Gateron Ink Black V2 vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Ink Black V2 is a classic linear switch known for its smooth downstroke and rich clack, categorized as 'Low-pitched', 'Bassy', 'Chirpy', 'Mild', and 'Polished'. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, boasting all-POM housings and Ly stems for exceptional smoothness during actuation. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press', the Kiki Reds are preferred by enthusiasts seeking subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in 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
60g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
70g
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
Proprietary INK blend
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Color coated
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Kiki Red switches showcase distinct characteristics that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The INK blend top housing of the Ink Black V2 creates a clacky and high-pitched sound, whereas the POM top housing of the Kiki Red produces a deeper and more muted sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience for users, with the Ink Black V2 offering a sharper sound and the Kiki Red providing a more subdued sound.
Similarly, the bottom housings of the two switches play a crucial role in determining the overall sound and feel of the keystrokes. The INK blend bottom housing of the Ink Black V2 complements its top housing, contributing to a thin and higher-pitched sound profile that is described as clacky. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red enhances its deeper and more muted sound, further enhancing the typing experience. These differences in housing materials highlight the attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into designing mechanical switches for optimal performance.
Overall, the choice between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and the Bsun Kiki Red ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and feel. While both switches offer unique characteristics in their housing materials, such as the clacky sound of the Ink Black V2 and the muted sound of the Kiki Red, users can expect a high-quality typing experience with either option. Whether you prefer a sharper and higher-pitched sound or a deeper and more muted sound, both switches deliver exceptional performance thanks to their carefully engineered housing materials.
Weight
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch has a higher actuation force of 60 grams and bottom out force of 70 grams, making it a medium-heavy switch. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, categorizing it as a lighter switch. The difference in force between the two switches means that the Ink Black V2 will provide a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, while the Kiki Red will offer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the heavier force of the Ink Black V2 appealing to those who prefer a more solid typing experience, while the lighter force of the Kiki Red is suitable for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out force in a keyboard switch.
Travel distance
The Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch both offer a smooth linear experience, but they differ in travel distance. The Ink Black V2 has a travel distance of 4 mm, which is longer compared to the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm travel distance. In terms of typing experience, the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red may appeal to gamers looking for quicker response times, while the longer travel distance of the Ink Black V2 may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and response speed.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Ink Black V2 has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ink Black V2 for $7.24.
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 Gateron Ink Black V2 offers a low-pitched and bassy tone, providing a deep and rich sound profile during key presses. Additionally, these switches have a chirpy characteristic that sets them apart with a unique acoustic signature. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. Depending on other factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used, the sound of the switches can vary.
Moving on to the feel, the Gateron Ink Black V2 switch offers a mild and polished typing experience, with a more gentle typing sensation compared to other switches. The polished finish of these switches results in smooth and refined key travel, reducing friction and providing a sleek typing experience. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience. These switches are frictionless, providing an extremely smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. Additionally, the Kiki Red switches are easy-to-press, requiring minimal force to activate and promoting a comfortable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Bsun Kiki Red switches differ in their sound and feel characteristics, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Ink Black V2 provides a low-pitched and bassy sound with a mild and polished typing experience, while the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a clacky sound profile with a creamy and frictionless typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a medium-heavy switch with a smooth downstroke and rich clack sound, the Gateron Ink Black V2 linear switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter switch with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and a finely-tuned typing experience, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch could be a better fit. Consider your preference for bottom out force, sound profile (low-pitched vs. clacky), and typing feel (mild and polished vs. creamy and frictionless) when deciding between these two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the Gateron Ink Black V2 and Bsun Kiki Red will come down to your personal preferences in typing experience and sound signature.
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