Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Luciola
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Luciola switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Luciola mechanical keyboard switches, it becomes apparent that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Reds are renowned for their finely-tuned typing experience, striking a balance between a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and a medium-light weighting for a subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance. On the other hand, the Luciola switches stand out for their eye-catching appearance with glowing capabilities, medium heft, and smooth, bouncy typing feel accompanied by a hollow sound profile akin to a spray paint can being shaken. Each switch has its own set of characteristics and benefits, appealing to users with varying 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
22mm double-staged long spring; black-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Luciola play a significant role in shaping the sound profile of these switches. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing, which produces a deep and muted sound that is pleasing to the ears. In contrast, the Luciola utilizes Gateron's proprietary INK blend top housing, known for its pointed and higher-pitched yet not overly sharp sound profile that adds a clacky element. While both switches offer unique sound experiences, they cater to different preferences with the Kiki Red leaning towards a deeper tone and the Luciola offering a more distinct higher-pitched sound.
Looking at the bottom housings of the two switches, the Kiki Red and the Luciola continue to showcase their unique characteristics. The Kiki Red's POM bottom housing contributes to the switch's overall sound profile, enhancing its deep and muted tones. Conversely, the Luciola's INK blend bottom housing adds to its high-pitched and clacky sound, providing a satisfyingly thin sound profile. These differences in bottom housing materials further highlight the distinctive auditory experiences that each switch offers, catering to a variety of user preferences.
Despite their differences in housing materials, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Luciola both highlight the importance of top and bottom housing materials in influencing the overall sound of a switch. The impact of the bottom housing can be felt when pressing down, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key, shaping the overall typing experience. While the Kiki Red and the Luciola offer contrasting sound profiles, their housing materials work in tandem to deliver a unique and satisfying typing feel for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In contrast, the Luciola is heavier, requiring 55 grams of actuation force and 60 grams of bottom out force. The Kiki Red offers a lighter typing experience, which may be preferred by those who type for extended periods or engage in long gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Luciola provides a more substantial push feel, ideal for users seeking a stronger typing experience. Both switches offer similar results in terms of performance, with the difference lying in the weight of the actuation and bottom out forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Luciola linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that both switches offer a consistent key press experience in terms of travel distance. When comparing the two switches, users can expect similar results in terms of the tactile feedback experienced when typing or gaming. Since both switches have identical travel distances, the choice between them may come down to other factors such as actuation force or overall feel. Ultimately, whether you choose the Bsun Kiki Red or the Gateron Luciola, you can rest assured that the travel distance will be the same for both switches.
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 Gateron Luciola has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Luciola for $6.50.
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 Gateron Luciola switches are described as clacky, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. However, the Kiki Red is noted for its high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance with a comfortably subtle level of loudness, offering a unique auditory experience that appeals to enthusiasts who prefer refined feedback. On the other hand, the Luciola switches add to their sound profile with descriptors like chirpy and marbly, creating a distinct acoustic signature that sets them apart. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will come down to personal preference and the overall sound profile desired for the keyboard setup.
When it comes to the typing feel, the Bsun Kiki Red is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate that the Kiki Red offers a smooth and polished typing experience with minimal resistance, enhanced responsiveness, and effortless actuation. In contrast, the Gateron Luciola switches are noted for their snappy, buttery, and polished feel, providing a responsive and seamless typing sensation. Both switches aim to offer a pleasant typing experience, with the Kiki Red focusing on smoothness and ease of use, while the Luciola emphasizes responsiveness and fluid keystrokes.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red and Gateron Luciola switches each bring unique qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a refined, high-pitched sound profile with smooth and effortless typing feel, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety and finesse in their mechanical keyboards. On the other hand, the Luciola switches offer a distinct auditory experience with eye-catching glow features and a buttery, snappy typing feel that emphasizes responsiveness and fluid keystrokes. Ultimately, both switches are solid options depending on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience, ensuring that users can achieve satisfying results with either choice.
Conclusion
To summarize, if you prefer a lighter touch and a more subtle auditory feedback, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be a great option for you. The Kiki Red offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a unique sound profile that is clacky without being excessively loud. On the other hand, if you are looking for switches with a medium heft and a bouncy typing feel that also glow in the dark, the Gateron Luciola linear switch would be a suitable choice. The Luciola switches have a polished finish with a satisfyingly snappy feel and a distinct sound profile that includes clacky, buttery, and polished characteristics. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on your personal preferences for typing experience and sound profile.
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