Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Maple Leaf
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Maple Leaf stand out among the rest. The Kiki Red is a linear switch that offers a finely-tuned typing experience, striking a balance with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf is a tactile switch that doesn't have a specific standout feature mentioned. The Kiki Red is best suited for enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and smoothness in performance, while the Maple Leaf is a bit of a mystery. However, let's dive deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Maple Leaf switches utilize different housing materials for their top and bottom components. The Kiki Red features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Maple Leaf switches use nylon for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound due to the softer nature of nylon. While both switches aim to produce a pleasing sound, the choice of materials leads to distinct auditory experiences for users.
In terms of sound profile, the POM housings of the Kiki Red switches create a unique and deep sound that is relatively muted. On the other hand, the nylon housings of the Maple Leaf switches offer a fuller sound with a rounder tone, thanks to the material's ability to absorb more sound. This contrast in sound characteristics can cater to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts, with some favoring the subdued sound of POM and others enjoying the richness of nylon. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials may come down to personal preference and the desired typing experience.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall performance of the switches, it's evident that the bottom housing plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on the switch. Meanwhile, the top housing influences the sound that occurs when releasing a key. This separation of qualities between the top and bottom components allows for a more nuanced typing experience, as users can appreciate the different sound profiles produced by each housing material. Whether opting for the POM top and bottom housing of the Kiki Red or the nylon housing of the Maple Leaf, users can expect a unique and satisfying typing experience tailored to their preferences.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 55 grams. The bottom out force of the Kiki Red is also lighter at 50 grams, while the Maple Leaf has a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams. This means that the Kiki Red switch will provide a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for longer periods of typing or gaming sessions. On the other hand, the Maple Leaf switch will require a bit more force to type, giving a more substantial typing experience. Both switches offer different weights to cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red being lighter and the Maple Leaf being medium-heavy. So, if you prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiki Red would be the better option, while the Maple Leaf would be suitable for those who prefer a heavier key press.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. This makes the Kiki Red slightly longer in terms of travel distance compared to the Maple Leaf. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Kiki Red would offer a slightly deeper press compared to the Maple Leaf, which might be preferred by some users who enjoy a more substantial key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would come down to personal preference regarding travel distance and key response.
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 Maple Leaf 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 moderately high-pitched and clacky sound when pressed, providing a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch's sound characteristics are unknown. It is important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycaps used.
When it comes to the feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its smooth actuation and medium-light weighting. This switch provides a polished and silky sensation, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. In contrast, the tactile feel of the Outemu Maple Leaf switch is not specified. Both switches are designed to enhance the typing experience by offering comfort and responsiveness to users.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its balanced sound profile and smooth tactile feel, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in both auditory and tactile feedback. While the qualities of the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch are unknown, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of sound and feel by choosing the appropriate keycaps and keyboard setup to complement the switch's characteristics. As an expert in mechanical keyboard switches, I recommend trying out different switches to find the one that best suits your preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values a smooth and effortless typing experience with a focus on subtle auditory feedback, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. The Kiki Reds offer a light bottom out force of 50 grams, making them easy to press and perfect for reducing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy bottom out force of 65 grams and are looking for a tactile switch that provides a balance of feedback and performance without being excessively loud, the Outemu Maple Leaf tactile switch would be more suitable for you. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will come down to your personal preference for typing feel and sound, so choose accordingly based on what best suits your typing style and preferences.
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