Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Red
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Red are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, offering different qualities that cater to specific preferences. The Kiki Red, known for its finely-tuned typing experience, provides a high-pitched clacky nuance without being excessively loud, thanks to its all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation. With a medium-light weighting, these switches are favored by users who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Red is characterized by a lack of specific features or qualities in the provided information. When choosing between these two switches, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
46g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.10 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 Bsun Kiki Red utilizes a POM top housing, which creates a deeper and relatively more muted sound profile compared to the Outemu Red's polycarbonate top housing. The use of POM creates a unique and pleasing sound that is favored by many enthusiasts. In contrast, the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiffness. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing contributes to a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the Outemu Red's nylon bottom housing provides a fuller and rounder sound experience. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound than harder plastics, leading to a duller sound that some users may prefer for a more satisfying typing experience. The combination of different housing materials in the top and bottom of the switches allows for a balanced sound profile that takes into account both the impact when pressing down on a key and the sound when releasing it.
In summary, while both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Red offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, they each cater to different preferences. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red results in a pleasing and deeper sound, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Outemu Red creates a sharper and crisper sound. Similarly, the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red produces a muted sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Outemu Red offers a fuller and rounder sound experience. Ultimately, both switches provide distinct characteristics that cater to the individual preferences of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter overall. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Outemu Red has an actuation force of 46 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. The Kiki Red requires less force to trigger a keystroke and less force to bottom out compared to the Outemu Red, making it a lighter option for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Red provides a more substantial typing experience with heavier forces required for both actuation and bottom out. Overall, those who prefer a lighter touch for longer typing sessions or gaming may find the Kiki Red switch more suitable, while those who prefer a heavier push feel may opt for the Outemu Red switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Red linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Outemu Red switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Kiki Red switch. The Bsun Kiki Red switch would provide a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, making it a preferred choice for gamers looking for speed. On the other hand, the Outemu Red switch with its longer travel distance may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial keypress feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for travel distance and keypress sensation.
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 Red 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 sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is both bright and percussive. On the other hand, the Outemu Red linear switch's sound characteristics are unknown. The sound produced by a switch is also influenced by external factors such as the keyboard's construction and keycap material.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience, characterized by a smooth and buttery sensation that enhances typing comfort. Additionally, the switch is described as polished and silky, providing a refined and effortless key press. The switch is also noted for being easy-to-press, requiring minimal force for activation. Conversely, the Outemu Red switch's tactile feel is unspecified, leaving its typing experience subject to unknown characteristics.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in providing a finely-tuned typing experience with a unique sound profile and smooth tactile feel. Enthusiasts who appreciate a medium-light weighting and subtlety in auditory feedback may find these switches to be ideal for their preferences. As for the Outemu Red linear switch, without specific information on its sound and feel, it is difficult to directly compare the two switches. However, given the similarities in their linear switch design, users can expect to achieve comparable results in terms of typing performance and switch actuation. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and the specific characteristics desired in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
Bringing it all together, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Red linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned, subtly clacky switch with medium-light weighting and a smooth actuation, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly higher bottom out force and seek a different typing experience without specific sound or feel preferences, the Outemu Red may suit your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these switches comes down to personal preference in terms of sound, feel, and typing performance.
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