Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Silent Grey
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Silent Grey switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Silent Grey are two popular options that offer distinct typing experiences. The Kiki Red is a linear switch that provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly in the stems, these switches offer a medium-light weighting for a subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey is a tactile switch known for its quiet and highly tactile typing experience, featuring a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke perfect for those seeking a satisfying yet silent typing experience. 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
65g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.60 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 Outemu Silent Grey switches differ significantly in terms of the sound profile they produce. The Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Grey's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the Silent Grey's nylon bottom housing contributes to a fuller and rounder sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing. These differences in sound profile can greatly impact the overall typing experience for users of these switches.
While the Kiki Red and Silent Grey switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they both offer unique benefits. The POM top and bottom housing of the Kiki Red create a pleasing sound profile that is on the deeper side, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Silent Grey offers a sharper and clearer sound. However, the nylon bottom housing of the Silent Grey provides a deeper and fuller sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing. Despite these differences, both switches excel in producing distinct sound profiles that appeal to keyboard enthusiasts looking for a specific typing experience.
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Silent Grey switches, it is evident that each material brings its own unique qualities to the typing experience. The differences in sound profiles created by the POM and polycarbonate top housings, as well as the nylon and POM bottom housings, offer users a variety of options to choose from based on their preferences. Whether you prefer a deeper, muted sound or a sharper, crisper sound, both switches deliver excellent performance with their respective housing materials. Ultimately, the choice between the Kiki Red and Silent Grey switches will come down to personal preference and the kind of typing experience desired by each user.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a good choice for those who prefer a light typing experience. In contrast, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a heavier actuation force of 50 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 65 grams, providing a more substantial push feel for typing. Those who prefer a stronger typing experience may gravitate towards the Silent Grey switch. For those who prefer lighter switches, the Kiki Red would be the preferred option. Both switches offer different typing experiences due to their variances in actuation and bottom out forces, providing users with the ability to choose based on their preference for typing weight.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Silent Grey has a longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Silent Grey being slightly on the longer side. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may lean towards the Kiki Red due to its shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial key press may opt for the Silent Grey. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key 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 Silent Grey 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 offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This sound is crisp, bright, and percussive, adding a unique auditory feedback to typing sessions. On the other hand, the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch is known for its quiet operation, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subdued typing sound. The absence of a sound description for the Silent Grey switch indicates that it is designed to offer a quiet typing experience without any specific standout sound attributes.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience. The smoothness and buttery sensation of the switch, along with its polished finish, contribute to a refined and easy-to-press typing feel. The tactile feedback combined with the low actuation force makes typing effortless and comfortable, reducing finger fatigue during extended use. Conversely, the feel of the Outemu Silent Grey switch is not specifically described, but it is known to offer a highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, providing a satisfying typing sensation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red switch provides a clacky typing sound and a creamy, frictionless feel, while the Silent Grey switch excels in providing a quiet typing experience with a highly tactile feel. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red appealing to those who enjoy a more audible typing experience and finesse in performance, while the Silent Grey is suitable for users seeking a quiet yet satisfying typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for sound and tactile feedback during typing sessions.
Conclusion
To sum up, in deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Silent Grey tactile switch, you should consider your preference for auditory feedback and typing experience. If you value a subtly high-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth and medium-light typing feel, the Kiki Red would be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a quiet and highly tactile typing experience with a pronounced bump and smooth keystroke, the Silent Grey switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and the specific typing experience you are looking for. Choose the switch that aligns best with your preferences and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
