Bsun Kiki Red vs. Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch to the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it becomes evident that each offers a unique typing experience to cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned sound profile, featuring a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and smooth Ly stems, these switches provide a subtle auditory feedback and smooth actuation, ideal for those who value finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is lauded for its medium-high tactility and deep, resonating thocks while typing. This switch, known for its two-staged spring design, offers a bouncy and snappy typing experience. Both switches have their unique attributes that make them appealing to different users; 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
55g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
20mm dual-stage spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring, it is clear that the Kiki Red utilizes POM for both the top and bottom housing, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring incorporates polycarbonate for both components. This means that the Kiki Red will offer a consistent, deep, and relatively muted sound profile for both the actuation and release of keys, as POM is known for creating a unique sound. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring will provide a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound experience for both key press and release due to the stiffer nature of polycarbonate.
However, where the Kiki Red and the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring differ is in the aesthetic aspect of their housing materials. The Shadow (Ink) Double Spring's polycarbonate housing, particularly its top housing, allows for translucency which makes it ideal for use with RGB lighting. This means that the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring can offer a visually appealing experience with customizable lighting effects, while the Kiki Red's opaque POM housing may not allow for such customization. In terms of sound, both switches will provide distinct experiences with their respective housing materials, catering to different preferences for key feel and sound profile.
Overall, while the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring may differ in composition and aesthetic appeal, both switches offer unique sound profiles based on their respective POM and polycarbonate housings. Whether you prefer the deep and muted sound of POM or the sharp and crisp sound of polycarbonate, both switches provide high-quality housing materials that contribute to the overall typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two may come down to personal preference in sound profile and aesthetic preferences when it comes to RGB lighting.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, it is clear that the Kiki Red is the lighter option. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it ideal for those who prefer a lighter touch when typing. On the other hand, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an actuation force of 55 grams and a bottom out force of 63 grams, providing a slightly heavier typing experience. Those who enjoy a more substantial push feel may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch. Both switches offer a different typing experience due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals with different preferences. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on whether a lighter or heavier typing experience is desired.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch have varying travel distances. The Kiki Red has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has the longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. The difference may not be significant, but for those who prefer a more responsive feel, the Kiki Red with its shorter travel distance may be the better option. On the other hand, those who prefer a deeper key press experience may lean towards the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring with its longer travel distance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches comes down to personal preference in terms of key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring for $3.57.
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
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a high-pitched, clacky sound that is not overly loud, providing a nuanced auditory experience for typists. On the other hand, the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch produces a similar crisp and bright clacky sound, with an additional descriptor of being high-pitched. Both switches provide a satisfying auditory feedback with their distinct sound profiles, making them suitable choices for those who appreciate a tactile typing experience with unique sound characteristics.
In terms of feel, the Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, showcasing its smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance. In comparison, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch is characterized as sharp, accented, snappy, bouncy, and stepped, emphasizing its high feedback intensity and distinct tactile bump during typing. While the Kiki Red switch focuses on providing a silky and polished typing feel, the Shadow switch offers a more pronounced tactility and responsive keypress experience, catering to individuals who prefer a tactile switch with a strong feedback sensation.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiki Red switch excels in providing a smooth and creamy typing experience with a balanced sound profile, the Shadow switch stands out for its sharp tactility and distinct clacky sound. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, typists can choose between these switches to enhance their typing experience with either a subtle and nuanced feedback or a pronounced and tactile sensation. Ultimately, both switches deliver quality performance and can provide similar results based on the user's preference for sound and feel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Aflion Shadow (Ink) Double Spring tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a subtly clacky sound and a medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a tactile switch with a medium-high level of tactility, deep thocks when typing, and a sharp, crisp sound profile, the Shadow (Ink) Double Spring switch could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize subtlety in auditory feedback and smooth performance, or a more pronounced tactile bump and distinctive sound during typing sessions. Consider your typing preferences and choose the switch that aligns best with your desired typing experience.