Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are two popular options to consider. The Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. With all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly stems, these switches provide a tactile experience that is subtle and refined. On the other hand, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) from Gateron is known for its smooth and affordable typing experience, with buttery smooth keystrokes and a pleasing low-pitched "thock" sound. While both switches have their own unique characteristics and advantages, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and what qualities you prioritize in a keyboard switch. 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
52g
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
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) are distinct in their own ways. The Kiki Red showcases a POM top housing, known for producing a deep and relatively muted sound profile. In contrast, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) features a nylon top housing, which offers a fuller and deeper sound due to the material's softer nature that absorbs more sound. While both materials provide unique sound profiles, they differ in the depth and tone of the sound produced.
Moving on to the bottom housing, the Kiki Red also utilizes a POM material, resulting in a similar deep and muted sound profile as the top housing. Conversely, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) incorporates a nylon bottom housing, enhancing the sound profile with a fuller and deeper tone. The choice of bottom housing material adds to the overall experience of typing on these switches, with the properties of POM and nylon influencing the sound and feel of pressing down on the keys.
In terms of overall performance, the split between the top and bottom housing materials of a switch can impact both the sound and feel of typing. The bottom housing material contributes more to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing material influences the sound when releasing a key. Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3), both switches aim to provide a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials enhancing the sound profile in their own distinct ways.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, we see that the Kiki Red is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) is slightly heavier with an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. Both switches provide a smooth linear typing experience, making them ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch. The Kiki Red offers a gentler typing sensation with a lower actuation force, suitable for extended typing sessions, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) provides a slightly more substantial feel with a slightly heavier actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on individual preference for typing feel and weight, with the Kiki Red being on the lighter side and the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) leaning towards a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Milky Red Pro. The shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the Milky Red Pro may provide a more substantial keystroke feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired. Both switches offer quality linear options, so users can expect similar performance regardless of the travel distance discrepancy.
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 Milky Red Pro (KS-3) has an MSRP of $2.61 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) for $2.30.
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, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is noted for its comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, offering a crisp and bright sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch produces a pleasing, low-pitched “thock” sound, evoking a deeper and richer tone with a bass-heavy mellow quality. These differences in sound between the two switches cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red providing a sharper and more percussive auditory feedback, while the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) delivers a smoother and more soothing sound experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its smoothness with a medium-light weighting that offers a comfortable and easy-to-press typing experience. The switch provides a creamy and frictionless feel, allowing for effortless key presses and reduced resistance during typing sessions. On the other hand, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch is described as buttery, providing a seamless and uniform typing sensation with a smooth and fluid keystroke experience. Both switches offer a polished and silky typing experience, enhancing the overall smoothness and comfort during typing tasks.
Overall, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in offering a clacky and subtly nuanced sound signature coupled with a smooth and easy-to-press typing feel, the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch stands out for its pleasing, low-pitched thock sound and buttery smooth keystrokes. Depending on individual preferences for sound profile and typing feel, both switches provide unique characteristics that cater to a variety of enthusiasts seeking a tailored typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether you prioritize a clacky sound with a smooth feel or a thock sound with a buttery typing sensation.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Milky Red Pro (KS-3) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a high-pitched, clacky sound with a medium-light weighting and smooth actuation, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth and buttery typing experience with a pleasing, low-pitched "thock" sound, the Milky Red Pro (KS-3) could be the perfect fit. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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