Bsun Kiki Red vs. KTT Phalaenopsis

Overview

When choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Phalaenopsis stand out as top contenders in their respective categories. The Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance between sound and smoothness. Its medium-light weighting and unique sound signature make it a preferred choice for enthusiasts seeking subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis switches from KTT feature a light actuation force of 37g, making typing effortless and minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. With a satisfying tactile bump at 50g of force, each keystroke becomes a delightful experience. Ultimately, the choice between the linear Kiki Red and tactile Phalaenopsis hinges on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

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Housing materials

The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Phalaenopsis differ in terms of their construction and resulting sound profiles. The Kiki Red utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deeper and more muted sound profile. In contrast, the Phalaenopsis features polycarbonate housings for both the top and bottom, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. The stiffness of polycarbonate contributes to a clear and resonant sound, particularly noticeable when key presses are made.

Although the top housing materials of the Kiki Red and Phalaenopsis differ, with the former using POM and the latter using polycarbonate, the bottom housing boasts the same material for both switches. This means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel is consistent across both switches. However, the choice of housing material for the top can significantly affect the sound when releasing a key. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red will offer a deeper and more muted sound upon release, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Phalaenopsis will result in a crisper and higher-pitched sound.

Overall, the choice of housing material in a switch can greatly impact the sound and feel of typing. Both the POM and polycarbonate materials offer unique sound profiles, with POM producing a deeper and more muted sound while polycarbonate provides a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in material between the top and bottom housing can influence the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing impacting the sound upon key release. Whether you prefer the unique sound of POM or the crisper sound of polycarbonate, both the Kiki Red and Phalaenopsis switches offer distinct qualities based on their housing materials.

Weight

The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch both have relatively light actuation and bottom out forces, making them suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Phalaenopsis has an actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams. Both switches have the same bottom out force, but the Phalaenopsis is slightly lighter in terms of actuation force. For individuals who enjoy a lighter typing feel, either of these switches would provide a comfortable typing experience for extended periods of time. Those who prefer a heavier push for a more substantial typing feedback may want to consider other options with higher actuation forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation force.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Phalaenopsis has a longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. The Kiki Red falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it a suitable choice for those looking for a quicker response time, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis offers a slightly deeper press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more robust feel when typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Kiki Red offering a shorter travel distance for faster responses and the Phalaenopsis providing a longer travel distance for a more substantial feel.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing users with a sharp and snappy auditory experience that is both high-pitched and comfortably loud, offering a unique typing ambiance. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch offers a bassy and thocky sound, giving a deeper and richer tone during key presses, creating a more satisfying and immersive auditory feedback. Depending on personal preference and the overall setup of the keyboard, users can achieve different sound profiles with each switch.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, boasting a smooth and buttery feel with minimal resistance, creating a silky sensation while typing. Additionally, the switch is also known for being snappy and easy-to-press, providing a responsive and low-impact typing experience that enhances overall comfort. On the other hand, the KTT Phalaenopsis switch is described as having a stepped tactile feel, which offers a two-stage sensation during keystrokes, allowing users to feel pre-travel and post-travel during each press. This unique tactile feedback provides users with a more nuanced typing experience, giving a mix of smoothness and tactility.

Overall, when comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, it's evident that they offer distinct qualities in both sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience with a medium-light weighting, ideal for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Phalaenopsis stands out with its bassy and thocky sound profile, coupled with a stepped tactile feel that offers a satisfying and discernible tactile bump. Depending on personal preference and typing style, users can choose between these switches to customize their typing experience to their liking.

Conclusion

Bringing it all together, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Phalaenopsis tactile switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and a medium-light weighting for subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize effortless typing with minimal finger fatigue, a light 37g actuation force, and a satisfying tactile bump for a delightful keystroke experience, the Phalaenopsis switch would be more suitable for your needs. Additionally, consider your preference in sound profile – whether you prefer a clacky sound from the Kiki Red or a bassy, thocky sound from the Phalaenopsis. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal typing preferences and the typing experience you want to achieve.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more

KTT Phalaenopsis Tactile

$4.73

$4.15 per 10

Learn more