Bsun Kiki Red vs. HC Studio Roselle
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the HC Studio Roselle switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the HC Studio Roselle mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is renowned for its finely-tuned typing experience, striking a balance between a high-pitched, clacky nuance and smooth actuation due to its all-POM housing and Ly stems. On the other hand, the Roselle stands out for its impossibly smooth and ethereally wispy feel, along with a subtle, low-pitched sound signature. While the Kiki Red appeals to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the Roselle caters to those seeking a smooth typing experience with a neutral sound profile. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
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
20.5mm lengthened single-staged spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and HC Studio Roselle both feature POM top and bottom housings, creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound profile that leans towards the deeper and more muted side. This means that both switches offer a similar sound experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. In terms of sound, users can expect comparable results from both switches due to their shared POM housing materials.
However, where the two switches may differ is in the overall build quality and durability of the housing materials. The Bsun Kiki Red and HC Studio Roselle may have slightly different manufacturing processes or material compositions that could impact their longevity and resilience to wear and tear. It's important to consider not just the sound profile, but also the physical attributes of the housing materials when deciding between the two switches.
Additionally, the design and aesthetics of the housing materials in the Bsun Kiki Red and HC Studio Roselle switches may vary, offering users different options to match their personal preferences and build aesthetics. While both switches offer similar sound profiles due to their POM top and bottom housings, the visual appeal and tactile feel of the housing materials may differ, providing users with the opportunity to choose based on their individual design preferences. Ultimately, while the sound experience may be similar, the overall look and feel of the switches may help users make their decision between the Bsun Kiki Red and HC Studio Roselle.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the HC Studio Roselle linear switch has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 52 grams. Both switches fall within the lighter to medium-light range in terms of weight, making them suitable for extended typing or gaming sessions. Those who prefer a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the Roselle switch with its slightly heavier forces. Overall, the differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the Kiki Red and Roselle switches are relatively minimal, so users can expect similar results in terms of typing feel and performance.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when you press down on a key with either switch, you will experience the same amount of travel distance. The similarity in travel distance between the two switches ensures that users can expect a consistent typing experience in terms of key travel. This makes it easy to switch between keyboards using these switches without having to adjust to a different feel. Given that both switches have identical travel distances, users can expect similar results in terms of key travel when using either the Bsun Kiki Red or the HC Studio Roselle linear switch.
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 HC Studio Roselle has an MSRP of $5.90 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Roselle for $4.70.
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 offers a clacky, high-pitched sound that strikes a balance between being audible and comfortable without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the HC Studio Roselle linear switch provides a low-pitched and bassy sound profile that is described as subtle and ethereal. Depending on personal preference, the Kiki Red may appeal to those who enjoy a sharper auditory feedback, while the Roselle may be favored by individuals looking for a deeper and more mellow typing experience.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is known for its smooth and easy-to-press actuation, offering a creamy and frictionless typing experience. This switch is also described as polished and silky, providing a refined and effortless keypress. Conversely, the HC Studio Roselle switch is said to be frictionless and mild, offering a gentler typing experience compared to switches with more pronounced characteristics. Both switches aim to provide a smooth and comfortable typing feel, with the Kiki Red potentially catering to users who prefer a more responsive and easy-to-press switch, while the Roselle targets those seeking a more approachable and middle-ground tactile sensation.
Overall, while the Bsun Kiki Red and HC Studio Roselle linear switches offer distinct sound and feel characteristics, both switches aim to provide a pleasant and satisfying typing experience for users. Depending on individual preferences for sound pitch, tactile feedback, and smoothness, newcomers to mechanical keyboards can select between the clacky and subtly high-pitched Kiki Red switch for a balanced auditory and tactile experience, or the bassy and low-pitched Roselle switch for a more mellow and smoother typing feel. Ultimately, with either switch, users can expect a quality typing experience tailored to their specific preferences and needs.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the HC Studio Roselle linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a light bottom out force and a high-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth actuation, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier bottom out force and an ultra-smooth, frictionless typing experience with a low-pitched, bassy sound profile, the Roselle switch might be the better option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference when making your final decision.
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