Bsun Kiki Red vs. Kailh Plum
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Kailh Plum switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch to the Kailh Plum tactile switch, a clear distinction can be seen in their typing experiences. The Kiki Reds from BSUN offer a finely-tuned, high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these medium-light weighting switches provide a subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse that appeals to enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum switches feel hefty but lack a significant tactile bump, offering a unique typing experience with a neutral and enjoyable sound profile. While the Kiki Reds are known for their clacky feel, the Plum switches stand out for their weightiness without a pronounced tactile bump. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your specific needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.70 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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 and the Kailh Plum both offer unique characteristics in their housing materials. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing, which creates a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the Plum utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. While POM offers a unique sound experience, polycarbonate is preferred for its clarity and resonance. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for RGB lighting, adding a visual appeal to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiki Red's POM material once again creates a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the Plum's nylon bottom housing delivers a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound. While POM offers a unique sound experience, nylon provides a different typing feel with its more absorbent properties. The choice between the two housing materials ultimately depends on the desired sound and feel that the user is looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Despite their differences, the Bsun Kiki Red and Kailh Plum both showcase the importance of housing materials in determining the sound and feel of a mechanical keyboard switch. Whether it's the POM top housing of the Kiki Red or the polycarbonate top housing of the Plum, each material offers its unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. Both switches demonstrate how the choice of housing material can have a significant impact on the overall typing experience, making them stand out options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts looking for distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch differ significantly. The Kiki Red has a light actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch while typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Plum switch has a medium-heavy bottom out force of 70 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. The actuation force of the Plum switch is unknown, but given the bottom out force, it is likely to be heavier than the Kiki Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference, with the Kiki Red being the lighter option and the Plum being the heavier option for a more tactile typing experience.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch have the same travel distance of 3.6mm. This means that when pressing down on a key equipped with either switch, users will experience the same distance of travel from the top to the bottom. Consequently, the feel and feedback from pressing down on keys with either switch will be similar, providing a consistent typing experience regardless of which switch is chosen. Overall, both switches offer the same travel distance, ensuring that users will get similar results in terms of keypress feedback and typing comfort.
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 Kailh Plum comes in at $6.25 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 and high-pitched nuance, providing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch offers a neutral and enjoyable sound profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. Ultimately, the sound of a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Regarding feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Kailh Plum switch is characterized as mild and stepped, providing a gentle typing experience with a subtle tactile bump and two-stage keystroke feel. The choice between these switches would depend on the user's preference for typing smoothness and tactility.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in providing a finely-tuned typing experience with a unique sound signature and medium-light weighting, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and smooth performance. On the other hand, the Kailh Plum tactile switch stands out for its hefty feel without a pronounced tactile bump, offering a neutral sound profile and a mild typing experience suitable for various users. Both switches offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences, allowing newcomers to explore and choose based on their desired typing experience.
Conclusion
In summary, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Kailh Plum tactile switch, consider the following guidelines. Choose the Kiki Red if you prioritize a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of high-pitched, clacky sound, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting. This switch is ideal for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, opt for the Plum if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-heavy bottom out force, unique weightiness without a huge tactile bump, and a neutral sound profile that is enjoyable. The Plum is suitable for most intents and purposes, offering a moderate actuation force requirement. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience.
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