Bsun Kiki Red vs. HMX Lotus
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Lotus switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Lotus both offer unique experiences for users. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, featuring a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. Its use of POM housings and Ly stems contribute to a smooth actuation and medium-light weighting that appeals to enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus stands out for its medium weight of 50g bottom out and bright, resonant sound, providing a super bouncy feeling with each keystroke. While the Kiki Red is known for its clacky and silky characteristics, the Lotus offers a creamy and polished 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
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
22mm single-staged spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Lotus both have unique characteristics that influence the sound profile of the switches. The Kiki Red utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. In comparison, the Lotus uses nylon for both housings, creating a deeper and fuller sound with a duller and rounder tone. Despite using different materials, both switches aim to create a pleasing typing experience with their respective sound profiles.
The choice of housing materials for the Kiki Red and the Lotus contributes to the overall typing experience in different ways. The POM housings of the Kiki Red emphasize a unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Meanwhile, the nylon housings of the Lotus absorb more sound due to their softer plastic properties, resulting in a fuller sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound signatures that cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
In terms of functionality, the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Kiki Red and the HMX Lotus play a significant role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The qualities of the housing materials are divided between the top and bottom of the switch, affecting both the bottom-out sound and the sound when releasing a key. While the Kiki Red and Lotus may have different housing materials, their goal is the same - to provide an enjoyable typing experience with unique sound profiles that cater to the preferences of mechanical keyboard users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, both switches have a relatively light 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 Lotus has an actuation force of 45 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 for extended periods. The slight difference in actuation force between the two switches may not be very noticeable during regular use, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference for a slightly lighter actuation force with the Kiki Red or a slightly heavier actuation force with the Lotus.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the HMX Lotus linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter travel distance range, making them ideal for those looking for quick and responsive key presses. Gamers, in particular, may prefer these shorter travel distances for faster response times during intense gameplay. However, for those who prefer a more substantial key press with a bit more depth, the Kiki Red may be the better option due to its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for key press feel and response time.
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 HMX Lotus has an MSRP of $3.49 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lotus for $2.99.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky and comfortably high-pitched sound that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the HMX Lotus linear switch provides a bright and resonant sound that enhances the typing experience with a super bouncy feeling. Both switches offer a unique auditory feedback that can be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material, ensuring that users can customize their typing experience according to their preferences.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth, refined typing experience with minimal resistance. The HMX Lotus linear switch provides a medium weight bottom out and a bouncy feeling that adds a delightful touch to every keystroke. While specific descriptors for the Lotus switch's feel are not provided, it is likely to offer a unique and satisfying tactile sensation based on its design and medium weight.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Whether one prefers the clacky nuance and medium-light weighting of the Kiki Red or the bright, resonant sound and bouncy feeling of the Lotus, users can expect a premium typing experience with either switch, ensuring a satisfying and personalized typing experience based on individual preferences.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the HMX Lotus linear switch, you should consider the typing experience you prefer. The Kiki Reds offer a balanced, clacky sound with a smooth and medium-light actuation, perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Lotus switches provide a bright, resonant sound with a super bouncy feel, making every keystroke a delight. If you prefer a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience, the Kiki Red may be the better choice for you. However, if you enjoy a different sound and feel, the Lotus switch could be the right fit for your typing preferences. Ultimately, it's essential to consider how you want your typing experience to feel and sound when choosing between these two switches.
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