PH Studio Jacaranda vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the PH Studio Jacaranda and the Bsun Kiki Red both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Jacaranda, a linear switch, stands out for its gentle bottom-out of 43.5g and clacky sound signature, making typing a crisp and audible experience. On the other hand, the Kiki Red, also a linear switch, provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky feel without being excessively loud. While the Jacaranda offers a bouncy sensation with its extended 22mm spring, the Kiki Red boasts all-POM housings and a smooth actuation thanks to Ly in the stems. 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
39g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
45g
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
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
Single stage lengthened 22mm spring
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The PH Studio Jacaranda features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound profile, while the Bsun Kiki Red has a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. Both materials offer unique sound profiles, with polycarbonate providing a clearer and resonant sound, and POM offering a pleasing and distinctive tone. However, the differences in sound between the two materials can greatly affect the overall typing experience for users.
In terms of bottom housing, the Jacaranda boasts a nylon material that creates 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, resulting in a similarly deep and muted sound profile. While both materials offer a deep sound, the nylon bottom housing of the Jacaranda may absorb more sound than the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red, leading to a potentially rounder and duller tone overall.
In considering the overall typing experience, the differences in housing materials between the two switches can significantly impact the sound and feel of each keystroke. The split of qualities between the top and bottom housing materials means that the bottom-out sound and feel will be influenced by the bottom housing, while the sound when releasing a key will be more affected by the top housing. Users may prefer the sharper and clearer sound of the polycarbonate top housing of the Jacaranda, or the deeper and more muted sound of the POM top and bottom housing of the Kiki Red, depending on their personal preferences for sound profiles.
Weight
Comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch reveals some differences. The Jacaranda has a lighter actuation force of 39 grams compared to the Kiki Red's 42 grams, making it easier to trigger keystrokes. Similarly, the Jacaranda has a lighter bottom out force of 45 grams while the Kiki Red has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that the Jacaranda offers a gentler typing experience overall. Both switches can provide a comfortable typing experience, but those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Jacaranda, while those who prefer a slightly heavier feel may opt for the Kiki Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
The PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 3.6 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. The slight difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be immediately noticeable to the average user, but for those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Bsun Kiki Red may provide a bit more satisfying typing experience. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, catering to those who value quick key actuation.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The PH Studio Jacaranda has an MSRP of $3.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Jacaranda for $3.30.
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 PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive feedback with each press. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch also offers a clacky sound, but with a high-pitched nuance that strikes a balance between audible feedback and comfort. Both switches provide a satisfying sound experience, with the Jacaranda leaning towards a crisper tone and the Kiki Red offering a slightly higher pitch without being overly loud.
In terms of feel, the Jacaranda switch is described as silky, offering an exceptionally smooth typing experience that minimizes resistance during key presses and releases. On the contrary, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is known for its creamy tactile feel, providing a buttery sensation while typing. Both switches excel in providing a smooth and polished typing experience, with the Jacaranda focusing on silky smoothness and the Kiki Red emphasizing a creamy texture that enhances the overall typing comfort.
In conclusion, both the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Jacaranda excels in providing a clacky sound with a bouncy typing experience, coupled with a silky smooth feel for effortless typing. Meanwhile, the Kiki Red stands out with its high-pitched clacky sound and creamy tactile feedback, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Ultimately, both switches deliver a satisfying typing experience, catering to different preferences in sound and feel while ensuring a high level of performance and comfort for keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the PH Studio Jacaranda linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a bouncier typing experience with a crisp, clacky sound, the Jacaranda may be the ideal choice for you. Its light bottom-out force of 45 grams and extended 22mm spring create a unique and fatigue-free typing sensation. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky sound, the Kiki Red could be the perfect fit. With its POM housings, Ly stems, and medium-light weighting, these switches offer a smooth and subtle auditory feedback. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a bouncy and clacky feel like the Jacaranda or a smooth and creamy experience like the Kiki Red. Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing preferences for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
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