Bsun Kiki Red vs. SP-Star Polaris Purple
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple stand out for their unique characteristics. The Kiki Reds from BSUN are linear switches that offer a finely-tuned typing experience, striking a balance with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. In contrast, the Polaris Purples are tactile switches, known for their big tactile bump that provides an exhilarating typing experience with a snappy sound profile. The Kiki Red's medium-light weighting and smooth actuation make it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback, while the Polaris Purple's tactile bump offers a more pronounced tactile feedback. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and typing style, so 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
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Polaris Purple, one can see clear differences in the sound profiles they produce. The Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housings create a deeper and more muted sound, providing a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Polaris Purple's polycarbonate top and bottom housings produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to the stiffness of the plastic. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users who have a preference for a specific sound profile.
Aesthetically, the housing materials of the two switches also differ in terms of their appearance. The POM housings of the Kiki Red offer a solid and opaque look, while the polycarbonate housings of the Polaris Purple have a translucent quality that allows for RGB lighting to shine through. This visual distinction can be important for users who value the appearance of their keyboard setup. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate material in the Polaris Purple may add an extra level of customization for those looking to enhance the visual appeal of their keyboard.
In terms of functionality, the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials can impact the overall typing experience. The split qualities of the top and bottom housings mean that the bottom housing has more influence on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. Users looking for a switch with a specific sound profile or tactile feel may find that the choice between POM and polycarbonate housing materials can significantly impact their typing satisfaction. Ultimately, understanding the differences in housing materials can help users make an informed decision based on their preferences for sound, appearance, and typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience. While the actuation force of the Polaris Purple is unknown, the difference in bottom out force indicates that it is heavier than the Kiki Red. This means that the Kiki Red will be easier to type on for longer periods of time, making it a good choice for work or gaming sessions, while the Polaris Purple will provide a more satisfying tactile feedback for those who prefer a heavier push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for typing feel and force requirement.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch with a 4 mm travel distance. This means that the Kiki Red will require less distance to press down fully compared to the Polaris Purple. Gamers looking for faster response times may prefer the Kiki Red due to its shorter travel distance. On the other hand, those who prefer a more substantial feel when pressing down on a key may lean towards the Polaris Purple with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and typing style.
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 Purple 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 Purple 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound, providing a sharp and snappy typing experience that is crisp, bright, and percussive when pressed. On the other hand, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offers a neutral sound profile, with a moderate actuation force requirement that makes it suitable for various purposes. It's important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Kiki Red is described as providing a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These descriptors indicate a smooth and effortless feel, with minimal resistance and a responsive typing experience that minimizes fatigue during prolonged use. On the other hand, the Polaris Purple offers a mild and polished typing experience, providing a gentle feel that is approachable to most users. Both switches prioritize smooth key travel and reduced friction for an enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, both switches focus on providing a smooth typing experience with reduced resistance and enhanced responsiveness. Whether you prefer a clacky and snappy sound like the Kiki Red or a more neutral and mild sound like the Polaris Purple, both switches offer a nuanced typing experience that caters to enthusiasts looking for finesse and performance in their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference in sound and feel.
Conclusion
In summary, if you are looking for a finely-tuned typing experience with a medium-light weighting and a comfortably high-pitched, clacky sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer an exhilarating tactile typing experience with a big tactile bump and a snappy sound profile, the SP-Star Polaris Purple tactile switch might be more suitable for your preference. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on your personal typing style and the specific characteristics you value in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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