sound. The choice of polycarbonate for the Dolphin's top housing enhances the overall typing experience, especially for users who enjoy RGB lighting effects. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM top housing offers a more subdued sound profile that may appeal to those looking for a quieter typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing material, both the Dolphin and the Kiki Red offer distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Dolphin's nylon bottom housing provides a deeper and fuller sound, thanks to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound vibrations. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also creates a deeper sound profile, resulting in a more muted typing experience. Despite the differences in material composition, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience that caters to different preferences in sound and feel.
While the Durock Dolphin and the Bsun Kiki Red may have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both prioritize creating a unique and pleasing sound profile for users. The split between the top and bottom housing characteristics allows for a varied auditory experience when typing, with each press and release of a key contributing to the overall sound output. Whether you prefer the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate or the deeper and more muted sound of POM, both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to individual preferences in typing feel and sound.
Weight
The Durock Dolphin and Bsun Kiki Red linear switches both have different actuation and bottom out forces, with the Dolphin having a higher bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 50 grams. The Dolphin has no specified actuation force, while the Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams. This means that the Dolphin will provide a more substantial typing experience with a heavier feel, while the Kiki Red will offer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions. Those who prefer a heavier push may lean towards the Dolphin, while those who enjoy a lighter typing experience may opt for the Kiki Red. Overall, the difference in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches provides users with options to cater to their personal preferences for typing feel and weight.
Travel distance
The Durock Dolphin linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Dolphin being slightly longer than the Kiki Red. Gamers who prioritize fast response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red, while those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the slightly longer travel distance of the Dolphin. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Dolphin has an MSRP of $6.87 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Dolphin for $5.41.
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
When it comes to sound, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is highly regarded for its muted and low-pitched characteristics, providing a quieter typing experience that is suitable for shared workspaces or environments where noise levels need to be controlled. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. The choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Dolphin being more subdued and the Kiki Red being more pronounced.
In terms of feel, the Durock Dolphin linear switch is described as having a polished feel, indicating a smooth and refined typing experience that reduces friction and offers a sleek key travel. Meanwhile, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is associated with a creamy and frictionless feel, providing a buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance during key presses. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, with the Dolphin focusing on refined key travel and the Kiki Red emphasizing a silky and effortless feel. The decision between these switches will depend on whether the user prefers a more polished or creamy typing experience.
In conclusion, the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel profiles that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. The Dolphin excels in providing a quieter and more controlled typing experience with its muted and low-pitched sound, coupled with a polished and refined key travel. On the other hand, the Kiki Red delivers a more pronounced and clacky sound, along with a creamy and frictionless feel that prioritizes smooth and effortless key presses. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to individual preference for sound and feel, with both options offering high-quality performance for enthusiasts seeking different tactile experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Durock Dolphin linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the environment in which you'll be using the keyboard. If you are looking for a silent switch with medium-heavy actuation force and a muted, low-pitched sound, the Durock Dolphin may be the ideal choice for office settings or workspaces where noise levels are a concern. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a light bottom-out force, a subtle clacky sound, and a smooth, creamy typing experience, the Bsun Kiki Red could be the perfect fit for enthusiasts who appreciate finesse in performance and auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound profile, and the overall typing experience you desire.
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