Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Mini i
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Mini i switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch to the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, it's clear that both offer unique typing experiences tailored to different preferences. The Kiki Reds are praised for their high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud, thanks to their all-POM housings and Ly stems. With medium-light weighting and smooth actuation, these switches cater to enthusiasts seeking subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i switches provide gentle tactility and a muted sound profile, making them suitable for office environments where quiet professionalism is key. While the former is categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Silky', the latter is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Mild', and 'Subtle'. Each switch has its strengths and applications, but diving deeper into their nuances will help you find the perfect fit for your typing needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.40 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
22mm double-stage spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Mini i, both featuring unique characteristics, provide distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound, while the Mini i opts for a nylon top housing, which produces a fuller and rounder sound. While both offer a pleasing typing experience, the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiki Red and Mini i continue to differentiate themselves with their choice of materials. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Mini i enhances its fuller and deeper sound. These contrasting materials play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience and sound output of each switch, allowing users to choose based on their preferred sound and tactile feedback.
Considering how the top and bottom housings of a switch contribute to its overall sound profile and feel, the differences between the Bsun Kiki Red and Gateron Mini i become more pronounced. While the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This division of characteristics between the top and bottom housings highlights the importance of housing materials in determining the overall typing experience, making the choice between POM and nylon a crucial decision for keyboard enthusiasts looking to customize their switches.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, with the Kiki Red being slightly lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Mini i's 40 grams. Both switches share the same bottom out force of 50 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Mini i may appeal to users who prefer a softer touch when typing or gaming for extended periods, while the slightly heavier actuation force of the Kiki Red may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the similarities in bottom out force mean that both switches will offer a comparable typing feel in terms of how much force is needed to fully press a key.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, we can see that the Mini i has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm compared to the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm. This means that the Mini i offers a slightly faster key response time compared to the Kiki Red. Gamers who prioritize quick reactions may lean towards the Mini i for its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press with more depth may opt for the Kiki Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference for key feel and responsiveness.
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 Mini i comes in at $6.00 per 10 switches.
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 offers a clacky typing experience, with a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a satisfying auditory feedback without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch has a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement and a moderate sound level. This makes it suitable for various environments, whether at home or in a professional office setting. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described with a variety of descriptors including creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. This indicates a smooth and refined typing experience, with reduced friction and a fluid key travel. In contrast, the Gateron Mini i switch is described as bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, and stepped. These qualities highlight a gentle and responsive typing feel, offering rebound when pressed and a light typing experience suitable for shared spaces. Both switches aim to provide a comfortable typing experience with their respective tactile qualities.
Considering all the available information, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in providing a clacky sound profile and a fluid, smooth typing feel with a medium-light weighting. On the other hand, the Gateron Mini i tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, gentle typing feel ideal for prolonged use in quiet environments. Depending on your preference for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, when considering these switches, it's essential to test them firsthand to determine which aligns best with your typing style and preferences for an optimal mechanical keyboard experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Mini i tactile switch, consider the following factors. Choose the Kiki Red if you prefer a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, or easy-to-press typing experience. This switch is perfect for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, opt for the Mini i if you seek a neutral sound profile and a bouncy, easy-to-press, mild, snappy, subtle, or stepped typing experience. The Mini i is ideal for a quiet professionalism in office environments or for comfortable typing during long hours without the intrusive clack. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for sound and feel, as both switches offer a light bottom out force of 50 grams.
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