Bsun Kiki Red vs. KTT Orange
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Orange switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Orange. The Bsun Kiki Red is known for its finely-tuned typing experience, offering a balance between a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting for a smooth actuation. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switches feature a bouncy feel with a 22mm long spring, a slick, frictionless typing experience thanks to its polycarbonate milky top housing, and a low-pitched sound profile. While the Kiki Red provides subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the Orange switch offers a refined, fluid key travel for minimal friction. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
53g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
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
22mm gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Orange, we can see that both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their materials. The Kiki Red features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Orange utilizes polycarbonate top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The differences in sound can be attributed to the stiffness of the plastic used in the construction of the housings, with POM providing a more mellow tone compared to polycarbonate's clear and resonant sound.
While the Kiki Red and KTT Orange both offer distinct sound profiles based on their housing materials, they also share similarities in terms of functionality. Both switches feature POM and polycarbonate housings that play a significant role in determining the overall sound produced. The translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, adding an aesthetic appeal to the design. However, despite these similarities, the differences in sound between the two switches are notable, showcasing how the choice of housing material can impact the overall typing experience for users.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Orange ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound profile and aesthetics. The POM housing of the Kiki Red creates a unique and pleasing sound that may appeal to those looking for a more subdued typing experience. Alternatively, the polycarbonate housing of the Orange offers a sharper and crisper sound that may be preferred by users seeking a more distinct typing feel. Regardless of the choice made, both switches showcase how the housing materials can significantly influence the overall sound and tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch show clear differences in weight. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Orange's 46 grams. Similarly, the Kiki Red also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Orange has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 53 grams. This means that the Kiki Red switch overall offers a lighter typing experience compared to the slightly heavier feel of the Orange switch. Those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions may lean towards the Kiki Red, while those who seek a more substantial typing experience may opt for the KTT Orange. In terms of actuation and bottom out forces, both switches offer similar results, but with slight variations in weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the KTT Orange linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable choices for those looking for faster response times, particularly in gaming scenarios. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant for most users, as they will likely provide a similar level of responsiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference in terms of the feel of the switch when pressed.
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 KTT Orange has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Orange for $4.15.
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 switch offers a clacky sound profile, characterized by its sharp and snappy sound when pressed. This sound is described as crisp, bright, and percussive, providing a unique auditory feedback for users. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch features a low-pitched sound which tends to be more bass-heavy and mellow compared to higher-pitched switches. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a comfortably high-pitched clackiness while the Orange switch provides a smoother, low-pitched sound experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is known for offering a creamy and frictionless typing experience. These switches are described as smooth and buttery, allowing for effortless key presses with a silky sensation. Additionally, the Kiki Red switch is lauded for its easy-to-press nature, providing gentle resistance during key presses and minimizing finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Orange switch offers a bouncy and frictionless typing experience, providing a spring-like feedback sensation with a fluid key travel. Both switches excel in offering a smooth and responsive typing experience, with the Kiki Red focusing on a creamy and easy-to-press feel while the Orange switch provides a bouncy and dynamic typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Orange switches offer distinct sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, easy-to-press typing experience, while the KTT Orange switch offers a low-pitched sound and a bouncy, frictionless typing feel. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing experience, users can choose between the two switches to enhance their overall mechanical keyboard setup. It's important to note that individual preferences, as well as factors such as choice of keycaps and keyboard build, can also influence the overall typing experience with these switches.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsunc Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Orange linear switch, consider the specific qualities you are looking for in your typing experience. If you value a lighter bottom out force, a high-pitched clacky sound profile, and a creamy, frictionless feel, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force, a low-pitched sound profile, and a bouncy, frictionless feel, the Orange switch could be the better option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences and what aspects of typing experience matter most to you.