Bsun Kiki Red vs. SP-Star RedBlue
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star RedBlue 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 RedBlue both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is favored for its finely-tuned typing experience, striking a balance between a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches provide smooth actuation and medium-light weighting for a subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the RedBlue linear switches are known for their medium-light typing experience and relatively low-pitched sound profile. While both switches offer a polished and smooth feel, the RedBlue is more neutral in its sound characteristics. 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
57g
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 RedBlue both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Kiki Red featuring POM top and bottom housings and the RedBlue featuring polycarbonate top and bottom housings. While the Kiki Red's POM housings create a deeper and more muted sound profile, the RedBlue's polycarbonate housings create a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The differences in sound profiles can be attributed to the stiffness of the plastic used in each housing material, with POM providing a softer and more pleasing sound compared to the clear, resonant sound produced by polycarbonate.
In terms of aesthetics, the choice of housing material also plays a role in the overall appearance of the switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it a popular choice for switches that feature RGB lighting, as the clear housing allows the lighting to shine through more effectively. On the other hand, POM housings do not offer the same level of transparency, which may limit their visual appeal in comparison to polycarbonate switches. Despite these differences, both housing materials offer their own unique benefits and can cater to different preferences depending on sound and visual preferences.
When it comes to the overall feel and sound of each switch, the qualities of the housing material are split between the top and bottom housings. The bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed, while the top housing influences the sound when the key is released. This means that the choice between POM and polycarbonate housings can significantly impact the overall typing experience, with each material offering distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences in key feel and sound profile.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch differ in weight. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it lighter compared to the RedBlue switch, which has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 57 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. The lighter Kiki Red switch would be preferred by individuals who enjoy typing for extended periods or engaging in lengthy gaming sessions, as it requires less force to actuate. Conversely, the heavier bottom out force of the RedBlue switch provides a more robust typing experience, appealing to those who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces to optimize typing comfort and efficiency.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter than the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch with a travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red offers a quicker response time due to its shorter travel distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the RedBlue switch provides a more substantial depth with its longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more pronounced key press. Overall, the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the RedBlue switch, offering faster response times for users who prioritize speed in their typing or gaming experiences.
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 RedBlue has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the RedBlue for $5.40.
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 often praised for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy auditory feedback that is crisp and bright. On the other hand, the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch offers a low-pitched sound, characterized by a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches have unique sound signatures that cater to different preferences; the Kiki Reds bring a high-pitched clackiness while the RedBlue switches offer a more neutral and thocky sound. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether you prefer a sharper, more striking sound or a deeper, more mellow tone during typing.
Turning to the feel of these switches, the Bsun Kiki Red is known for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and buttery sensation, with effortless key presses and minimal resistance, making typing a delight. In contrast, the SP-Star RedBlue switches provide a mild and polished feel, focusing on a gentle typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. Both switches aim to deliver a refined and comfortable typing feel, ensuring that users can enjoy extended typing sessions with ease and precision. Whether you prefer a more responsive and snappy typing experience or a smoother and gentler feel, both switches offer qualities that cater to different typing preferences.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch each offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiki Reds provide a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless typing experience, the RedBlue switches offer a low-pitched sound and a mild, polished feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your preference for sound and typing feel, as both switches excel in different areas. Whether you prioritize a sharper sound and snappy feel or a deeper tone and gentler typing experience, both switches can provide a satisfying mechanical keyboard experience for newcomers and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star RedBlue linear switch, consider your preferences in typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-light typing experience with a relatively low-pitched sound profile and a polished feel, the RedBlue switch could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preferences for key feel, sound profile, and actuation force to ensure a satisfying typing experience.
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