TTC Gold Brown vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Kiki Red offer unique qualities to consider. The Gold Brown switches are known for their balanced nature, providing a slight bump and moderate weightiness that culminate in a softer sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiki Reds stand out for their finely-tuned typing experience, featuring a high-pitched, clacky nuance with all-POM housings and smooth actuation. While the Gold Browns offer a buttery and accented feel, the Kiki Reds provide a creamy and snappy 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
55g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
63g
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
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile compared to the POM top housing of the Bsun Kiki Red, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. The polycarbonate top housing is also known for its translucency, making it ideal for switches that plan to use RGB lighting. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red provides a unique sound experience that leans towards the deeper side. Despite these differences, both materials offer their own distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in sound profile.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the TTC Gold Brown features a nylon bottom housing that results in a deeper and fuller sound profile due to the softer nature of nylon. Conversely, the POM bottom housing of the Bsun Kiki Red also contributes to a deeper sound profile with a relatively more muted tone. Both housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound produced by the switches, with nylon providing a duller and rounder sound compared to the POM housing. Despite the difference in materials, both switches aim to offer a pleasing and unique sound experience to users.
In conclusion, the choice of housing materials in switches such as the TTC Gold Brown and the Bsun Kiki Red greatly influences the sound profile and overall typing experience. While the Gold Brown's polycarbonate top housing and nylon bottom housing create a sharper and deeper sound respectively, the Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housings offer a more muted and unique sound. Whether you prefer a sharper, crisper sound or a deeper, more muted tone, both switches provide distinct qualities that cater to various typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these housing materials comes down to personal preference and the type of sound profile you are seeking in a switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that the Gold Brown is heavier with an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, while the Kiki Red is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. The Gold Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with its medium forces, making it suitable for users who prefer a stronger push feel. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's lighter forces make it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their actuation and bottom out forces, allowing users to choose based on their personal preferences for typing experience.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Brown tactile 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 slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Gold Brown. The 4.0mm on the Gold Brown is considered more traditional, providing a deeper key press feeling, while the 3.6mm on the Kiki Red is shallower and may be preferred by gamers for its faster response times. Both options offer a different tactile experience, so it ultimately depends on personal preference. If you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker responses, the Kiki Red may be the better choice. However, if you enjoy a deeper pressing sensation, the Gold Brown would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Brown for $3.28.
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, the Gold Brown and Kiki Red switches offer distinct auditory experiences. The Gold Brown is characterized by a softer, rounded sound profile that falls into the neutral category, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch produces a clacky, high-pitched sound that adds a touch of sharpness and brightness to the typing experience. Both switches offer different sound qualities that can be further shaped by the choice of keyboard and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Gold Brown switch provides a balanced and mild tactile experience with a slight bump and moderate weightiness. Additionally, its smooth keystroke is often described as buttery, accented, and polished, offering a comfortable and approachable typing sensation. In contrast, the Kiki Red switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience with medium-light weighting, resulting in a smooth and effortless key travel. The Kiki Red switch also introduces a snappy and easy-to-press feel, enhancing responsiveness and reducing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions.
Overall, the TTC Gold Brown and Bsun Kiki Red switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. While the Gold Brown offers a balanced and gentle typing experience with a neutral sound profile, the Kiki Red provides a more distinct and clacky sound with a creamy and frictionless feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound sharpness and tactile smoothness, users can choose between these two switches to enhance their typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that can be tailored to individual preferences through the selection of accompanying keyboard components.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the TTC Gold Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you prefer a balanced switch with a moderate actuation force and a softer sound profile, the Gold Brown would be a good choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a lighter actuation force and a high-pitched, clacky sound profile, the Kiki Red may be more to your liking. Consider the feel and sound descriptions provided for each switch to choose the one that aligns best with your typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so experiment and see which one suits you best.
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