Bsun Kiki Red vs. Kailh NovelKeys Cream

Overview

When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream mechanical keyboard switches, there are some key differences to consider. The Bsun Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, offering a comfortably high-pitched clacky feel without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches provide a smooth actuation and medium-light weighting that appeals to enthusiasts seeking subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the NovelKeys Cream switches deliver a heftier linear typing experience with a deep sound profile that sets them apart from the average switch. Classified as 'Buttery', 'Low-pitched', 'Textured', 'Resonant', and 'Invigorating', these switches offer a unique tactile experience for those who prefer a more robust typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your individual preferences.

By the numbers

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

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Housing materials

The main difference between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream lies in their top and bottom housing materials. Both switches feature POM top and bottom housings, which are known for creating a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. This means that when typing on either switch, you can expect a similar sound experience with a focus on deeper tones and a quieter overall noise level. The POM material in both switches contributes to a smooth typing experience and a satisfying sound profile that many keyboard enthusiasts enjoy.

While both the Kiki Red and NovelKeys Cream switches share the same POM housing material for their top and bottom housings, the impact of the different housing components can vary. The qualities of the bottom housing material in each switch will be more noticeable when bottoming out keys, affecting the overall sound and feel of the switch when pressed down. On the other hand, the top housing material will have a greater influence on the sound produced when releasing a key. This distinction in how the top and bottom housing materials interact with the key press and release can result in subtle differences in typing feel and sound between the two switches.

Overall, the similarities between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream in their housing materials mean that users can expect a comparable typing experience when using either switch. The POM top and bottom housings in both switches contribute to a pleasant sound profile that leans towards deeper tones and a more muted overall sound. While the impact of the top and bottom housing materials may vary slightly in terms of key press and release sounds, the overall typing experience is likely to be similar between these two switches, making them both viable options for those seeking a smooth and satisfying typing experience.

Weight

The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is lighter in terms of actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch. The Kiki Red requires 42 grams of force to actuate and 50 grams to bottom out, making it a lighter option. In contrast, the NovelKeys Cream has a higher actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience with its medium-heavy weight. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may gravitate towards the Kiki Red, while individuals seeking a heavier push feel may opt for the NovelKeys Cream for a more tactile typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. This makes the Kailh NovelKeys Cream the longer of the two switches. The difference in travel distance may seem small, but it can impact the overall feel and performance of the switch. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm offered by the Bsun Kiki Red switch. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the 4 mm travel distance of the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switch. Both options offer their own advantages, and the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is best described as offering a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, providing a crisp and bright auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch presents a deeper sound profile, with a bass-heavy and resonant tone that offers a more immersive auditory experience. Choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for sound, with the Kiki Red providing a more subtle and sharp sound, while the NovelKeys Cream offering a deeper and more resonant tone.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and easy-to-press sensation that minimizes resistance and enhances the overall smoothness of typing. Conversely, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch is known for its buttery and invigorating feel, providing a fluid and uniform typing sensation with pronounced feedback and a snappy response. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Kiki Red may appeal more to those who prefer a silky and easy-to-press feel, while the NovelKeys Cream caters to individuals who enjoy a buttery and invigorating typing sensation.

Taking all the available information into consideration, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch each offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will boil down to personal preference for sound profile and typing feel. Both switches provide a high-quality typing experience, so users can expect similar results in terms of durability and performance regardless of which option they select.

Conclusion

In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Kailh NovelKeys Cream linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a lighter touch with subtle auditory feedback and smooth actuation, the Bsun Kiki Red with its medium-light weighting and high-pitched, clacky sound may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a heavier typing experience with a deep sound profile and immersive feedback, the Kailh NovelKeys Cream switches with their medium-heavy bottom out force and low-pitched, resonant sound profile might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to personal preference for typing feel, sound profile, and overall tactile experience.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more

Kailh NovelKeys Cream Linear

$6.50

$6.25 per 10

Learn more