Bsun Kiki Red vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and Akko V3 Piano Pro are both linear switches known for their unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard users. The Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, perfect for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a lively and crisp quality to each keystroke. While the Kiki Red is described as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', and 'Snappy', the V3 Piano Pro is categorized as 'Bouncy', 'Resonant', and 'Silky'. Both switches have their unique strengths, 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
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro keyboards feature unique housing materials that contribute to their distinct sound profiles. The Kiki Red utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and muted sound. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro uses nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and rounder sound. While both keyboards have different housing materials, they both aim to create a pleasing typing experience with their unique sound profiles.
The choice of housing material for the top housing of the Kiki Red affects the sound when a key is pressed down, while the bottom housing impacts the bottom-out sound and feel. Conversely, the V3 Piano Pro's nylon housing material absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound when pressing down a key. Despite these differences, both keyboards offer a unique tactile experience with their respective housing materials. The POM housing of the Kiki Red and the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro each contribute to the overall typing experience in their own distinctive ways.
In terms of housing materials, the Kiki Red and the V3 Piano Pro offer contrasting characteristics. While the POM housing of the Kiki Red creates a deeper and more muted sound, the nylon housing of the V3 Piano Pro produces a fuller and rounder sound. However, both keyboards aim to provide a pleasing typing experience with their unique sound profiles. Whether it's the impact on the sound when pressing down a key or the feel of bottom-out sound, each keyboard's housing material plays a crucial role in delivering a satisfying typing experience. Despite their differences, both the Kiki Red and the V3 Piano Pro offer high-quality housing materials that cater to the preferences of discerning keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is clear that the Kiki Red is lighter in both aspects. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a light option. In contrast, the V3 Piano Pro has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, which is slightly heavier than the Kiki Red. This means that the V3 Piano Pro will provide a slightly more substantial typing experience compared to the Kiki Red. Both switches offer a smooth linear typing experience, but the slight difference in weight may appeal to different preferences. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may opt for the Kiki Red, while those who prefer a slightly heavier push may prefer the V3 Piano Pro.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall into the category of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, especially gamers. The slight difference of 0.1 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to most users, as they both offer a relatively short and snappy typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will come down to personal preference in terms of tactile feedback and typing feel.
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 Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
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, both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches are described as producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, giving them a clacky sound profile. While the Kiki Red offers a comfortably high-pitched nuance without being excessively loud, the V3 Piano Pro adds a lively, crisp quality to each keystroke. The V3 Piano Pro also provides a resonant sound profile that contributes to an immersive auditory experience, making it a potentially more engaging choice for users looking for a vibrant typing sound.
When it comes to feel, the Kiki Red offers a smooth and buttery typing experience described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate that the Kiki Red switch provides a refined, low-friction, and effortless typing experience, making it suitable for users who prioritize smooth and responsive key presses. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is also described as creamy, polished, and silky, emphasizing its smooth and refined typing feel. Additionally, the Piano Pro switch offers a bouncy sensation, providing a spring-like feedback when pressed, which may appeal to users seeking a lively and rebounding typing experience.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. While the Kiki Red excels in providing a nuanced and subtly clacky sound with a range of smooth and easy-to-press feel descriptors, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its crisp and lively sound signature combined with a smooth and bouncy typing feel. Depending on individual preferences for typing sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting, then the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a snappy sound signature, smooth actuation, and a medium-light feel with a touch of bounciness, the V3 Piano Pro could be more suitable for your typing needs. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so it's important to consider what factors are most important to you when making your decision. Ultimately, the best switch for you will be the one that enhances your typing experience and aligns with your individual preferences.
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