Bsun Kiki Red vs. Zuoce Lavender
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Zuoce Lavender switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the Zuoce Lavender mechanical keyboard switches, both linear switches offer unique features catered to different preferences. The Kiki Reds are praised for their finely-tuned typing experience, offering a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance without being overly loud. The use of all-POM housings and Ly in the stems contribute to a smooth actuation, with medium-light weighting for a subtle tactile experience. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is known for its exceptional smoothness right out of the box, thanks to its proprietary Ly blend. Expect a crisp and clacky sound signature with each keystroke. The Lavender switch falls under the category of being easy-to-press and clacky, while the Kiki Reds are described as clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. 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
42g
Actuation force
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Z1 (Ly blend)
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
21mm double-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Zuoce Lavender, both made of POM material, give off a pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards deeper tones and muted sounds. This similarity in housing material results in a consistent sound experience for users of both switches. The POM top housings of both switches contribute to the overall sound profile, providing a consistent deep and muted tone when typing or gaming.
Despite the shared POM material in the housing, the Bsun Kiki Red and Zuoce Lavender switches have different bottom housings that impact the switch's overall feel. The Bsun Kiki Red's POM bottom housing may have a distinct feel when bottoming out keys, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the switch's tactile feedback. In contrast, the Zuoce Lavender's POM bottom housing could provide a different tactile experience, potentially affecting typing or gaming in a unique way.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Zuoce Lavender switches are the same, the differences in their bottom housings may lead to variations in tactile feedback and sound profile. The Bsun Kiki Red's bottom housing might emphasize a specific feel when typing, while the Zuoce Lavender's bottom housing could offer a contrasting tactile experience. Despite these differences, both switches share the quality of the POM material in their top housings, ensuring a consistent sound profile with deep and muted tones for users.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Kiki Red requires 50 grams to bottom out, while the Lavender switch needs 53 grams, again making the Lavender slightly heavier. Both switches fall within the category of lighter to medium-light forces, making them ideal for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience. However, for those who enjoy a bit more resistance and a more substantial typing feel, the Lavender switch may be the better choice. Ultimately, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users the option to choose based on their preference for a lighter or slightly heavier typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Zuoce Lavender linear switch has a shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Kiki Red being slightly longer. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Lavender switch, while those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes may opt for the Kiki Red. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference and typing style. In general, both switches offer similar results due to their relatively close travel distances.
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 Zuoce Lavender has an MSRP of $2.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lavender for $1.99.
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, both the Bsun Kiki Red and Zuoce Lavender switches are described as having a clacky sound signature, producing sharp and snappy sounds when pressed. This indicates that both switches offer a similar auditory feedback that is crisp, bright, and percussive. However, it is important to note that the overall sound of a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red is known for providing a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience. These descriptors indicate that the Kiki Red switch offers a smooth and effortless key press with minimal resistance, resulting in a refined and comfortable typing feel. On the other hand, the Zuoce Lavender switch is described as easy-to-press, offering gentle resistance during key presses and requiring minimal force to activate. While the Lavender switch focuses more on ease of use and low-impact typing, the Kiki Red provides a variety of tactile sensations that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red and Zuoce Lavender switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While they both have a clacky sound profile, the Kiki Red provides a more diverse tactile experience with its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy feel options. On the other hand, the Lavender switch emphasizes ease of use and minimal force for comfortable typing. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing sensation, users can choose between the nuanced feedback of the Kiki Red or the effortless typing experience of the Lavender.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Zuoce Lavender linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you prioritize a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, along with medium-light weighting for subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, then the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value exceptional smoothness right out of the box, a crisp and clacky sound signature, and an easy-to-press typing feel, then the Lavender switch could be more suited to your preferences. Consider the nuances in sound, feel, and performance to make the decision that best aligns with your typing style and preferences. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different typing preferences, so choose based on what will enhance your typing experience the most.
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