Dareu Holly vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Dareu Holly and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Dareu Holly and the Bsun Kiki Red offer distinct typing experiences for users to choose from. The Holly switch is a tactile option that stands out with its medium 50g actuation force and unique sound signature combining chirpy and clacky elements. On the other hand, the Kiki Red is a linear switch known for its finely-tuned typing experience, providing a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. While the Holly switch caters to users seeking a balanced and distinctive typing experience, the Kiki Red appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and smooth 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
50g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
Partial box
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
Stainless steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
In terms of housing materials, the Dareu Holly and Bsun Kiki Red feature different materials for their top housings. The Holly utilizes polycarbonate, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiki Red uses POM for its top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. While both materials are known for their unique sound qualities, polycarbonate leans towards a clearer and more resonant sound, while POM offers a deeper and fuller sound.
On the flip side, when it comes to the bottom housing material, both the Dareu Holly and the Bsun Kiki Red feature similar nylon and POM materials, respectively. Nylon is known for creating a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature, absorbing more sound and creating a duller, rounder sound. In comparison, POM bottom housing in the Kiki Red also produces a deeper sound profile that is relatively more muted. Both materials contribute to the overall typing experience by impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch.
Overall, the choice of housing materials between the Dareu Holly and Bsun Kiki Red plays a significant role in shaping the sound profile of each switch. While the top housings differ in material - with polycarbonate for the Holly and POM for the Kiki Red - the bottom housings share similar qualities with nylon and POM, respectively. This means that users can expect a crisper and resonant sound from the Holly's top housing, while the Kiki Red offers a deeper and more muted sound. However, both switches feature bottom housings that contribute to a fuller sound experience, showcasing the importance of housing materials in creating a unique typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Holly requires a slightly higher actuation force of 50 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams. However, the Holly's bottom out force is unknown, while the Kiki Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter in comparison. This difference in weight is significant as it can impact the typing experience for users. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Kiki Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a stronger push may opt for the Holly for a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the actuation force and bottom out force play a crucial role in determining the typing experience with these switches.
Travel distance
The Dareu Holly tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Holly has a slightly longer travel distance, providing a bit more depth when pressing down on the key compared to the Kiki Red. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red, while those who enjoy a more significant tactile feel may lean towards the Holly. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, so users can expect similar results in terms of key feel and performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Dareu Holly has an MSRP of $6.59 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Holly for $3.76.
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 Dareu Holly tactile switch is known for its unique combination of chirpy and clacky elements, providing a balanced and distinct typing experience. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud, delivering a finely-tuned typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences in sound, with the Holly offering a more unique and characterful sound profile compared to the subtle yet satisfying sound of the Kiki Red.
Moving on to feel, the Dareu Holly switch's tactile feel is not explicitly described in the provided information. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is lauded for its smooth and buttery typing experience, attributed to its creamy feel. The Kiki Red switch gives users a frictionless and polished typing sensation, making each keystroke effortless and silky smooth. This contrasts with the unknown tactile feel of the Holly switch, indicating a potential difference in the typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer distinct sound and feel qualities to cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a unique chirpy and clacky sound profile with a balanced typing experience or a high-pitched, clacky nuance with a smooth and buttery feel, both switches have something to offer. Depending on your personal preferences for sound and feel, you can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, ensuring that you will get similar results in terms of performance and overall typing enjoyment.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Dareu Holly tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the following factors. If you are looking for a unique sound signature with a combination of chirpy and clacky elements, as well as a medium 50g actuation force, the Dareu Holly switch would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, a medium-light weighting, and smooth actuation, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be a better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound profile, actuation force, and typing feel to ensure a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.
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