Gateron Jupiter Brown vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Bsun Kiki Red offer unique experiences for users. The Jupiter Browns are tactile switches that provide a classic keystroke feel with a medium-heavy weight, perfect for those who appreciate traditional tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Kiki Reds are linear switches that offer a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. While the Jupiter Browns are known for their mild and polished feel, the Kiki Reds boast a creamy and smooth actuation. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Jupiter Browns being ideal for those who value reliability and aesthetic appeal, and the Kiki Reds appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate a subtler 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
55g
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
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Spring steel
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
Both the Gateron Jupiter Brown and the Bsun Kiki Red switches feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Jupiter Brown utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is especially well-suited for RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the Kiki Red features a POM top housing that produces a deeper and more muted sound. While the two switches differ in the top housing material, they both offer a unique and pleasing sound experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Jupiter Brown includes a nylon housing that elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic composition. On the other hand, the Kiki Red also utilizes a POM bottom housing that contributes to the switch's deep and relatively muted sound profile. Despite the differences in material, both switches offer a similar sound experience with their bottom housings, creating a consistent typing experience for users.
When comparing the overall sound profile of the two switches, the Gateron Jupiter Brown's combination of polycarbonate and nylon housing materials creates a clear and resonant sound, while the Bsun Kiki Red's POM housing materials deliver a deeper and more muted sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound profile and typing experience. However, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch has a higher actuation force of 55 grams compared to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch which has an actuation force of 42 grams, making the Kiki Red the lighter of the two. In terms of bottom out force, the Jupiter Brown requires 70 grams to bottom out while the Kiki Red only needs 50 grams, indicating that the Jupiter Brown is also heavier in this aspect. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Jupiter Brown, while those who prefer a lighter touch may find the Kiki Red more suitable. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users should consider their preferences when selecting a switch for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile 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 the shorter travel distance compared to the Jupiter Brown. The shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Jupiter Brown may provide a more satisfying typing experience for those who prefer a deeper key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in determining which one is the better fit for individual needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
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.
The Gateron Jupiter Brown comes in at $2.80 per 10 switches.
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 Jupiter Brown tactile switch is known for its quiet and subtly satisfying typing experience, with a muffled thock sound on actuation. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a high-pitched and clacky sound that is crisp and bright, providing a distinct auditory feedback during typing sessions. The sound produced by these switches can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard build and keycap material used.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Jupiter Brown switch provides a mild and polished typing experience, offering a comfortable middle-ground feel that is approachable to most users. The switch features a single-stage spring and a tactile bump that is smooth and refined, leading to a sleek and pleasant typing experience. In comparison, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy and frictionless feel, with a silky smooth sensation that enhances the overall typing experience. The switch's all-POM housing and Ly stems contribute to a buttery keystroke that minimizes resistance and provides a fluid key travel.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Jupiter Brown and Bsun Kiki Red switches offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, both switches are designed to cater to enthusiasts looking for a unique typing experience. The Jupiter Brown excels in providing a quiet and subtly tactile typing experience, while the Kiki Red stands out with its high-pitched and clacky sound combined with a creamy and frictionless feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Gateron Jupiter Brown tactile switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider your preference for key weight and sound profile. If you prefer a medium-heavy keystroke with a classic feel and enhanced backlight effects, the Jupiter Brown may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you lean towards a lighter keystroke with a high-pitched and clacky sound, along with a smooth typing experience, the Kiki Red could be the switch that suits your preferences best. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what characteristics you prioritize in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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