Bsun Kiki Red vs. Durock Mamba
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Mamba switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red is a linear switch that offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. The all-POM housings and Ly stems provide a unique sound signature and exceptional smoothness during actuation, while their medium-light weighting offers a subtle tactile experience preferred by enthusiasts who value finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba, also a linear switch, provides a gliding typing sensation and a rich, creamy auditory experience. It is categorized as 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Thocky', and 'Polished'. Both switches have their own unique characteristics and benefits, making them appealing choices for different 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Mamba both feature POM housing materials, known for creating a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. However, the Mamba also incorporates a Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend in its top housing, giving it a slightly brighter sound compared to the Kiki Red. Despite this difference, both switches offer a sound profile that is considered pleasant, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a deeper tone and the Mamba possessing a touch of brightness.
In terms of their bottom housing materials, both the Kiki Red and the Mamba utilize POM, which again creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. This shared material choice ensures that the bottom-out sound and feel of the switches are consistent. The bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of a key press, and with the use of POM in both switches, users can expect a similar tactile experience regardless of which switch they choose.
When comparing the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall sound of the switches, it becomes clear that each component brings its own qualities to the table. The bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distinction means that the differences between the POM top housing of the Kiki Red and the Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend top housing of the Mamba will be most noticeable when releasing a key, with the Mamba offering a slightly brighter sound profile in this aspect.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Mamba linear switch, we see some differences. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Mamba, which doesn't have a specified actuation force. However, the Kiki Red has a slightly lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Mamba's 60 grams. This means that the Kiki Red may be preferred by those who prefer a lighter typing experience, while the Mamba may be better suited for those who prefer a slightly heavier feel. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, so users can choose based on their personal preferences for typing feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the Durock Mamba linear switch which has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. While both switches fall within the realm of shorter travel distances, the difference of 0.1 mm can still be noticeable to some users. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the slightly shorter travel distance of the Mamba, while those who prefer a bit more depth in the key press may lean towards the Kiki Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a relatively short travel distance compared to traditional switches, providing a quicker and more responsive typing experience overall.
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 Mamba has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Mamba for $5.17.
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 typing experience that is sharp and snappy, providing a comfortably high-pitched nuance without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Durock Mamba linear switch is described as having a neutral sound profile with a thocky quality, resulting in a deep, rich, and satisfying typing sound. Both switches offer different auditory experiences, with the Kiki Red being more crisp and bright, while the Mamba is more deep and resonant. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on the user's preference for sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is known for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation as keys are pressed. The switch is also described as polished and silky, providing an exceptionally smooth typing feel with minimal resistance. Conversely, the Durock Mamba switch is characterized as mild and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with a refined finish for smooth key travel. Both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, but the Kiki Red may offer a slightly more luxurious feel with its creamy and snappy attributes.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red and Durock Mamba linear switches present unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience with a high-pitched nuance, while the Mamba offers a deep and resonant sound with a gentle and polished typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound profile and typing sensation, users can confidently choose between the two switches to enhance their mechanical keyboard setup. Both switches promise a pleasurable typing experience, ensuring that users will receive satisfying results regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Durock Mamba linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you value a subtle auditory feedback with a light and smooth actuation, the Kiki Red switch may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a moderate typing experience with a rich and creamy sound profile, the Mamba switch could be the ideal option. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to personal preference and the type of typing experience you desire.
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