Bsun Kiki Red vs. Jwick Semi-Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear are both linear mechanical keyboard switches, but they offer distinct typing experiences. The Kiki Reds from BSUN are revered for their balanced and comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches provide a medium-light weighting for enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear stands out for its innovative semi-silent design, offering a whisper-quiet topping-out sound while maintaining a clacky bottom-out sound. With a silky smooth feel and a polished touch, these switches cater to those who prefer a subdued and neutral typing experience with a touch of snappiness. Ultimately, the choice between the two hinges on individual preferences for sound, feel, and performance. However, let's delve deeper beyond generalities so you can make an informed decision 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
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches offer contrasting sound profiles and characteristics. The Kiki Red's POM top housing provides a deeper and relatively more muted sound, while the Semi-Silent Linear's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of POM in the bottom housing of the Kiki Red also contributes to its pleasing and unique sound profile, whereas the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature that absorbs more sound.
Despite their differences, both switches have their own unique benefits when it comes to their housing materials. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red and polycarbonate top housing of the Semi-Silent Linear both offer pleasing and unique sound profiles, albeit with different characteristics. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Semi-Silent Linear provides a different typing experience with its deeper and fuller sound compared to the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing. Both switches have been carefully designed to enhance the typing experience, each offering its own set of qualities to cater to different preferences.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switches will depend on the sound profile and typing experience that you prefer. While the Kiki Red offers a more muted and deeper sound with its POM housing, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Additionally, the different bottom housing materials of nylon and POM offer unique characteristics that will impact the overall typing feel. Whether you prioritize a softer, more absorbing sound profile or a clearer, more resonant sound, both switches have been designed to cater to different preferences in the mechanical keyboard community.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch, which has an unknown actuation force. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiki Red requires 50 grams, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams. The lighter actuation force of the Kiki Red may be more appealing to those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, while the heavier bottom out force of the Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a stronger push feel. In this case, selecting the Kiki Red would result in a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Semi-Silent Linear switch.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. In this case, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Kiki Red switch. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, with the Bsun Kiki Red being slightly shorter. Gamers may prefer the Bsun Kiki Red for its slightly faster response time due to the shorter travel distance, while those who prefer a more substantial keypress may lean towards the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches may not be significant for most users, as both offer a relatively short travel compared to traditional switches with a 4.0 mm travel distance.
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 Jwick Semi-Silent Linear has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Semi-Silent Linear for $5.27.
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 sound profile, producing sharp and snappy auditory feedback when pressed. On the other hand, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch provides a subdued sound, leaning towards a more dampened and subtle noise signature. The Semi-Silent Linear also features a neutral sound profile, suitable for various environments and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference regarding the level of auditory feedback desired during typing sessions.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. Users can expect a smooth and buttery sensation while pressing the keys, with minimal resistance and effortless key travel. In contrast, the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear switch provides a mild and snappy feel, giving a gentle typing experience with a touch of responsiveness. Both switches deliver refined typing experiences, catering to individuals who appreciate different levels of tactile feedback in their mechanical keyboards.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch offer distinctive qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiki Red leans towards a clacky and creamy typing experience, the Semi-Silent Linear provides a semi-silent sound profile and a mild yet snappy feel. Ultimately, the choice between these switches depends on individual preferences for sound, tactile feedback, and overall typing experience. Additionally, both switches promise a high level of performance and satisfaction, ensuring that users will achieve a premium typing experience regardless of their selection.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Jwick Semi-Silent Linear linear switch, consider the following factors. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a clacky sound profile that is slightly high-pitched and nuanced, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. The Kiki Red offers a smooth and creamy typing experience with a subtly polished finish, making it great for enthusiasts who appreciate a more refined tactile feedback. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a medium bottom out force and a semi-silent sound profile that is more subdued and whisper-quiet, the Semi-Silent Linear may be more suitable for you. The Semi-Silent Linear provides a mild and snappy typing experience that is buttery and polished, offering a smooth and effortless keystroke sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel to enhance your overall typing experience.
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