Bsun Kiki Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Gray
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray mechanical keyboard switches, it's clear that both offer unique typing experiences suited for different preferences. The Kiki Reds provide a finely-tuned and clacky typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched sound, thanks to their all-POM housings and Ly stems. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray switches offer a bouncy typing experience with a clean and clacky sound profile. While the Kiki Reds are preferred for their subtlety in auditory feedback and smooth actuation, the Polaris Gray switches are loved for their bouncy feel. 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray both 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 overall. In contrast, the Polaris Gray incorporates polycarbonate for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. While both materials offer their own advantages, such as POM providing a pleasing sound and polycarbonate offering clarity and resonance, the final sound experience will vary between the two switches.
Moreover, the use of different housing materials in the top and bottom housings can also impact the overall sound and feel of the switch. In the case of the Kiki Red, having POM for both the top and bottom housing means that the qualities of this material are evenly distributed throughout the switch. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray's polycarbonate top and bottom housing will likely result in a more uniform sound profile across both the press and release of a key. This difference in housing material distribution can influence the typing experience and the overall satisfaction with the switch's performance.
Overall, while the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Polaris Gray may have different housing materials, they both aim to provide a unique and enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer the deep and muted sound of POM or the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer their own benefits and cater to different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference in terms of sound profile, feel, and aesthetics.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch offer different typing experiences due to their varying weights. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it more suitable for users who prefer a lighter typing feel for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the Polaris Gray has an unknown actuation force and a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. While the Kiki Red offers a lighter typing experience, the Polaris Gray offers a heavier one, catering to different preferences among keyboard enthusiasts.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, making it the shorter option compared to the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, which has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red offers a slightly quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, which can be beneficial for gamers seeking fast reactions. On the other hand, the Polaris Gray provides a more substantial key press feel with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced tactile experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and the type of typing or gaming experience desired.
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 SP-Star Polaris Gray has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Polaris Gray for $5.00.
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 best described as clacky, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed, with a comfortably high-pitched nuance that strikes a balance between loudness and subtlety. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for a clean and clacky sound profile, featuring a low-pitched and thocky tone that provides a satisfying auditory experience. Both switches offer unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a brighter sound and the Polaris Gray offering a mellower tone.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is characterized by its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, providing a smooth and effortless sensation during key presses. The switch is also described as silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, making it suitable for users who appreciate a refined and responsive tactile feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch is known for its mild and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches provide a comfortable and approachable feel, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a more lively and responsive typing experience while the Polaris Gray caters to a softer and more subdued tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch stands out for its clacky sound profile and creamy, frictionless feel, offering a balanced combination of auditory feedback and tactile sensation. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch excels in providing a clean and thocky sound, accompanied by a mild and polished typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these two switches would depend on personal preferences for sound and feel, but rest assured that both options offer high-quality performance for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Gray linear switch, consider the factors of typing experience you value the most. If you prefer a lighter typing experience with a high-pitched and clacky sound, along with smooth actuation and a finely tuned feel, the Kiki Red switch may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy typing experience with a clean and bouncy sound profile, along with a mild and polished feel, the Polaris Gray switch could be your ideal choice. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.
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