Bsun Kiki Red vs. Durock POM T1 (Sunflower)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) offer distinct qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, characterized by a high-pitched clacky nuance and smooth actuation due to its all-POM housings and Ly stems. With medium-light weighting, these linear switches provide subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a balance between sound and smoothness. On the other hand, the POM T1 (Sunflower) excels in maximum tactility, offering a sharp tactile feel and clean clack for those who prefer a more pronounced typing experience. While the Kiki Red leans towards a creamy and polished sensation, the POM T1 (Sunflower) provides a sharper and invigorating tactile response. 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
No
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Proprietary
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POM
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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) both feature POM housing materials that create a pleasing and unique sound profile. The Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housings provide a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) boasts similar characteristics. This indicates that both switches will offer a comparable auditory experience for users looking for a deeper sound profile with muted tones.
While both switches share similarities in their POM housing materials, the distribution of these materials differs between the two. The Kiki Red has POM in both the top and bottom housings, meaning that both the press and release of the key will showcase the qualities of the POM material. In contrast, the POM T1 (Sunflower) separates its POM material between the top and bottom housings, with the bottom housing having more impact on the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when a key is released. This distribution may result in a slightly varied typing experience between the two switches.
Overall, whether you choose the Bsun Kiki Red or the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower), you can expect a satisfying typing experience with a unique sound profile. The use of POM housing in both switches ensures a deeper and more muted sound, providing a tactile and auditory experience that is distinct and enjoyable. While the distribution of POM material may differ slightly between the two switches, the overall impact on the typing feel and sound is likely to be comparable, making either option a solid choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a high-quality switch with POM housing.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. When it comes to the bottom out force, the Kiki Red requires 50 grams while the POM T1 (Sunflower) needs 67 grams, making it heavier. This means that the Kiki Red will provide a smoother and easier typing experience with a lighter touch, while the POM T1 (Sunflower) will offer a more substantial and tactile typing feel with a heavier push. Both switches have their advantages depending on the user's preference, with lighter switches being better for extended typing sessions and heavier switches providing a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the POM T1 has a longer travel distance than the Kiki Red. The Kiki Red's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the POM T1 may be preferred by those who enjoy a deeper key press sensation. Both switches offer different experiences based on their travel distances, allowing users to choose based on their preferences for responsiveness or depth. Ultimately, the travel distance of a switch is a key factor to consider when selecting a switch that best suits your typing or gaming 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 Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) has an MSRP of $7.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the POM T1 (Sunflower) for $5.57.
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 offers a medium-light, clacky noise that provides a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is described as resonant and clean with a sharp tactility that produces a satisfying clean clack sound. The POM T1 switch may be more resonant due to its tactile nature, while the Kiki Red leans towards a clackier sound profile. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and the desired level of sound feedback during typing sessions.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. The switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation with reduced friction, making each keystroke effortless and enjoyable. On the other hand, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch provides a sharp and accented tactile bump that offers a distinct feedback intensity. The switch is described as snappy and invigorating, creating an immersive typing sensation with each keypress. If you prefer a smoother and more polished typing experience, the Kiki Red switch may be the better choice, while the POM T1 switch is ideal for those who prefer a more tactile and invigorating typing feel.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red provides a clacky and comfortable typing experience with a medium-light weighting, while the POM T1 switch delivers sharp tactility and a satisfying clean clack sound. Both switches cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red focusing on a smooth and polished typing feel, and the POM T1 switch emphasizing a sharp and tactile feedback during typing. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preference for sound, feel, and typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a smooth and quiet typing experience with a medium-light actuation force, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is the way to go. These switches offer a creamy, frictionless feel with a clacky sound profile that strikes a balance between high-pitched and comfortable. On the other hand, if you prefer a punchy and tactile typing experience with a medium-heavy actuation force, the Durock POM T1 (Sunflower) tactile switch is the better choice. These switches provide a sharp and snappy tactility with a resonant and invigorating sound profile. Ultimately, your choice between the Kiki Red and POM T1 switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, typing feel, and sound profile.
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