Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Silent Green
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Silent Green switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Silent Green are two mechanical keyboard switches that offer different typing experiences. The Kiki Red is a linear switch best known for its finely-tuned typing experience, offering a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. Its all-POM housings and Ly stems contribute to a unique sound signature and smooth actuation. With medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red is favored by enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Green is a linear switch with no specific standout features mentioned. Both switches offer a smooth typing experience, but the Kiki Red is known for its unique sound profile and tactile feedback. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
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
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
pom
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Silent Green switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Kiki Red utilizing POM material for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Silent Green switches feature a polycarbonate top and bottom housing, creating a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The stiffer nature of polycarbonate contributes to a clearer and more resonant sound, making it ideal for switches that prioritize a more distinct sound profile.
While the Kiki Red and Silent Green switches differ in their housing materials, both POM and polycarbonate offer benefits in terms of sound quality. Whether using POM or polycarbonate, the translucency of the material allows for RGB lighting to shine through, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the keyboard. Additionally, the stiffer nature of polycarbonate ensures a more consistent sound profile, particularly when it comes to bottoming out the keys. By understanding the qualities of each housing material, keyboard enthusiasts can choose switches that best suit their desired typing experience and sound preferences.
Ultimately, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Silent Green switches comes down to personal preference in sound profile and feel. The use of POM in the Kiki Red may appeal to those who prefer a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Silent Green offers a sharper and crisper sound. Whether pressing down or releasing a key, the housing material plays a crucial role in the overall typing experience, influencing both sound and feel. By considering the characteristics of each housing material, keyboard enthusiasts can make an informed decision based on their individual preferences and priorities.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams when compared to the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, which has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. The Kiki Red switch is lighter overall, making it ideal for extended typing or gaming sessions where fatigue may be a concern. On the other hand, the Silent Green switch provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Both switches offer a smooth linear action, so regardless of the force differential, users can expect a similar typing experience in terms of smoothness and consistency. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Green linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Green switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red switch. Generally, a shorter travel distance can provide a faster response time, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, a longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth when pressing the keys. Both options offer their own advantages, so it ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. If you prefer a quicker response, the Kiki Red switch with its shorter travel distance may be more suitable for you. However, if you enjoy a more deliberate and substantial keypress, the Silent Green switch with its longer travel distance may be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer different tactile experiences for different preferences.
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 Silent 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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound, which provides a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive. In contrast, the sound profile of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch is unknown, so it's difficult to make a direct comparison. However, it's 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.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These qualities combine to provide a smooth and refined feel, minimizing resistance and enhancing the overall typing comfort. On the other hand, the tactile qualities of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch are unknown, making it challenging to draw a direct comparison in terms of typing feel.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its unique combination of medium-light weighting, POM housings, Ly stems, and various smooth and responsive tactile qualities, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking a balance of auditory feedback and performance finesse. While the specific characteristics of the Outemu Silent Green linear switch are not provided, it's important for newcomers to consider their personal preferences in terms of sound, feel, and other factors when selecting a mechanical keyboard switch for their setup. Ultimately, both switches have their unique qualities, and depending on individual preferences, users can achieve similar results in typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Green linear switch, you should consider the specific characteristics of each switch. If you prioritize a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched sound, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting, then the Kiki Red switch would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and do not have specific sound or feel preferences, the Silent Green switch could be a suitable option. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences regarding sound, feel, and typing experience.
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