TTC Gold Silver vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the TTC Gold Silver and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the TTC Gold Silver and the Bsun Kiki Red mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Gold Silver stands out for its rapid responsiveness, providing a solid and decisive bottom-out with each keystroke. Its smooth journey from press to bottom-out, coupled with a resonant sound signature, offers a harmonious blend of speed and fluidity. On the other hand, the Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched and clacky nuance, thanks to its all-POM housing and Ly stems for smooth actuation. While the Gold Silver excels in speed and precision, the Kiki Red prioritizes subtlety in sound and finesse in performance. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.50 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
18mm spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The TTC Gold Silver and Bsun Kiki Red both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Gold Silver utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile compared to the deeper and more muted sound produced by the Kiki Red's POM top housing. In terms of aesthetics, the Gold Silver's polycarbonate housing is translucent and ideal for use with RGB lighting, while the Kiki Red's POM housing offers a pleasing and unique sound experience.
While the top housings of the Gold Silver and Kiki Red switches differ in material, both switches feature a bottom housing made of nylon. Nylon is known for creating a fuller and deeper sound profile, absorbing more sound than harder plastics. This results in a duller and rounder sound compared to the more muted sound produced by the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red switch. The split between the top and bottom housing materials influences the overall sound profile and feel of each switch.
Ultimately, the choice between the TTC Gold Silver and Bsun Kiki Red switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and feel. The Gold Silver's polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile, ideal for those looking for a more distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, appealing to those who prefer a softer typing experience. Both switches showcase the impact of housing materials on sound quality, offering users a range of options to suit their preferences.
Weight
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, which has an actuation force of 42 grams. However, the Gold Silver switch does not provide information on its bottom out force, while the Kiki Red switch has a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Kiki Red switch is lighter to press all the way down, providing a smoother typing experience for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, the Gold Silver switch may offer a more precise actuation due to its slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired amount of resistance in a switch.
Travel distance
The TTC Gold Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Gold Silver switch is slightly shorter than the Kiki Red switch, but the difference is minimal. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. For those who prefer a more responsive feel, either switch would provide similar results. However, if you prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, you may lean towards the Kiki Red switch with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific feel that you are looking for in a keyboard.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Gold Silver 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 Silver 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 Silver switch is best characterized by its thocky and low-pitched sound profile, providing a deep and rich auditory feedback that resonates with each key press. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a clacky sound, producing a sharp and snappy tone that adds a bright and percussive element to typing. Both switches provide unique sound experiences that cater to different preferences, with the Gold Silver offering a more neutral and bass-heavy tone, while the Kiki Red delivers a crisper and more pronounced auditory feedback.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the TTC Gold Silver switch is renowned for its polished and silky typing experience, offering a smooth and refined key press that minimizes friction and enhances overall typing fluidity. The mild and subtle characteristics of the Gold Silver switch make it a comfortable and approachable choice for most users. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing sensation, allowing for effortless key presses and a sense of gliding across the keys. The Kiki Red's snappy and easy-to-press qualities contribute to a responsive and smooth typing experience that emphasizes comfort and efficiency.
Overall, while the TTC Gold Silver and Bsun Kiki Red switches offer distinct sound and feel profiles, both switches excel in providing a premium typing experience. Whether you prefer the deep and resonant thocky sound of the Gold Silver switch or the sharp and snappy clackiness of the Kiki Red switch, you can expect a high level of performance and satisfaction with either choice. Ultimately, your decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel, as both switches deliver exceptional quality and performance in their own right.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the TTC Gold Silver linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the specific characteristics that matter most to you in a keyboard switch. If you prioritize rapid responsiveness, a smooth and fluid keystroke experience, and a resonant sound profile, the TTC Gold Silver may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched and clacky sound, all-POM housings for unique sound signature, and medium-light weighting for tactile feedback, the Bsun Kiki Red could be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal preferences in terms of typing feel, sound, and overall keyboard performance. Choose the switch that aligns best with your needs and preferences to enhance your typing experience.