Bsun Kiki Red vs. Durock Light Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Light Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch with the Durock Light Tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique features catering to different preferences. The Kiki Red stands out for its finely-tuned typing experience, combining a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance with a smooth actuation due to its all-POM housing and Ly stems. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch from Durock is known for its gentle tactility, offering a more subtle tactile feedback compared to other switches on the market. While the Kiki Red provides enthusiasts with a balance of auditory feedback and smooth performance, the Light Tactile switch offers a softer, more refined typing experience. 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
52g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Light Tactile both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Light Tactile's polycarbonate top housing provides a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can significantly impact the typing experience, with the Kiki Red offering a more subdued and softer typing sound compared to the Light Tactile's more clear and resonant sound. However, both switches offer their own distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Kiki Red utilizes POM, which again contributes to a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The choice between POM and nylon for the bottom housing can affect the overall typing experience, with POM providing a softer sound and nylon offering a rounder and duller sound. These differences in bottom housing materials further highlight the unique characteristics of each switch and showcase how material selection can influence the typing feel and sound.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Kiki Red and Durock Light Tactile offer distinct sound profiles, the impact of each housing material can be felt differently during typing. The bottom housing material has more of an influence on the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing material affects the sound when releasing a key. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a satisfying typing experience with their unique housing materials, catering to a variety of preferences in terms of sound and feel. Whether opting for the deeper and muted sound of POM in the Kiki Red or the crisper sound of polycarbonate in the Light Tactile, users can expect a premium typing experience with either switch.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is lighter than the Durock Light Tactile switch in terms of both actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Light Tactile has an actuation force of 52 grams and a bottom out force of 67 grams. The Kiki Red provides a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer typing for extended periods or engaging in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Light Tactile offers a more substantial push feel, catering to users who prefer a heavier typing experience. Both switches provide different results due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, with the Kiki Red being the lighter option and the Light Tactile being the medium-heavy option.
Travel distance
Comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, we find that the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Light Tactile's 4 mm. The Kiki Red's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Light Tactile's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying tactile feedback. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have gained popularity recently for their quick actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the desired 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 Durock Light Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Tactile for $4.25.
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 Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is described as crisp and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback for typists. On the other hand, the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch provides a neutral sound profile with a jelly-like signature that is gentle and pleasing to the ears. Depending on personal preference, one may prefer the sharpness of the Kiki Red or the soothing nature of the Light Tactile.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, and polished feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. The switch provides a silky sensation that enhances typing comfort and reduces finger fatigue. In contrast, the Durock Light Tactile switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience with a refined finish that minimizes friction. Both switches offer a pleasant tactile feedback, with the Kiki Red being more creamy and snappy, while the Light Tactile is more approachable and polished.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch offer unique sound and feel characteristics that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts. The Kiki Red provides a clacky sound and a creamy, snappy feel, ideal for those who enjoy a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch offers a neutral sound and a mild, polished feel, suitable for users looking for a gentler typing experience. Both switches excel in their own right, delivering quality performance and satisfying feedback to users, making them worthy contenders in the mechanical keyboard switch market. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Light Tactile tactile switch, you should choose the Kiki Red if you value a light and smooth typing experience with a subtly high-pitched sound profile. These switches are ideal for those who appreciate a quieter typing environment while still enjoying a tactile response. On the other hand, the Light Tactile switch is perfect for individuals looking for a gentle tactility and a more moderate typing experience with a neutral sound profile. If you prefer a smoother typing feel with a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Light Tactile switch would be the better choice for you. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing feel, sound, and actuation force.
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