Bsun Kiki Red vs. Haimu Neo White
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Haimu Neo White switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the Haimu Neo White mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique and desirable features for different types of users. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, combining a high-pitched, clacky nuance with a smooth actuation thanks to its all-POM housings and Ly stems. Enthusiasts who value subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance may prefer the Kiki Red. On the other hand, the Neo White switch stands out for its medium weight and reduced total travel, providing a distinct typing feel with smooth actuation due to the Ly stem. Users looking for a smooth and satisfying keystroke experience may lean towards the Neo White. 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
58g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Ly
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
Double-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Haimu Neo White both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Neo White's polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The POM material in the Kiki Red provides a more pleasing and unique sound, whereas the nylon material in the Neo White absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound profile. Despite these differences, both switches offer distinct sound experiences based on their housing materials.
In terms of aesthetics, the Neo White's polycarbonate top housing allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall look of the switch. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM top housing does not offer the same translucency for RGB lighting effects. However, both switches have their own visual appeal based on the material of their housings. While the polycarbonate top housing of the Neo White is visually appealing due to its clear nature, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red offers a more solid and traditional look.
When it comes to the feel of typing on these switches, the housing materials play a significant role. The impact of the housing material on the sound profile and feel of the switch is split between the top and bottom housing. The bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when letting go of a key. This means that the POM and nylon materials in the Kiki Red and Neo White, respectively, greatly influence the typing experience and the overall sound produced by these switches.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, the Kiki Red is lighter with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Neo White is slightly heavier with an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 58 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing or gaming sessions, the Kiki Red would be the ideal choice. On the other hand, individuals who enjoy a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Neo White with its slightly heavier bottom out force. Both switches offer different levels of force feedback, allowing users to choose based on their preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Haimu Neo White linear switch, it is evident that both switches have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience a consistent travel distance of 3.6 mm. Therefore, the results you obtain in terms of travel distance will be similar with both the Kiki Red and the Neo White switches. Both switches offer a standard travel distance, ensuring that the typing experience will be consistent and predictable regardless of which switch is chosen.
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 Haimu Neo White comes in at $2.70 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 linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, producing a sharp and snappy sound that adds a sense of tactile feedback to each keystroke. On the other hand, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more neutral sound, with a moderate profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. While the Kiki Red provides a more distinct auditory experience with its high-pitched clackiness, the Neo White offers a more universal sound that may appeal to a wider audience depending on personal preferences and surrounding factors like keycaps and keyboard construction.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is praised for its creamy and frictionless typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke that enhances overall typing comfort. The use of lubricated materials and precise construction contribute to a polished and silky feel, making each keypress a satisfying and fluid motion. In contrast, the Haimu Neo White switch provides a mild typing experience that falls within a safe middle ground, appealing to users who prefer a more gentle typing feel without too many pronounced characteristics. The smooth actuation and reduced total travel of the Neo White switch still offer a satisfying typing experience without overwhelming tactile feedback.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in providing a nuanced and subtly tactile typing experience with its clacky sound and smooth feel, the Haimu Neo White linear switch offers a more universally appealing sound profile and a mild typing feel that caters to a wider range of users. Both switches have their unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience, and choosing between them would ultimately come down to personal preference in sound and feel. With the Kiki Red emphasizing auditory feedback and smoothness, and the Neo White offering a more neutral and approachable typing experience, users can expect satisfying results from either switch based on their individual preferences and typing needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Haimu Neo White linear switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you appreciate a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting for subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a typing feel that is smooth and satisfying, with medium weight and slightly reduced total travel, the Neo White switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize the clacky sound and creamy, frictionless feel of the Kiki Red, or the neutral sound and mild typing experience of the Neo White. Consider what characteristics matter most to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making your selection.