Bsun Kiki Red vs. Akko V3 Silver Pro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro are two linear mechanical keyboard switches that offer unique experiences tailored to different preferences. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, providing a comfortable high-pitched and clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches achieve a smooth actuation and medium-light weighting, making them a favorite among enthusiasts who enjoy subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro switches are designed with gamers in mind, offering effortless keystrokes and a pleasing bassy sound. Featuring light actuation force and shortened travel distance, these switches cater to scenarios where speed is essential. While both switches excel in certain aspects, the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs. 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
13.8mm spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko V3 Silver Pro, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles. The Kiki Red, with its POM top and bottom housing, provides a deeper and more muted sound profile. On the other hand, the V3 Silver Pro's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. This difference in sound profile is due to the characteristics of the materials used, with POM being softer and polycarbonate being stiffer. While both switches offer pleasing sound profiles, they cater to different preferences in terms of sound depth and pitch.
Furthermore, the choice of material also impacts the aesthetic appeal of the switches. The clear polycarbonate top housing of the V3 Silver Pro allows for RGB lighting effects to shine through, adding a visual element to the typing experience. In contrast, the Kiki Red's POM housing does not have the same translucency, focusing more on the tactile feel and sound produced by the switch. This highlights the importance of considering both the visual and tactile aspects of a switch when selecting housing materials.
Ultimately, the housing materials of both switches play a significant role in determining the overall typing experience. Whether it be the deeper and fuller sound profile of the nylon bottom housing in the V3 Silver Pro or the unique sound profile created by the POM housing in the Kiki Red, each material brings its own characteristics to the table. While the switches may differ in their sound profiles and aesthetics due to their housing materials, both provide a satisfying typing experience tailored to the preferences of the user.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is slightly heavier in both aspects. The actuation force of the Kiki Red is 42 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro is 40 grams, making the latter a bit lighter. Similarly, the bottom out force of the Kiki Red is 50 grams, while the V3 Silver Pro is 45 grams. Despite these differences, both switches fall into the lighter category. The Kiki Red provides a slightly softer typing experience compared to the V3 Silver Pro which offers a slightly firmer push feel. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on personal preference, with considerations for typing duration and desired typing experience.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red has a longer travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the V3 Silver Pro's 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular in modern keyboards, especially among gamers who prioritize faster response times. The shorter travel distance of the V3 Silver Pro may provide a more immediate tactile feedback, while the Kiki Red's slightly longer travel distance might offer a more cushioned typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for the depth of key press and responsiveness desired.
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 Akko V3 Silver Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Silver Pro for $3.10.
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 known for its high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance between being comfortably audible without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch produces a pleasing bassy sound with each keystroke, tailored specifically for gamers. While the Kiki Red offers a more sharp and snappy sound, the V3 Silver Pro delivers a richer and bassy sound profile. Both switches offer distinct sound characteristics that can enhance typing or gaming experiences, depending on personal preference and the setup of the keyboard in use.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch provides a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. These switches offer smooth and gentle key presses, allowing fingers to glide effortlessly across the keys with minimal resistance. Alternatively, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch offers an easy-to-press, creamy, feathery, polished, and silky typing experience. With a light actuation force and reduced strain on fingers, these switches are designed for comfort during extended typing or gaming sessions. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of use, ensuring a pleasant tactile experience for users.
Considering the subjective qualities of sound and feel, the Bsun Kiki Red and Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switches offer distinctive characteristics suited to different preferences and usage scenarios. The Kiki Red excels in providing a nuanced, clacky sound profile and a smooth, refined typing experience, making it ideal for enthusiasts seeking subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. In contrast, the V3 Silver Pro prioritizes responsiveness, comfort, and ease of use for gaming purposes with its light actuation force and creamy, effortless feel. While the sound and feel of these switches may vary, both options promise a satisfying typing or gaming experience based on individual preferences and requirements.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are someone who values subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the Bsuni Kiki Red linear switch with its light bottom out force of 50 grams, clacky sound profile, and smooth tactile experience would be an excellent choice for you. On the other hand, if you are a gamer looking for switches engineered for speed and responsiveness, the Akko V3 Silver Pro linear switch with its even lighter bottom out force of 45 grams, bassy sound profile, and easy-to-press feel would be the ideal option. Consider your preferences and requirements carefully when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing or gaming experience tailored to your needs.