Bsun Kiki Red vs. Cherry Nixie
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Cherry Nixie switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Cherry Nixie are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, each offering a unique typing experience. The Kiki Reds are praised for their finely-tuned feel, striking a balance between a high-pitched, clacky nuance and a comfortable level of loudness. With all-POM housings and smooth Ly stems, these switches provide a smooth and subtle auditory feedback, making them ideal for enthusiasts who prioritize finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixies are known for their substantial heft and textured typing experience, combining traditional design with modern innovations like updated materials and springs. While the Nixies offer a more textured and low-pitched typing experience compared to the Kiki Reds, both switches appeal to different preferences in terms of sound, feel, and performance. 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
63.5g
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
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
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Cherry Nixie both offer unique sound profiles but with different characteristics. The Kiki Red utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Nixie uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, creating a fuller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. Both switches offer a pleasing sound experience, but the Kiki Red leans towards a deeper tone while the Nixie provides a fuller sound.
When comparing the top housing materials of the Kiki Red and the Nixie, the differences in sound profiles become more apparent. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red gives off a unique deep sound, while the nylon top housing of the Nixie produces a fuller and richer sound. The impact of the top housing material is particularly noticeable when releasing a key, as it influences the sound that is produced. Despite these differences, both switches offer a unique typing experience that is characterized by their distinct housing materials.
In contrast, the bottom housing materials of the Kiki Red and the Nixie play a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switches. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red contributes to its deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Nixie results in a fuller and rounder sound. When pressing down on a key, the qualities of the bottom housing become more prominent, impacting the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. While the housing materials may differ between the top and bottom of the switch, both the Kiki Red and the Nixie ultimately offer a unique typing experience with their respective housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, it is clear 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, while the Nixie has an actuation force of 63.5 grams and a bottom out force of 80 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Kiki Red more comfortable, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, the Nixie provides a heavier typing experience, which some may appreciate for a more substantial feel while typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and force required for extended typing sessions.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it shorter than the Cherry Nixie linear switch which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The difference may seem small, but it can have a noticeable impact on the feel and responsiveness of the keyboard. Gamers may prefer the Bsun Kiki Red for its slightly shorter travel distance, allowing for faster response times. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial key press may lean towards the Cherry Nixie with its longer travel distance. Both switches offer a different typing experience, so the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
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 Nixie has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Nixie for $4.19.
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 described as having a clacky profile, providing a sharp and snappy sound with a comfortably high-pitched nuance that isn't overly loud. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch is known for its thocky and low-pitched sound, offering a deep and rich tone that provides a satisfying typing experience. Depending on personal preference, the Kiki Red switch may be preferred for those who enjoy a crisper and brighter sound, while the Nixie switch appeals to those who prefer a deeper and bass-heavy tone.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red is praised for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering smooth and effortless keystrokes with minimal resistance. The Cherry Nixie, on the other hand, is noted for its textured feel, providing users with noticeable friction when pressing the keys. While the Kiki Red switch delivers a silky and snappy typing sensation, the Nixie switch offers a unique tactile experience with its textured surface. Depending on individual preferences for typing feel, the Kiki Red switch may be favored for its smooth and refined keystrokes, while the Nixie switch appeals to those who enjoy a bit of texture in their typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel, making it an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Cherry Nixie linear switch impresses with its thocky, low-pitched sound and textured typing experience, blending tradition with modern innovation. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with a diverse range of options to consider for their mechanical keyboard setups.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Cherry Nixie linear switch, you should consider the factors of sound and feel. If you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a clacky sound with a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing feel, the Kiki Red switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier bottom out force and a thocky, low-pitched sound with a textured typing feel, the Nixie switch might be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing style and what features you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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