Bsun Kiki Red vs. Bsun Olive
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Bsun Olive switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and Bsun Olive offer distinct experiences for users. The Kiki Red is a linear switch that provides a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, it offers smooth actuation and a medium-light weighting for a subtle auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive is a tactile switch known for its deep, resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback. The long pole stem ensures a crisp bottom-out, creating a satisfying tactile and auditory experience. If you prefer a more subdued typing experience, the Kiki Red might be the better choice, whereas the Olive offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. 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
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and Bsun Olive both feature POM top and bottom housings, which create a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and relatively more muted compared to other materials. This means that both switches will likely offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel. The POM material is known for its durability and smooth texture, which can contribute to a satisfying typing experience for users of both switches.
While the top and bottom housings of the Kiki Red and Olive are both made of POM, the qualities of the material will be distributed differently across the switches. The bottom housing will have more of an impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, enhancing the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing will influence the sound produced when letting go of a key, adding to the overall tactile feedback of the switch. This division of qualities between the top and bottom housings may result in a nuanced typing experience for users of both switches.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red and Bsun Olive share similar housing materials in the form of POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile. While the distribution of the material's qualities may vary between the two switches, both are likely to offer a comparable typing experience in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the choice between the Kiki Red and Olive may come down to personal preference in terms of design and aesthetics, as the performance of both switches is likely to be quite similar.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Bsun Olive tactile switch, which has an actuation force of 45 grams. Both switches have a similar bottom out force of 50 grams and 65 grams respectively. The Kiki Red provides a smoother typing experience with a lighter actuation force, perfect for those who prefer a light touch for extended typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Olive switch offers a slightly heavier actuation force for a more substantial typing feel, making it a better choice for those who prefer a stronger push when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for actuation force and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Bsun Olive tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among gamers seeking quicker response times. The Kiki Red offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may provide a more satisfying depth for those who prefer a more pronounced feeling when pressing a key. On the other hand, the Olive's shorter travel distance may be preferred by those who prioritize speed and responsiveness. In the end, both switches offer differences in travel distance that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately depends on individual 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 Bsun Olive has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Olive for $4.70.
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 best described as offering a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, striking a balance that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Bsun Olive tactile switch delivers a resonant, deep sound that sets it apart from other switches. While the specific sound qualities are not disclosed for the Olive switch, it is clear that it provides a unique auditory experience that complements its tactile feedback.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is most notably characterized by its smoothness during actuation, offering a medium-light weighting that contributes to its tactile experience. Descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press are used to convey the typing feel of the Kiki Red switch. In contrast, the Bsun Olive tactile switch is described as providing pronounced tactile feedback due to its unique design and long pole stem, resulting in a crisp, sharp bottom-out. Terms like accented, invigorating, sharp, and snappy are used to describe the tactile sensation of the Olive switch.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Bsun Olive tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of both sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a clacky sound with a medium-light weighting for a balanced tactile experience, while the Olive switch stands out for its resonant sound and pronounced tactile feedback. Depending on personal preference for sound and feel, users can choose between the two switches to achieve their desired typing experience, knowing that both switches are designed to provide a satisfying and nuanced performance.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Bsun Olive tactile switch, it all comes down to your preferences and typing style. If you prefer a lighter touch and a smooth, clacky typing experience with medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a medium-weight switch with pronounced tactile feedback, sharp bottom-out, and a satisfying deep sound, the Olive switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on whether you prioritize a nuanced auditory feedback and finesse in performance or a distinctive tactile sensation with firm actuation force. Consider your typing preferences and needs to make the best choice for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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