Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Silent Ink Black
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Silent Ink Black mechanical keyboard switches, both offer unique features to enhance your typing experience. The Kiki Red switches provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Silent Ink Black switches offer a silenced typing experience perfect for quieter environments, with a cushiony, pillow-like bottom-out feel. While the Kiki Red switches are praised for their subtlety in auditory feedback and smooth actuation, the Silent Ink Black switches are favored for their muted sound profile. However, let's delve deeper beyond these generalities to help you make the best decision on the right switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
60g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 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
Proprietary INK blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary INK blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Color coated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches both offer unique sound profiles, with the Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housings providing a deeper and more muted sound compared to the Silent Ink Black's proprietary INK blend top and bottom housings, which offer a pointed and higher-pitched sound that is described as clacky. Despite these differences, both switches aim to provide a pleasing typing experience with distinct auditory feedback.
In terms of sound production, the POM housing of the Kiki Red creates a more subdued and pleasant typing experience, while the INK blend housing of the Silent Ink Black delivers a sharper and more pronounced sound that some might find more satisfying. These contrasting sound profiles can significantly impact the overall typing feel and sound of the keyboard, catering to different preferences among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. However, both switches excel in offering a tactile typing experience that is both responsive and enjoyable for users.
While the top and bottom housings of the Bsun Kiki Red and Gateron Silent Ink Black switches differ in material composition and sound profile, they both contribute to the overall typing experience in unique ways. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch, providing tactile feedback and impact when a key is pressed down, while the top housing affects the sound when a key is released. Ultimately, both switches offer quality housing materials that enhance the user's typing experience, making them popular choices among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts seeking a satisfying and customizable typing experience.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams compared to the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, which has a heavier actuation force of 60 grams and a heavier bottom out force of 70 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may find the Kiki Red more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who prefer a more substantial push feel may opt for the Silent Ink Black. Both switches provide 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 will depend on personal typing habits and preferences for keypress feedback.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance compared to the Silent Ink Black. Shorter travel distances like the Kiki Red are favored by gamers for their faster response times, while longer travel distances like the Silent Ink Black provide a more satisfying keypress for those who prefer a deeper push. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference and the type of typing experience you are looking for.
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 Gateron Silent Ink Black has an MSRP of $8.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Silent Ink Black for $8.35.
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 typing experience, characterized by a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. In contrast, the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch provides a muted typing experience, producing a softer and quieter sound overall. Depending on the specific setup including the keyboard, keycaps, and environment, the sound of these switches will vary accordingly.
Turning to feel, both switches share characteristics such as a silky and polished typing experience. The Kiki Red switch is known for its creamy, frictionless, and easy-to-press feel, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. Similarly, the Silent Ink Black switch provides a silky and polished sensation, ensuring smooth key travel and reduced friction for a sleek typing experience. Both switches focus on delivering a refined and comfortable typing feel, appealing to users who value a smooth and responsive typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. While the Kiki Red provides a clacky sound with a creamy and easy-to-press feel, the Silent Ink Black delivers a muted sound and a silky typing sensation. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on personal preferences for auditory feedback, keypress feel, and overall typing experience. Users can expect a satisfying and reliable performance from both switches, tailored to meet different typing needs and preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Silent Ink Black linear switch, it's important to consider your preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a lighter typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound profile and smooth actuation, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you need a medium-heavy switch that offers a cushioned bottom-out feel and minimal noise for quieter environments, the Silent Ink Black could be the better option. Remember to also factor in the feel of the switches, whether you prefer a creamy, frictionless experience like the Kiki Red or a silky, polished feel like the Silent Ink Black. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal typing style and needs.
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