Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Crystal Brown

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to consider are the Bsun Kiki Red, a linear switch, and the Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch. The Kiki Reds from BSUN are praised for their finely-tuned typing experience, offering a comfortable high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches provide a unique sound signature and a medium-light weighting for a subtle tactile experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown switch doesn't have specific standout characteristics mentioned but is known for its tactile feedback. While both switches have their strengths, the decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

$3.10 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown both offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials. The Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Crystal Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Crystal Brown allows for a more resonant and clear sound profile, particularly beneficial for those looking to utilize RGB lighting due to its translucency. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red continues to provide a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Crystal Brown's nylon bottom housing absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound.

Though the Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Crystal Brown have different top and bottom housing materials, the impact of each material is felt in different aspects of typing. The qualities of the bottom housing are more prominent in the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, affecting the overall typing experience. On the other hand, the top housing primarily influences the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall tactile feedback. Both switches offer unique characteristics based on their housing materials, providing users with a variety of sound profiles to choose from based on their preferences.

Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Crystal Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The POM top and bottom housing of the Kiki Red create a pleasing and unique sound, while the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom housing of the Crystal Brown offer a sharper, crisper sound with a deeper and fuller tone. Both switches have distinct qualities that cater to different typing preferences, whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound with more resonance. Depending on your desired sound profile and typing experience, either switch can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, the Kiki Red is lighter in both regards. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which offers a slightly heavier feel compared to the Kiki Red. Both switches provide a smooth typing experience, but the Kiki Red is better suited for those who prefer a more effortless keystroke, while the Crystal Brown is better for those who prefer a slightly more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing force.

Travel distance

In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, we can see that the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Crystal Brown has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red offers a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Crystal Brown provides a bit more depth in the keystroke, which some users may find more satisfying for typing or general use. Both switches offer distinct advantages based on their travel distance, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference in determining which one suits your typing style and needs best.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky nature, producing a sharp, snappy, and high-pitched sound when pressed. This sound profile is not overly loud, making it ideal for those who appreciate a more subtle auditory feedback during typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown, so it is difficult to compare the two in this aspect. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.

Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and buttery feel while typing, with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. The switch is also said to be silky and easy-to-press, providing a comfortable and responsive typing experience. Unfortunately, there is no information available about the tactile feel of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison between the two in this regard.

In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its unique sound profile that strikes a balance between high-pitched clackiness and moderate loudness, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking subtlety in auditory feedback. Additionally, its smooth and effortless typing feel, characterized by a creamy and frictionless experience, further enhances the overall typing experience for users. On the other hand, the tactile characteristics of the Outemu Crystal Brown switch remain unknown, making it difficult to assess its performance in comparison to the Kiki Red switch. Ultimately, both switches may offer similar results if the user prioritizes a smooth and responsive typing experience with nuanced auditory feedback.

Conclusion

To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you appreciate a smooth and subtly tactile typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound, the Kiki Red may be the right choice for you. The Kiki Red offers a light bottom out force and a creamy, polished, and frictionless feel during typing. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and a tactile feedback, the Crystal Brown may be more suitable. Ultimately, your choice should be based on your personal preference for feel and sound while typing.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more