Bsun Kiki Red vs. Cherry MX Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Cherry MX Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Cherry MX Brown present distinct options for users seeking a specific typing experience. The Kiki Red, a linear switch, is praised for its high-pitched, clacky sound profile that is not overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches provide smooth actuation and a medium-light weighting for a refined tactile experience. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown, a tactile switch, is known for its subtle tactility and gentle typing feel, offering a quieter typing experience compared to the Kiki Red. While the Kiki Red is appreciated for its auditory feedback and performance finesse, the MX Brown excels in providing a textured typing experience with minimal sound output. 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
55g
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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Cherry MX Brown, we can see some similarities and differences. Both switches use softer plastics in their housing materials, with the Kiki Red utilizing POM and the MX Brown using nylon. This results in a deeper and fuller sound profile for both switches, with the POM of the Kiki Red creating a more muted sound compared to the rounder sound of the nylon in the MX Brown. However, the Kiki Red's POM housing material is used for both the top and bottom housing, while the MX Brown splits the nylon material between the top and bottom housings, impacting the sound profile differently depending on where the material is located.
In terms of the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Cherry MX Brown, we see that the POM used in the Kiki Red creates a unique sound profile that is described as deep and pleasing, while the nylon in the MX Brown also creates a deep and full sound. The difference lies in the level of sound absorption, with the nylon in the MX Brown absorbing more sound due to its softer plastic composition, resulting in a duller sound compared to the more muted sound of the POM in the Kiki Red. Both switches provide a unique typing experience due to their housing materials, but the subtle differences in sound profiles may appeal to different preferences.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Cherry MX Brown play a significant role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While both switches use softer plastics in their housing materials to create a deep and full sound, the specific material used (POM for Kiki Red and nylon for MX Brown) results in slightly different sound profiles. The way in which the housing materials are utilized in the switches also impacts the typing experience, with the bottom housing having more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. These subtle differences in housing materials contribute to the overall unique characteristics of each switch.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is lighter at 42 grams compared to the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch at 45 grams, making the Kiki Red easier to actuate. The bottom out force of the Kiki Red is also lighter at 50 grams compared to the MX Brown at 55 grams, indicating a softer bottoming out experience. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Kiki Red, as it requires less force to type. On the other hand, the MX Brown offers a slightly heavier actuation and bottom out force, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Kiki Red offering a lighter touch and the MX Brown providing a slightly heavier touch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6mm, making it shorter than the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4mm. The Kiki Red's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the MX Brown's longer travel distance may be preferred by those who enjoy a more robust key press feel. Both switches have their own advantages and it ultimately comes down to personal preference when deciding between the two. Whether you prefer the shorter or longer travel distance, both switches offer a quality typing 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 Cherry MX Brown 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a bassy and low-pitched sound, creating a deeper and richer tone during key presses. Depending on personal preference, the Kiki Red switch may be preferred for its high-pitched, clacky nuance, while the MX Brown switch may appeal to those who enjoy a more subdued and mellow sound.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is praised for its creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience, offering smooth and effortless key presses with minimal resistance. Alternatively, the Cherry MX Brown switch is described as textured, providing noticeable friction when pressed, which can be either preferred or disliked by users depending on their tactile preference.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red switch excels in providing a finely-tuned typing experience with a unique sound signature and a medium-light weighting that appeals to enthusiasts looking for subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Cherry MX Brown switch offers a gentle tactility with subtle audio feedback, catering to individuals who prefer a lighter typing experience with a textured feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel, both of which can significantly impact the overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch or the Cherry MX Brown tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and priorities. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with subtle auditory feedback and smooth actuation, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a light typing experience with gentle tactility and a slightly textured feel, the MX Brown could be more suitable for your preferences. Both switches have their strengths and offer unique characteristics, so it's essential to consider what aspects are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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