Bsun Kiki Red vs. Durock Medium Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Medium Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and Durock Medium Tactile offer unique typing experiences catering to different preferences. The Kiki Reds are praised for their finely-tuned typing experience, featuring a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches appeal to enthusiasts who enjoy subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile stands out for its pronounced yet balanced tactility and jelly-like sound signature. This switch is preferred for its accented and stepped tactile feel, offering a mild 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Medium Tactile both offer unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing known for creating a deeper, more muted sound, while the Durock Medium Tactile uses a polycarbonate top housing that produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with the Kiki Red offering a more subtle and relaxed sound, while the Durock Medium Tactile provides a more crisp and clear typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiki Red utilizes a POM material for its bottom housing, resulting in a deep and pleasing sound profile. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile features a nylon bottom housing that creates a fuller and rounder sound. The use of different materials for the bottom housing further distinguishes the typing experience between the two switches, with the Kiki Red offering a more muted and deep sound, while the Durock Medium Tactile provides a fuller and richer sound.
Overall, the choice of housing materials in switches like the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Medium Tactile can greatly influence the sound profile and typing experience for users. While the Kiki Red offers a more pleasing and relaxed sound with its POM housing, the Durock Medium Tactile provides a sharper and crisper sound due to its polycarbonate housing. The use of different materials for the top and bottom housings also plays a role in shaping the overall typing experience, with each material contributing unique qualities to the sound profile of the switches.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock Medium Tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, the bottom out force of the Kiki Red is 50 grams, which is still lighter than the 65 grams bottom out force of the Durock Medium Tactile switch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiki Red would be the better option, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch would provide a more substantial and tactile typing experience due to its heavier bottom out force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing feel and force required for keystrokes.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Bsun Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Durock Medium Tactile. The shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Durock Medium Tactile may provide a more satisfying depth for some users. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and the desired typing or gaming experience.
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 Medium Tactile has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Medium Tactile for $4.25.
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 high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not excessively loud, providing a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch is described as having a jelly-like sound signature, which suggests a unique and possibly softer sound profile compared to the Kiki Red. Overall, both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a sharper, more defined sound while the Medium Tactile might provide a smoother, more muted sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, emphasizing smoothness and ease of keystrokes with minimal resistance. Additionally, the switch is described as snappy and easy-to-press, offering a responsive and low-impact typing feel. On the other hand, the Durock Medium Tactile switch is characterized by its accented, stepped, mild, and polished tactile feedback, providing a balanced tactility that is neither overwhelming nor subtle. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable typing experience with their respective tactile profiles, catering to users who appreciate different levels of feedback and actuation force.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch showcase unique sound and feel characteristics that can appeal to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Kiki Red offers a sharper, clackier sound and a creamy, smooth typing experience with light actuation force, the Medium Tactile provides a jelly-like sound signature and a balanced tactile feedback that is pronounced yet not overpowering. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, both switches can deliver a satisfying typing experience, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a sharper sound and smoother feel, while the Medium Tactile offers a softer sound profile and a balanced tactility. Ultimately, users can expect different but equally enjoyable typing experiences with these two switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Durock Medium Tactile tactile switch, think about your preferences and needs. If you prioritize a smooth and subtly tactile typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, then the Kiki Red might be the right choice for you. The POM housings and unique sound signature make it a preferred option for those who appreciate finesse in performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a pronounced yet balanced tactility and a medium-heavy bottom out force, the Medium Tactile switch from Durock might be more suitable for you. Consider the sound and feel characteristics of each switch to determine which one aligns best with your typing preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the Kiki Red and Medium Tactile switches depends on your personal preferences and typing style.
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