Gateron Ink Red vs. Bsun Kiki Red

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique features to cater to different preferences. The Gateron Ink Red is a linear switch known for its lower actuation force, making it ideal for those with a lighter typing style. This switch provides a smooth and crisp typing experience, with a satisfyingly clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red also offers a linear typing experience but with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, without being overly loud. The use of POM housings and ly stems in the Kiki Reds contributes to their unique sound signature and exceptional smoothness during actuation. While the Ink Red is categorized as neutral, silky, chirpy, mild, and polished, the Kiki Red is categorized as clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy to press. When deciding between the two, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can determine the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Gateron Ink Red Linear

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique housing materials that contribute to their respective sound profiles. The Gateron Ink Red features a proprietary INK blend top housing that produces a pointed and high-pitched sound, resulting in a satisfying clacky feel. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing that creates a deeper and more muted sound. While both switches offer different sound profiles, the INK blend top housing of the Ink Red and the POM top housing of the Kiki Red each provide a distinct typing experience.

Moving on to the bottom housing materials, the Gateron Ink Red boasts a proprietary INK blend bottom housing that mirrors the characteristics of its top housing. The pointed and high-pitched sound profile of the INK blend contributes to the overall clacky feel of the switch. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red features a POM bottom housing that offers a deeper and more muted sound profile. The bottom housing of the switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience.

While the housing materials of the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Kiki Red differ in terms of sound profile, they both aim to provide a satisfying typing experience for users. The Ink blend and POM materials utilized in these switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. Whether you prefer a sharper, clacky sound or a deeper, muted sound, both switches offer distinct qualities that can enhance your typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Ink Red and the Bsun Kiki Red will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and feel.

Weight

The Gateron Ink Red 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, making the Bsun Kiki Red the lighter option. In terms of bottom out force, the Ink Red requires 60 grams of force, while the Kiki Red only needs 50 grams, again making the Kiki Red the lighter option. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods may lean towards the Bsun Kiki Red, while users who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may find the Gateron Ink Red more to their liking. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, so regardless of choice, users can expect similar results in that aspect. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference regarding actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The Gateron Ink Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Ink Red. A 0.4 mm difference may not seem significant, but it could impact the overall feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers, in particular, may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red for quicker response times during gaming sessions. On the other hand, those who prefer a more traditional and deeper keypress may opt for the Ink Red with its slightly longer travel distance. Both switches offer a smooth linear feel, but the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red may provide a slight advantage in terms of speed and agility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.

Price comparison

Typing experience

In terms of sound, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is often described as having a neutral sound profile with a hint of chirpiness, making them suitable for a wide range of users. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that stands out. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Ink Reds being more versatile and the Kiki Reds offering a distinct clacky experience.

When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch is praised for its silky and mild typing experience, coupled with a polished finish that enhances smoothness and minimizes resistance. In contrast, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is admired for its creamy and frictionless feel, providing a buttery typing sensation with minimal friction and effortless key presses. Both switches offer a premium typing experience, with the Ink Reds focusing on a balanced smoothness and the Kiki Reds emphasizing buttery smoothness and ease of typing.

In conclusion, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch each offer a unique combination of sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. While the Ink Reds provide a versatile and satisfying typing experience with a neutral sound profile and smooth feel, the Kiki Reds excel in offering a distinctive clacky sound and a creamy, frictionless typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches are excellent choices that guarantee a premium mechanical keyboard experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two will come down to personal preference in terms of sound and tactile feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, if you are looking for a smoother typing experience with a slightly lighter actuation force, the Gateron Ink Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. The crisp and clacky sound profile, along with the medium weighting, makes it a satisfying option for those who prefer a lighter touch. On the other hand, if you appreciate a finely-tuned and clacky typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch might be the better fit for you. The all-POM housing and Ly stems contribute to a unique sound signature, while the medium-light weighting adds to the overall tactile experience. Ultimately, both switches offer their own advantages, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.

Mentioned in this article

Gateron Ink Red Linear

$7.50

$7.35 per 10

Learn more

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more