TTC Gold Red Pro vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, it's evident that both offer distinct advantages. The Gold Red Pro is praised for its versatility, providing a smooth and seamless typing experience with a neutral sound signature suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switches offer a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and a unique sound signature thanks to the all-POM housings. While the Gold Red Pro excels in adaptability, the Kiki Reds are favored for their tactile experience and smooth actuation. 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
43g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.80 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
NPI
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
18.5mm spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, creating a sharper and crisper sound, especially when paired with RGB lighting. In contrast, the Kiki Red uses POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a pleasing and unique sound experience, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a higher-pitched profile while the Kiki Red leans towards a deeper tone.
In terms of bottom housing, the Gold Red Pro employs nylon which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Kiki Red also utilizes POM for its bottom housing, contributing to its deeper and more muted sound quality. While both switches share the characteristic of offering a fuller sound experience, the difference lies in the specific tones produced by each material. Additionally, the use of different housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches results in a split impact, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Red Pro and the Bsun Kiki Red feature different housing materials for their top and bottom components, they both offer unique and pleasing sound profiles. The Gold Red Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharp and resonant sound, contrasting with the Kiki Red's POM top housing which produces a deeper and more muted tone. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the Gold Red Pro and the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red both contribute to a fuller sound experience, with slight variations in the specific sound produced. Ultimately, both switches offer a high-quality sound experience that can cater to different preferences in terms of pitch and tone.
Weight
In comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Gold Red Pro has a slightly higher actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiki Red is lighter at 50 grams while the Gold Red Pro's bottom out force is unknown. Weight is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a switch as it can impact typing comfort and performance. Some users may prefer the lighter actuation force of the Kiki Red for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may opt for the slightly heavier actuation force of the Gold Red Pro for a more substantial typing experience. Both switches have different characteristics in terms of actuation force and bottom out force, offering users a choice based on their personal preferences for typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
In comparing the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, the Gold Red 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 shorter travel distance range, the Gold Red Pro offers a slightly deeper press than the Kiki Red. This difference might be subtle, but can affect the typing or gaming experience depending on personal preference. Gamers looking for faster response times may lean towards the Kiki Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Gold Red Pro. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and key feel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Red Pro has an MSRP of $6.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Gold Red Pro for $2.90.
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 TTC Gold Red Pro offers a neutral and low-pitched sound profile, giving it a thocky feel with a balanced tone suitable for various environments. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch produces a clacky and high-pitched sound that adds a crisp and bright nuance to typing. Both switches offer distinct auditory characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Red Pro leaning towards a deeper and more mellow sound, while the Kiki Red provides a sharper and more percussive tone.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Gold Red Pro switch is praised for its polished, silky, and mild typing experience, offering a subtle resistance that is gentle yet approachable. The Bsun Kiki Red switch, on the other hand, boasts a creamy and frictionless feel, delivering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with minimal resistance. Both switches prioritize smoothness, with the Gold Red Pro focusing on refined key travel and reduced friction, while the Kiki Red emphasizes effortless keystrokes and fluid key travel.
Overall, the TTC Gold Red Pro and Bsun Kiki Red switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Gold Red Pro offers a versatile and balanced sound profile with a polished and subtle typing feel, making it suitable for a wide range of users and settings. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a more distinctive and clacky sound with a creamy and frictionless typing experience that caters to enthusiasts seeking a smooth and buttery feel. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel, with both options providing a satisfying typing experience tailored to different tastes.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Red Pro linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prioritize versatility and a neutral sound profile, along with a polished and silky typing feel, the Gold Red Pro might be the better choice for you. It offers a seamless typing experience suitable for various settings. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a clacky sound profile and a creamy or frictionless typing feel, the Kiki Reds from BSUN could be more to your liking. They excel in providing a smooth and buttery typing sensation while maintaining a distinct auditory feedback. Each switch has its own unique characteristics, so think about your preferences regarding sound and feel before making your decision. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on your personal typing preferences and the specific requirements of your typing environment.
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