Bsun Hutt vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Hutt and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Hutt and the Bsun Kiki Red are two popular options to choose from. The Hutt switch is a tactile switch known for its medium-heavy spring and pronounced tactile bump, providing a unique and satisfying typing experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red is a linear switch that offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. While the Hutt switch is characterized as 'Snappy', 'Invigorating', 'Sharp', 'Accented', 'Resonant', the Kiki Red switch is labeled as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', 'Easy-to-press'. Choosing between the two switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. 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
40g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
49g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 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
POK
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
20.5mm single-staged spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Hutt and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Hutt features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile. In contrast, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. Despite this difference, both materials offer their own advantages - polycarbonate providing a clear and resonant sound, while POM offers a unique and pleasing tone.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Hutt uses nylon which generates 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, leading to a similarly deep and muted sound. While both switches offer similar sound characteristics in their bottom housing material, the nylon in the Hutt may provide a slightly duller and rounder sound compared to the POM in the Kiki Red.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Hutt and the Bsun Kiki Red housing materials ultimately depends on personal preference. The polycarbonate and nylon combination in the Hutt provides a sharper and more resonant sound, while the POM materials in the Kiki Red offer a deeper and more muted tone. Both switches excel in different areas, with the top housing impacting the sound when pressing and releasing a key, and the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound. Whether you prefer a brighter sound with the Hutt or a deeper tone with the Kiki Red, both switches offer high-quality housing materials for a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, we can see that both switches have relatively light forces. The Hutt has an actuation force of 40 grams and a bottom out force of 49 grams, while the Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In terms of weight, both switches are on the lighter side, which may appeal to users who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time. However, those looking for a slightly stronger push feel may lean towards the Kiki Red with its slightly higher actuation and bottom out forces. Overall, both switches provide a comfortable typing experience with minimal resistance.
Travel distance
The Bsun Hutt tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those looking for quick response times. The Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a slightly more substantial feel when pressing the key compared to the Hutt. However, the difference of 0.1 mm is minimal, and in practical terms, users may not notice a significant distinction in the feel between the two switches. Ultimately, whether you choose the Hutt or Kiki Red will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Hutt has an MSRP of $6.20 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Hutt for $5.39.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, the Hutt switch is known for a resonant sound profile, providing a clean and sharp auditory experience, while the Kiki Red switch has a clacky nuance, producing a crisp and percussive sound with a comfortable high pitch. Both switches offer unique sound signatures. In terms of feel, the Hutt switch is described as providing a snappy, invigorating, sharp, and accented typing experience, with a prominent tactile bump and medium-heavy spring. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel, with a finely-tuned actuation force and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to provide enthusiasts with a distinct and enjoyable typing experience, catering to different preferences in auditory feedback and tactile response. Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Hutt tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing performance.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium-heavy spring, a prominent tactile bump, and a balanced sound profile, the Bsun Hutt switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky sound profile and a smooth actuation feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be the ideal option for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for typing experience, sound profile, and overall feel while considering the unique characteristics of each switch. Consider what type of typing sensation you enjoy most and choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences.
Mentioned in this article
