Bsun Kiki Red vs. Cherry MX Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Cherry MX Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options that come to mind are the Bsun Kiki Red and the Cherry MX Black, both linear switches known for their distinct qualities. The Kiki Reds from BSUN provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches offer exceptional smoothness during actuation and a medium-light weighting for a subtle tactile experience. On the other hand, Cherry's MX Black switches, with their new Hyperglide tooling, offer a classic textured smoothness and a deep sound profile when typing. While the Kiki Reds are preferred by enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the MX Blacks are known for their low-pitched and stiff feel. 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
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 Bsun Kiki Red and Cherry MX Black both feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Kiki Red utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound compared to the MX Black's nylon housing. The POM material of the Kiki Red is known for creating a pleasing sound profile that is distinctive and offers a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the MX Black's nylon housing produces a fuller sound with a rounder quality due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound.
In terms of the top housing materials, the Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the MX Black's nylon top housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound. Both materials offer their own unique qualities to enhance the typing experience, with POM providing a pleasing sound that is distinctive to the Kiki Red and nylon offering a classic switch housing material that adds depth to the MX Black. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the properties of their respective top housings, showcasing how the choice of material can impact the overall typing experience.
When considering the bottom housings of the Bsun Kiki Red and Cherry MX Black, both switches feature POM and nylon respectively, each contributing to the overall sound profile. The bottom housing materials play a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red offers a deeper and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the MX Black provides a fuller sound with a rounder quality. These differences in bottom housing materials showcase how the choice of material can affect the tactile feedback and overall typing experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter in both aspects. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a more lightweight option. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black has an actuation force of 60 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams, indicating a heavier touch. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience for extended periods of time, the Kiki Red would be a suitable choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial and heavier push feel when typing may lean towards the Cherry MX Black switch. Overall, the actuation and bottom out forces play a significant role in determining the typing experience and personal preference of the user.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Cherry MX Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This means that the Cherry MX Black has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. Typically, a shorter travel distance like the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm is preferred by gamers for quicker response times, while a longer travel distance like the MX Black's 4 mm may provide a more satisfying key press for some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize speed or a more substantial key press feel.
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 Cherry MX Black comes in at $4.00 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 tactile experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, providing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch presents a low-pitched sound profile with a classic textured smoothness, delivering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to the higher-pitched Kiki Red. Depending on personal preference, the choice of board and keycaps can also influence the overall sound produced by these switches.
Turning to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, and polished qualities, providing a smooth and buttery typing experience with reduced resistance and refined finish. The switch offers a silky sensation, making keystrokes effortless and fluid. In contrast, the Cherry MX Black linear switch is characterized by its textured and stiff feel, requiring a higher amount of force to actuate and providing noticeable friction when pressed. While the Kiki Red emphasizes smoothness and ease of typing, the MX Black focuses on a slightly more resistant and tactile feel.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its medium-light weighting, subtlety in auditory feedback, and finesse in performance, catering to enthusiasts who appreciate a well-tuned typing experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Black linear switch offers a deep sound profile and classic smoothness, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional typing feel. Both switches have their unique qualities, and choosing between them boils down to personal preference in sound, feel, and typing style. Ultimately, whether opting for the Kiki Red or the MX Black, users can expect a high-quality linear switch experience with similar results in key actuation and overall functionality.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Cherry MX Black linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a nuanced, clacky sound with a smooth and polished typing experience, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier actuation force and a low-pitched sound with a textured feel that provides a more tactile typing experience, the MX Black may be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for typing experience, sound profile, and actuation force. Choose the switch that best suits your typing style and preferences.
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