Bsun Kiki Red vs. Durock Sea Glass
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Sea Glass switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Sea Glass are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Kiki Reds are known for their finely-tuned balance of high-pitched clackiness without being excessively loud, thanks to their all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly stems. With medium-light weighting, these switches provide a subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse that appeal to enthusiasts seeking a nuanced typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass switches from Durock stand out with their pastel colors and proprietary material blend that creates a dry, wispy, and airy typing sensation. Despite a 62g bottom-out force, these switches feel weightless and maintain a smooth feel that defies expectations. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences in typing experiences. 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
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
P3+
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock Sea Glass both offer unique characteristics that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Kiki Red's POM housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Sea Glass's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend housing produces a slightly brighter sound. This contrast in sound profiles can lead to a different typing experience for users, with the Kiki Red providing a more subdued typing sound compared to the Sea Glass.
In terms of construction, the top and bottom housings of both switches play a role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the switches. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a nuanced typing experience, with the qualities of each housing impacting different aspects of the switch's operation. When pressing down on a key, the bottom housing's material will influence the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing material will affect the sound produced when releasing the key. This division in housing materials can lead to a more dynamic and responsive typing experience for users.
While the Kiki Red and Sea Glass switches may have different housing materials, they both aim to create a pleasant typing experience for users. The unique characteristics of each housing material contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches, with the Kiki Red offering a deeper and more muted sound compared to the slightly brighter sound of the Sea Glass. Despite these differences, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with either switch, as the carefully chosen housing materials work together to create a unique and enjoyable sound profile.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch have distinct differences in their actuation force and bottom out force. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. On the other hand, the Sea Glass has a slightly heavier actuation force of 45 grams and a significantly heavier bottom out force of 62 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. Both switches offer unique benefits to users depending on their preferences. Those who prefer a lighter touch may prefer the Kiki Red, while those who prefer a more substantial push may opt for the Sea Glass. Ultimately, the actuation and bottom out forces play a crucial role in determining the typing experience and comfort level of each switch.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock Sea Glass linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the Sea Glass switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. Those who prefer a more responsive feel may lean towards the Kiki Red with its shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press might opt for the Sea Glass with its slightly longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience.
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 Sea Glass has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sea Glass for $4.87.
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 comparing the sound qualities of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, the Kiki Red is known for its high-pitched and clacky nuance, providing a crisp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Sea Glass emits a hollow sound signature, giving off a dry, wispy, and airy tone during typing. In terms of feel, the Kiki Red offers a creamy, polished, and silky typing experience with a frictionless and easy-to-press actuation. Conversely, the Sea Glass provides a frictionless and mild typing experience, feeling feathery and easy-to-press with a weightlessness that defies expectations. Overall, while the Kiki Red leans towards a clacky and creamy feel, the Sea Glass delivers a distinctive dryness and lightness in sound and feel. Depending on personal preference, both switches offer unique attributes that cater to different typing styles and preferences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would depend on whether one prefers a more nuanced tactile feedback with the Kiki Red or a lighter and airier typing experience with the Sea Glass.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock Sea Glass linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned, medium-light weighting with a high-pitched, clacky nuance, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you appreciate a distinct dryness and weightlessness with a 62g bottom-out force, along with a uniquely hollow sound signature, the Sea Glass switch series could be more to your liking. Both switches offer smoothness in actuation, with the Kiki Red emphasizing a creamy and snappy feel, while the Sea Glass provides a frictionless and feathery typing experience. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Mentioned in this article
