Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The G Pro 3.0 Black stands out for its heftier feel, with a 60g actuation and 70g bottom-out force, making it ideal for those looking for a more substantial typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a finely-tuned and smooth typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance. While the G Pro 3.0 Black emphasizes a medium-heavy feel and medium-high pitch sound, the Kiki Red focuses on a more subtle and frictionless tactile experience. 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
No
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
22mm gold-plated spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and Bsun Kiki Red both feature POM housing material, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile described as deep and relatively muted. This material choice results in a more subdued typing experience compared to other housing materials like ABS or aluminum. However, the G Pro 3.0 Black's proprietary INK blend top housing offers a slightly higher-pitched sound profile that is characterized as clacky, providing a unique typing experience that sets it apart from the Kiki Red.
In terms of sound production, the bottom housing of both switches plays a crucial role in determining the overall sound when a key is pressed. The POM bottom housing of both the G Pro 3.0 Black and Kiki Red influences the deep and muted sound profile associated with these switches. This consistent bottom housing material ensures that the typing experience remains consistent across different keys and strokes. However, the top housing of the G Pro 3.0 Black provides a more pointed and high-pitched sound, adding a touch of uniqueness to the overall typing experience that is not present in the Kiki Red.
While both switches share the same POM housing material for consistency in sound profile and typing experience, the slight differences in the top housing material set the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black apart from the Bsun Kiki Red. The G Pro 3.0 Black's INK blend top housing produces a distinctive clacky sound that adds character to the overall typing experience. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, offering a more subdued typing experience without the higher-pitched elements of the G Pro 3.0 Black. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel during typing.
Weight
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch have notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The G Pro 3.0 Black boasts a medium-heavy actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. In contrast, the Kiki Red is noticeably lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions without causing fatigue. While both switches offer a smooth linear feel, the G Pro 3.0 Black is better suited for users who prefer a heavier push, while the Kiki Red is ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the G Pro 3.0 Black. The difference may not seem significant, but for some users, it can make a noticeable impact on typing or gaming performance. Those who prefer a faster response time may opt for the Kiki Red, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may lean towards the G Pro 3.0 Black. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and typing style.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black has an MSRP of $2.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the G Pro 3.0 Black for $2.77.
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, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Kiki Red switches are described as clacky, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. The G Pro 3.0 Black also has a subdued quality to its sound, offering a more subtle sound signature compared to most switches. However, note that the sound of the switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel, both switches offer a smooth and buttery typing experience. The G Pro 3.0 Black is described as creamy, silky, and subtle, providing a medium-heavy feel with a balanced touch. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red boasts a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel, providing enthusiasts with a medium-light weighting and exceptional smoothness during actuation. These qualities contribute to a nuanced tactile experience that emphasizes finesse and precision in performance.
In conclusion, both the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black and the Bsun Kiki Red switches offer high-quality sound and feel experiences. While the G Pro 3.0 Black leans towards a medium-heavy, creamy typing experience with a nuanced auditory feedback, the Bsun Kiki Red provides enthusiasts with a medium-light, silky typing feel characterized by its smoothness and responsiveness. Depending on personal preferences for typing experience and sound feedback, both switches can deliver satisfying results for newcomers looking to explore the world of mechanical keyboard switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Gateron G Pro 3.0 Black linear switch or the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prefer a medium-heavy feel with a balanced actuation and bottom-out force, along with a medium-high pitch sound and vibrant RGB lighting effects, the G Pro 3.0 Black is the way to go. On the other hand, if you appreciate a lighter touch, a clacky yet subtly nuanced sound, and a smooth, frictionless typing experience, then the Kiki Red might be the better choice for you. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your decision.
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