Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Green
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch to the Outemu Green clicky switch, each offers unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Reds from Bsun are praised for their finely-tuned typing experience, offering a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches provide a subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance, making them ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate finesse in their mechanical keyboard experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch does not have a specific standout feature mentioned. However, it falls under categories such as clacky, creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, easy-to-press. When deciding between these switches, it is important to consider your preference for auditory feedback and typing feel. 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
65g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
80g
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
Standard
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 Green switches offer different sound profiles due to the use of POM and polycarbonate, as well as Nylon. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red creates a deep and relatively muted sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Green produces a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing offers a pleasing and unique sound that is deep and muted, whereas the Green's nylon bottom housing elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition.
While the top housing materials of the Kiki Red and the Green switches differ, the qualities they bring to the switches showcase unique sound profiles. The use of POM in the top housing of the Kiki Red results in a more unique and pleasing sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Green creates a sharper and higher-pitched sound. On the other hand, the bottom housings of these switches play a significant role in the overall sound profile, with the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing creating a deeper and more muted sound, and the Green's nylon bottom housing producing a duller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic composition.
Ultimately, the choice between the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Green switches will depend on the desired sound profile and typing experience. If a switch features clear housing, it is more likely to be polycarbonate, which is beneficial for RGB lighting effects. Switches with Nylon bottom housings will offer a fuller and deeper sound profile, while POM top housings create a more unique and pleasing sound. Understanding the impact of each housing material on the sound profile can help in selecting the switch that best fits individual preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Green clicky switch, which requires 65 grams to actuate. This means that the Kiki Red switch may feel more responsive and easier to trigger keystrokes with a lighter touch. However, when it comes to bottoming out, the Kiki Red also has a lighter force of 50 grams compared to the Green switch's 80 grams. This suggests that the Kiki Red switch may provide a softer and smoother typing experience overall. In contrast, the Outemu Green switch offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, which some users may prefer for a more tactile and satisfying typing feel. In terms of weight, the Kiki Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for prolonged typing sessions or gaming where lighter keypresses are preferred. Conversely, the Green switch is heavier in both aspects, providing a more robust and deliberate typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for typing feel and weight preference.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the Outemu Green clicky switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red switch would provide a slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for quick reactions. On the other hand, the Outemu Green switch offers a bit more depth with its longer travel distance, which may feel more comfortable for those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Both switches offer different tactile experiences based on their travel distances, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Green 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch's sound qualities are not specified. The Kiki Red switch provides a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, adding a satisfying auditory element to the typing experience. It's important to note that sound can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is highly praised for its smoothness and medium-light weighting. Descriptors such as "creamy," "frictionless," "polished," "silky," "snappy," and "easy-to-press" highlight the exceptional typing experience these switches offer. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the feel of the Outemu Green clicky switch. It's evident that the Kiki Red switch prioritizes a seamless and effortless typing experience for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety and finesse in performance.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its balanced high-pitched sound, smooth actuation, and comfortable weighting, providing a refined typing experience for users. On the other hand, the Outemu Green clicky switch lacks specific details about its sound and feel qualities. If you are seeking a switch with similar desirable qualities as the Kiki Red, consider looking for linear switches that emphasize smoothness, ease of pressing, and a pleasant sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with a light actuation force, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a refined and subtle tactile feedback, perfect for those who appreciate a quieter typing environment. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile and clicky typing experience with a heavier actuation force, the Outemu Green clicky switch would be more suitable for you. These switches provide a more pronounced tactile and audible feedback, making them ideal for those who enjoy a more impactful typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
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