Bsun Kiki Red vs. KTT Lightning

Overview

When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Lightning mechanical keyboard switches, both of which are linear switches, some notable differences and similarities emerge. The Kiki Reds from BSUN are renowned for their finely-tuned typing experience, offering a balance of high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches provide a medium-light weighting for enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the KTT Lightnings are known for their speed, making them ideal for situations where milliseconds can make a significant difference. They offer a slick typing feel and a clacky sound profile. Ultimately, the decision of which switch to choose depends on personal preferences and specific use cases; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

KTT Lightning Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

$3.41 per 10

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Housing materials

The main difference between the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Lightning lies in their top housing materials. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively muted sound profile, while the Lightning uses a polycarbonate top housing to produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The choice between these two materials will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the POM housing offering a more subdued sound and the polycarbonate housing providing a more vibrant and clear sound.

On the other hand, both switches share a commonality in their bottom housing materials. The Kiki Red and the Lightning both utilize different materials for their bottom housings, with the Kiki Red featuring a POM bottom housing for a deeper sound profile and the Lightning using a nylon bottom housing for a fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile when typing on the Lightning switch, whereas the POM housing of the Kiki Red provides a deeper and more pleasing sound experience.

Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Lightning will heavily depend on the sound profile and feel that the user desires. While the top housing materials of POM and polycarbonate offer distinct sound characteristics, the bottom housings of POM and nylon contribute to the overall typing experience in different ways. Whether you prefer a deeper and muted sound profile from the Kiki Red or a sharper and crisper sound from the Lightning, both switches provide a unique and pleasing typing experience based on their housing materials.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, it is clear that both switches are relatively light in terms of force required. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lightning has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that both switches provide a light typing experience, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing or gaming. The slight difference in actuation force between the two switches may not be noticeable in practical use, so users can expect similar results in terms of key response. Overall, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with a light actuation force, making them ideal for long typing sessions or extended gaming sessions where fatigue could be a concern.

Travel distance

The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Lightning linear switch has a travel distance of 3 mm. In this case, the KTT Lightning has a shorter travel distance compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. The difference may not seem significant, but for those who prefer a quicker response time, the Lightning switch may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red may be preferred by those who enjoy a slightly deeper key press. Ultimately, both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, catering to the different preferences of users.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, both the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Lightning switches are described as "clacky," producing a sharp and snappy sound. The Kiki Red offers a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is comfortably loud but not excessive, giving enthusiasts a nuanced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Lightning switches are also clacky but additionally have a chirpy sound profile, adding a unique acoustic signature to them. Ultimately, which one you prefer will depend on your personal preference for sound, as well as other factors like your choice of keyboard and keycaps.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kiki Red is known for its creamy, frictionless, and easy-to-press typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, making each keystroke feel effortless and enjoyable. In comparison, the Lightning switches are described as subtle and polished, providing a gentle resistance and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to enhance the typing experience by offering a responsive and low-impact feel, catering to different typing preferences.

In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Lightning switches offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both are clacky in sound, the Kiki Red leans towards a high-pitched and medium-light weighted profile, ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a nuanced auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Lightning switches focus on speed and precision, providing a slick typing feel with a subtle sound profile. Depending on whether you prefer a more tactile or speed-oriented typing experience, either switch can deliver satisfying results. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to your personal preferences in sound and feel.

Conclusion

To sum up, when considering between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Lightning linear switch, you should choose the Kiki Red if you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of high-pitched clackiness, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting. These switches are ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, you should opt for the Lightning switch if you value speed and a slick typing feel with a clacky sound profile. The Lightning switches are perfect for situations where milliseconds can make a difference in your typing or gaming performance. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more

KTT Lightning Linear

$3.41 per 10

Learn more