Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Lunar Probe
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Lunar Probe switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Lunar Probe mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer distinct advantages that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Reds from BSUN provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of high-pitched clackiness and smooth actuation thanks to their all-POM housings and Ly stems. These switches are ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches feature a dual rail mechanism for stable keypresses and a smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation. With a subtle sound signature, these switches offer a different tactile 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
1.80 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
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red's POM top housing and bottom housing both contribute to a sound profile that is deep and muted, providing a pleasing typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Lunar Probe's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound. This difference in housing materials affects the overall sound and feel of the switches, catering to different preferences in typing experience.
Both the Kiki Red and the Lunar Probe utilize unique housing materials for their switches, with the Kiki Red opting for POM and the Lunar Probe incorporating polycarbonate and nylon. While the Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housings create a consistent deep sound profile, the Lunar Probe's mix of polycarbonate and nylon results in a more varied sound experience with sharper highs and deeper lows. This demonstrates how the choice of housing material can significantly impact the overall typing sound and feel of a switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Lunar Probe play a crucial role in defining the sound profiles of these switches. The POM housings of the Kiki Red offer a consistent and muted sound, while the polycarbonate and nylon combination of the Lunar Probe creates a more dynamic and varied sound experience. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can influence the typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound and feel. Ultimately, whether you prefer a deep and muted sound or a sharper and fuller sound, these switches offer distinct typing experiences based on their housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch are quite similar. Both switches have a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light typing experience. However, the Kiki Red has a slightly lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Lunar Probe's 45 grams. This difference may not be significant in terms of feel, as both switches offer a smooth and responsive typing experience. For those who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing sessions, either switch would be a suitable choice. The slight variation in actuation force between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, resulting in a comparable typing experience overall.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is identical, with both switches having a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of the distance traveled when pressing down on a key. Whether using the Kiki Red or the Lunar Probe, the travel distance will be the same, providing a similar tactile feedback and feel while typing. Therefore, both switches offer the same level of keypress travel, making them suitable options for individuals looking for a standard travel distance in their mechanical keyboard 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 Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
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
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is praised for its clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is both high-pitched and nuanced without being overly loud. In comparison, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch provides a more subtle sound signature that is smooth and pre-lubed, promising a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer unique sound qualities that cater to different preferences, so the choice between them ultimately depends on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard.
When it comes to feel, the Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, emphasizing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. On the other hand, the tactile sensation of the Gateron Lunar Probe switch remains unknown. If the Lunar Probe switch provides a similar level of smoothness and ease of typing as the Kiki Red, users can expect a pleasant and comfortable typing experience with both switches.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch offer distinct sound profiles and potentially similar tactile experiences. Choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing performance. Both switches provide a unique typing experience that can enhance the enjoyment and efficiency of typing on a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting for subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance, the Kiki Reds from BSUN are an excellent choice. On the other hand, if you value stable and consistent keypresses, incredibly smooth linear sensation, and a subtle sound signature, the Gateron Lunar Probe switches with their dual rail mechanism may be more suitable for your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the specific tactile and auditory characteristics offered by each switch.
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