Bsun Kiki Red vs. Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro are both exceptional mechanical keyboard switches, each offering unique features and benefits for different types of typists. The Kiki Red is a linear switch known for its finely-tuned typing experience, with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not excessively loud. The use of all-POM housings and Ly stems contribute to a smooth actuation and medium-light weighting, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro is a tactile switch that offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a satisfying tactile bump, providing a delightful typing experience for keyboard enthusiasts. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, making them appealing choices for different preferences. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
20mm
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switches. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro utilizes a polycarbonate top housing to produce a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to POM, with the latter offering a softer and more resonant sound. In terms of aesthetics, the translucent nature of polycarbonate lends itself well to switches with RGB lighting, providing a visually appealing option for users.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Kiki Red boasts a POM bottom housing that complements its POM top housing to create a consistent sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Lavender Purple Pro features a nylon bottom housing, which contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon's softer plastic properties allow it to absorb more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer POM material. The choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound preference and typing experience.
While the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro differ in their top and bottom housing compositions, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to individual preferences. The impact of the housing materials on the overall typing experience is split between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Whether you prefer the depth and muted tone of POM or the sharpness and clarity of polycarbonate, both switches provide distinct options for users seeking a tailored typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams. Both switches provide a different typing experience due to the difference in actuation and bottom out forces. The lighter actuation force of the Kiki Red may be preferable for those who type or game for extended periods and prefer a smoother keystroke, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the V3 Lavender Purple Pro may appeal to those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience with a more defined push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for actuation force and bottom out force in their mechanical keyboard.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. This means that the V3 Lavender Purple Pro has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. The difference in travel distance is minimal, so in practice, you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and responsiveness between the two switches. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for the specific feel of the switch's travel distance.
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 Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro has an MSRP of $3.11 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Lavender Purple Pro for $2.20.
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 Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky nature, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound profile offers a crisp and percussive typing experience. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch has a higher-pitched sound profile that contributes to a delightful typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a high-pitched, clacky nuance and the V3 Lavender Purple Pro providing a satisfying tactile bump.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These qualities contribute to a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and a responsive feel. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch is described as accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished. These features provide a medium level of tactility with a lively feel and smooth key travel. Both switches offer a unique tactile experience, with the Kiki Red focusing on smoothness and responsiveness, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a balance of tactility and smoothness.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences in sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a clacky sound and a smooth, easy-to-press typing experience, while the V3 Lavender Purple Pro offers a higher-pitched sound profile and a bouncy, accented tactile feel. Depending on your preference for sound and tactile feedback, either switch can provide a satisfying typing experience with their respective characteristics.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Lavender Purple Pro tactile switch, you should choose the Kiki Red if you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, all while maintaining a subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. The Kiki Red's smooth actuation and medium-light weighting make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who appreciate a unique sound signature and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press feel. On the other hand, you should opt for the V3 Lavender Purple Pro if you prefer a higher-pitched sound profile with a satisfying tactile bump. The Lavender Purple Pro offers an accented, bouncy, snappy, and polished feel, providing a lively typing experience with prominent tactility. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience when selecting between these two switches.
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