Bsun Kiki Red vs. TTC Silent Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the TTC Silent Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red, a linear switch, to the TTC Silent Brown, a tactile switch, both offer unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. The Kiki Red is praised for its high-pitched clacky nuance without being excessively loud, thanks to its all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly in the stems. On the other hand, the Silent Brown provides a comfortable typing experience with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. While the Kiki Red is preferred for its subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the Silent Brown stands out for its light-medium resistance and buttery feel. Both switches have their own strengths and qualities that cater to different preferences. 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
63.5g
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
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the TTC Silent Brown, it is clear that they both offer unique sound profiles but in different ways. The Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Silent Brown's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users looking for a specific sound profile in their mechanical keyboards.
When it comes to the bottom housing, the Kiki Red's POM material once again creates a deeper and more muted sound, whereas the Silent Brown's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound profile. This contrast highlights how different housing materials can completely change the overall typing experience of a switch. While both switches may provide a pleasing sound, the specific qualities of the housing materials can cater to different preferences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the TTC Silent Brown ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and typing feel. While the Kiki Red offers a more muted and deeper sound with its POM housing, the Silent Brown's polycarbonate and nylon materials provide a sharper and fuller sound experience. Both switches have their own unique characteristics that can enhance the overall typing experience, so it ultimately depends on what each individual values more in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter overall. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, making it a lighter option. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, which is heavier in comparison. The Kiki Red provides a lighter typing experience that may be preferred for longer typing sessions or gaming, while the Silent Brown offers a more substantial typing experience with a heavier push feel. Both switches have different actuation and bottom out forces, catering to individuals who prefer lighter or heavier typing experiences. Despite the differences in force, both switches aim to provide a smooth and tactile typing experience for users.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the TTC Silent Brown has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Bsun Kiki Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular in the keyboard market, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. However, for those who prefer a more tactile and substantial key press, the slight difference in travel distance may make the TTC Silent Brown a preferable choice. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key feel and response.
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 TTC Silent Brown has an MSRP of $5.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Brown for $3.68.
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 is characterized by a clacky noise profile, giving off a sharp and snappy sound that adds a crisp and percussive element to typing. On the other hand, the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch offers a muted sound profile, providing a softer and quieter typing experience that minimizes the typical noise associated with mechanical keyboards.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press tactile qualities. These attributes contribute to a smooth and effortless typing experience, with minimal resistance and a refined finish that enhances overall comfort. On the flip side, the TTC Silent Brown switch is praised for its buttery, mild, and polished feel, offering a gentle typing experience with a smooth and fluid keystroke sensation that appeals to a wide range of users.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch prioritizes a nuanced auditory feedback with a medium-light weighting for a balanced typing experience, while the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch focuses on providing a comfortable typing feel with a satisfying rounded tactile bump and a muted sound profile. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct advantages for users seeking different tactile experiences. Ultimately, choosing between the two would boil down to individual preferences in sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the TTC Silent Brown tactile switch, consider your preferences in typing experience. If you prioritize a smooth and light typing feel with a clacky sound profile, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a comfortable typing experience with a tactile bump and a muted sound profile, the Silent Brown switch might be more to your liking. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so it's essential to consider what qualities are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch before making a decision.
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