Gateron Jupiter Red vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Gateron Jupiter Red and Bsun Kiki Red both stand out for their unique features and characteristics. The Jupiter Red offers a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation, making it a top choice for those who value a seamless keystroke. On the other hand, the Kiki Red provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. The all-POM housing and Ly stems of the Kiki Red contribute to its unique sound signature and smooth actuation, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback. While both switches have their strengths, delving deeper into their specific attributes will help in determining the best fit for individual preferences and typing styles.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
In comparing the housing materials of the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Kiki Red, we can see that both switches have unique characteristics based on their respective housing materials. The Jupiter Red features a polycarbonate top housing, which offers a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile that is accentuated by the stiffer nature of the plastic. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a deeper and more muted sound profile. While both materials offer distinct sound profiles, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference for either a sharper or deeper sound.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Jupiter Red utilizes a nylon material which provides a deeper and fuller sound profile due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. Similarly, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also contributes to a deeper and muted sound profile. Both switches offer a rounded and dull sound due to the characteristics of the housing material used for the bottom portion. Despite the slight differences in the materials used for the top and bottom housing, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
Ultimately, the choice between the Gateron Jupiter Red and Bsun Kiki Red will come down to personal preference in sound profile. The differences in housing materials between the two switches result in varying sound characteristics, with the Jupiter Red offering a sharper, more resonant sound, while the Kiki Red provides a deeper and more muted sound. Whether you prefer a crisper sound with a polycarbonate top housing or a deeper sound with a POM top housing, both switches are designed to enhance the overall typing experience with their distinct housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, there is a noticeable difference in the actuation and bottom out forces. The Jupiter Red has a slightly higher actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, making it a medium-weight switch. In comparison, the Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This makes the Kiki Red a lighter switch overall. The actuation force is crucial for triggering a keystroke, while the bottom out force measures how much pressure is needed to fully press the key. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer periods of typing or gaming, the Kiki Red would be the ideal choice. Conversely, those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Jupiter Red for a heavier typing experience. Both switches offer a unique typing feel, so choosing between them ultimately depends on personal preference.
Travel distance
The Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. The Jupiter Red offers a more traditional travel distance, while the Kiki Red is on the shallower side. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Kiki Red with its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a deeper key press may find the Jupiter Red more satisfying. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and how they impact typing or gaming experience.
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 Red 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
When it comes to sound, the Gateron Jupiter Red switch offers a neutral auditory experience, suitable for various settings and users, while the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a clacky sound profile, delivering a sharp and percussive typing experience. The difference in sound between these two switches caters to different preferences, with the Jupiter Red being more versatile and the Kiki Red offering a distinct and lively sound for enthusiasts. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's build and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, both the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Kiki Red switches deliver a smooth and refined typing experience. The Jupiter Red switch is described as polished, creamy, silky, and mild, providing a sleek and gentle typing feel that minimizes friction and offers a comfortable keypress. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch is also described as creamy, silky, frictionless, polished, snappy, and easy-to-press, emphasizing a smooth and effortless typing experience with responsive key presses. These similarities in feel suggest that users can expect comparable tactile feedback and overall typing comfort from both switches.
In conclusion, the Gateron Jupiter Red and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switches offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel, catering to different preferences within the mechanical keyboard community. While the Jupiter Red switch provides a more neutral sound profile and a polished typing experience, the Kiki Red switch offers a clacky sound and a creamy, silky feel with minimal friction. Both switches excel in delivering a smooth and refined typing experience, ensuring users can enjoy a high-quality performance regardless of their choice. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound and feel, allowing users to customize their typing experience to suit their unique preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To wrap up, if you are looking for a smooth and consistent typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Gateron Jupiter Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a lighter actuation force and a balanced, clacky nuance, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would suit you best. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a seamless typing experience with medium weight or a nuanced, clacky sound with a lighter touch. Both switches offer unique features that cater to different preferences, so consider your typing style and preferences carefully before making your selection.