Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, offering a balance between high-pitched clacky nuance and comfortable actuation. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches provide a smooth and satisfying typing experience, ideal for those who value subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple tactile switch lacks specific defining characteristics but is known for its tactile feedback without being overly loud. While the Kiki Red offers a clacky and smooth typing experience, the Purple switch provides tactile feedback for a more responsive feel. 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
2.00 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 Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Purple switches have distinct differences in their housing materials. The Kiki Red utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Purple switch features a polycarbonate top housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in material leads to contrasting sound experiences for users of these switches.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Kiki Red employs POM which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile. In comparison, the Purple switch uses nylon for its bottom housing, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This shows that even the choice of material for the bottom housing can greatly impact the overall sound experience of a switch. While both materials have their unique qualities, they cater to different preferences when it comes to typing sound and feel.
It is important to note that the housing materials used in a switch can greatly affect the typing experience. The split between the top and bottom housing materials in a switch like the Kiki Red or Purple means that each part contributes differently to the overall sound and feel when typing. The top housing material is more influential when it comes to the sound upon key release, while the bottom housing material plays a larger role in the bottom-out sound and feel. Understanding these differences allows users to choose a switch that best suits their preferences and typing style.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch provide interesting points of comparison. The Kiki Red 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 touch when typing. On the other hand, the Outemu Purple has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams, but its bottom out force is unknown. This makes the Purple switch more suitable for individuals who prefer a stronger push feel while typing. Ultimately, the Kiki Red offers a lighter typing experience, whereas the Outemu Purple provides a more substantial feel. Whether one prefers a lighter or heavier switch will depend on personal preference and the intended use of the keyboard.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it slightly shorter than the Outemu Purple tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular in the keyboard market. Gamers may prefer the Kiki Red for its slightly faster response time due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who enjoy a more substantial keypress may opt for the Outemu Purple with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of typing feel and responsiveness.
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 Purple 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 clacky and high-pitched sound that strikes a balance between being comfortably audible without being excessively loud. This switch offers a crisp, bright, and percussive sound when pressed, creating a satisfying auditory experience for users. On the other hand, there is no specific information available about the sound profile of the Outemu Purple tactile switch, so it is difficult to make a direct comparison in this aspect.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This means users can expect a smooth and buttery feel, minimal resistance, refined key travel, responsiveness, and low actuation force when using these switches. On the other hand, information about the tactile feel of the Outemu Purple switch is not provided, making it challenging to contrast the two switches in terms of tactile feedback.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch appears to excel in providing a balanced and high-quality typing experience with a unique sound signature and smooth actuation. While the Outemu Purple switch's qualities are unknown in this comparison, if you are seeking similar sound and feel qualities to the Bsun Kiki Red switch, it is recommended to consider switches with comparable characteristics such as medium-weighting, POM housings, and smooth actuation for a satisfying typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Purple tactile switch, you should consider your preference for a tactile or linear typing experience. If you value a smooth and easy-to-press switch with a medium-light weighting and a high-pitched, clacky sound, then the Kiki Reds would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a tactile bump and a different sound profile, you may want to opt for the Outemu Purple switches. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and the sound and feel you prefer while typing.
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