United States: Free shipping on orders over $49

Bsun Kiki Red vs. KTT Semi Mute

An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Semi Mute switches—which one is the best fit for you?

Overview

When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Semi Mute mechanical keyboard switches, it is important to note that they both offer unique qualities for different preferences. The Kiki Red from BSUN provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches are ideal for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switches are designed for a noise-free environment, with advanced dampening technology for completely silent operation. This linear switch offers a buttery and mild typing experience, making it a preferred choice for users who value undisturbed typing. 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

43g

Bottom-out force

50g

Bottom-out force

58g

Pre-travel

N/A

Pre-travel

1.60 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

Plate (3-pin)

Spring

20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring

Spring

15mm spring

Housing materials

Both the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Semi Mute feature unique housing materials that contribute to their overall sound profiles. The Kiki Red utilizes POM for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Semi Mute incorporates polycarbonate in both its top and bottom housing, which creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of POM in the Kiki Red provides a more consistent sound experience throughout key presses, while the polycarbonate in the Semi Mute delivers a clear and resonant sound that is especially conducive to RGB lighting effects.

While both switches have different housing materials for their top and bottom components, the qualities of the materials remain consistent within each switch. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red ensures a deep and muted sound upon bottoming out, while the polycarbonate bottom housing of the Semi Mute contributes to a sharp and crisp bottom-out sound. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red provides a consistent and pleasing sound profile throughout key presses, while the polycarbonate top housing of the Semi Mute enhances the sound when releasing a key. These differences in housing materials contribute to the overall feel and sound of each switch.

Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Semi Mute will depend on personal preference for sound profile and aesthetic considerations. The POM housing in the Kiki Red offers a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing in the Semi Mute provides a sharper and crisper sound experience. Additionally, the translucent nature of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches with RGB lighting, enhancing the visual appeal of the overall setup. Ultimately, understanding the impact of housing materials on sound and feel can help users make an informed decision when selecting the ideal switch for their needs.

Weight

When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, there are noticeable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Semi Mute's slightly heavier 43 grams. In terms of bottom out force, the Kiki Red requires 50 grams to fully bottom out, while the Semi Mute needs 58 grams, making it the heavier option. Those who prefer lighter switches may lean towards the Kiki Red for extended typing or gaming sessions, while those who enjoy a more substantial typing feel may opt for the Semi Mute. Both switches provide different typing experiences due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces.

Travel distance

The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the KTT Semi Mute linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Semi Mute. The difference may not seem significant, but it can affect the feel and responsiveness of the switch. Gamers often prefer shorter travel distances for quicker response times, while others may find longer travel distances to provide a more satisfying key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference and what feels most comfortable for the user.

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 KTT Semi Mute has an MSRP of $3.97 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi Mute for $3.55.

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 clacky sound profile, characterized by a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This provides a crisp and bright auditory feedback without being excessively loud, making it a pleasing option for those who enjoy a satisfying typing sound. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute linear switch is designed to be quiet, offering a muted sound that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards. The Semi Mute switch provides a softer and more neutral sound, catering to individuals who prefer a noise-free environment, especially during late-night typing sessions.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch provides a creamy and frictionless typing experience, with a smooth and buttery sensation that feels like gliding your fingers effortlessly across the keys. The polished finish of these switches enhances the overall smoothness and reduces friction during keystrokes, offering a refined typing feel. Additionally, the easy-to-press nature of the Kiki Red switch makes typing comfortable and effortless, minimizing finger fatigue during long typing sessions. On the other hand, the KTT Semi Mute switch is described as buttery and mild, offering a smooth and gentle typing experience that is approachable to most users. The mild characteristics of the Semi Mute switch provide a uniform and seamless typing sensation, making it a comfortable choice for extended typing periods.

Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Semi Mute linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red switch provides a clacky sound profile and a creamy, frictionless typing experience, ideal for enthusiasts seeking subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Semi Mute switch offers a muted sound and a buttery, mild typing feel, catering to individuals who value a noise-free environment and desire a smooth and gentle typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, both switches can provide a satisfying and enjoyable mechanical keyboard experience.

Conclusion

To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Semi Mute linear switch, consider the specific qualities and preferences you have for your typing experience. If you value a subtle yet distinct auditory feedback with smooth actuation and a comfortable light touch, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a noise-free environment and a dampened typing feel, the Semi Mute switch offers a silent operation with a mild and buttery typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to the sound and feel you prefer while typing, so choose the one that best suits your individual preferences and typing style.

Mentioned in this article