Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron New North Pole V2
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 mechanical keyboard switches, both being linear switches, there are notable differences to consider. The Kiki Red is known for its finely-tuned typing experience, offering a high-pitched and clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches provide a medium-light weighting for a subtle auditory feedback and top-notch performance. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2s from Gateron provide a crisper typing experience by removing the rubber dampener while maintaining a frictionless typing feel that the North Pole lineup is known for. Both switches offer a polished and creamy typing experience, but the Kiki Red leans towards being easy-to-press and snappy, while the New North Pole V2 focuses on smoothness and glide. 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62.5g
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
Ink Housing Material
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated 15.4mm
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles due to their different materials. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound, while the New North Pole V2 utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profiles can greatly impact the typing experience for users, as some may prefer a quieter and softer sound while others may prefer a more crisp and clear sound.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Kiki Red and the New North Pole V2 offer similar sound profiles due to their POM and polycarbonate materials, respectively. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red creates a deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the New North Pole V2 produces a sharper and crisper sound. However, since the bottom housing has more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel of a key press, users may notice a more significant difference in sound and tactility between the two switches when typing.
Overall, while the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron New North Pole V2 may differ, both switches offer unique sound profiles that cater to different preferences. The POM and polycarbonate materials each bring their own qualities to the typing experience, with POM providing a deeper and more muted sound, and polycarbonate offering a sharper and crisper sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and typing feel.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch to the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, it is evident that they have distinct differences in actuation and bottom out forces. The Kiki Red features a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the New North Pole V2 has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 62.5 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for those who enjoy a firmer typing experience. While the Kiki Red offers a lighter touch, the New North Pole V2 delivers a more robust feel during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Bsun Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Gateron New North Pole V2. The shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the longer travel distance of the New North Pole V2 may provide a more in-depth key press experience. Both switches offer different tactile feedback due to their travel distance, allowing users to choose based on their personal preference for key press depth.
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 New North Pole V2 has an MSRP of $6.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the New North Pole V2 for $5.70.
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 renowned for its clacky nature, producing a sharp and percussive sound when pressed, striking a balance between a comfortably high-pitched tone and a nuanced clackiness that is not overly loud. On the other hand, the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch's sound profile is not explicitly defined in the provided information, suggesting that its sound may vary based on other factors such as keyboard construction and keycap material.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy and easy-to-press typing experience, characterized by smoothness and a light actuation force that caters to users looking for finesse in performance. The Gateron New North Pole V2 switch shares a similar polished and creamy feel, emphasizing a frictionless typing experience while maintaining a smooth and refined key travel, ideal for those who prefer effortless key presses.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch provide users with a smooth and refined typing experience. While the Kiki Red switch leans towards a clacky sound signature and medium-light weighting for tactile feedback, the New North Pole V2 switch excels in maintaining a seamless glide and smoothness without a rubber dampener. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, enthusiasts can expect similar results in terms of overall typing performance and satisfaction from both switches.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Gateron New North Pole V2 linear switch, you should take into account the bottom out force, sound, and feel of each switch. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams and enjoy a high-pitched, clacky sound with smooth actuation, the Kiki Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams and a crisper typing experience without a rubber dampener, along with a frictionless and polished feel, then the Gateron New North Pole V2 would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches depends on your personal preferences for typing experience and feedback.
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