Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Blue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Blue switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Blue offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Reds are linear switches that provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switches are clicky switches that offer a different tactile experience with a distinct audible click. The Kiki Reds are ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, while the Outemu Blues are well-suited for individuals who prefer a more pronounced tactile and audible typing experience. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Blue switches provide different sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Kiki Red utilizes POM in both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound when typing. In contrast, the Blue switch features a polycarbonate top housing, giving off a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The nylon bottom housing of the Blue switch offers a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing. Overall, the Kiki Red provides a quieter and softer typing experience, while the Outemu Blue delivers a more distinct and resonant sound.
Despite their differences, both the Kiki Red and the Outemu Blue switches share some similarities in housing materials. Both switches utilize a softer plastic material in either the top or bottom housing, resulting in a smoother typing experience with less noise compared to switches with stiffer housing materials. However, the use of polycarbonate in the Blue switch's top housing allows for a more clear and resonant sound profile, especially when paired with RGB lighting due to its translucency. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM housing creates a unique and pleasing sound that is on the deeper side, offering a quieter typing experience overall.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note that the bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. The choice between POM and nylon in the top and bottom housing of a switch will ultimately determine the sound profile, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience. Whether opting for the Kiki Red with its deeper and muted sound or the Outemu Blue with its sharper and crisper sound, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on their housing materials.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force is unknown. This means that the Blue switch may provide a more substantial typing feel for those who prefer a stronger push. Overall, the Kiki Red switch is lighter in terms of actuation force, while the Blue switch is heavier in comparison. Both switches offer different typing experiences, so it ultimately depends on personal preference whether a lighter or heavier force is preferred.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm while the Blue has a longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red may be preferred by those looking for a faster response time in their key presses, such as gamers, due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue switch offers a more substantial feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a deeper keypress sensation. Both switches provide different experiences based on their respective travel distances, catering to individual preferences for typing or gaming.
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 Outemu Blue comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
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 known for its clacky nuance, providing a sharp and snappy sound that is crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Blue clicky switch's sound characteristics are unknown, but it may offer a louder and more tactile typing experience. Depending on factors such as the keyboard housing and keycaps used, the sound produced by each switch may vary.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This indicates that the switch is smooth, responsive, and minimizes resistance during key presses, resulting in a comfortable and effortless typing feel. As for the Outemu Blue clicky switch, the information on its feel characteristics is not provided, but it may provide a tactile and satisfying typing experience with a noticeable click sound upon actuation.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its balanced sound profile, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting that caters to users who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. In contrast, the Outemu Blue clicky switch may offer a louder and more tactile typing experience, making it a preferred choice for users who enjoy a distinct click sound with each key press. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a mechanical keyboard switch that offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched clackiness, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting, then the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a clicky switch that provides a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, the Outemu Blue clicky switch might be more suitable for your needs. Consider your preference for sound and feel when making your decision between these two switches. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experience.
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