Bsun Kiki Red vs. Dareu Sky POM
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Sky POM switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Sky POM mechanical keyboard switches, you are faced with a decision between two exceptional linear switches. The Bsun Kiki Red is celebrated for its finely-tuned typing experience, providing a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches offer a subtle auditory feedback and performance finesse that appeals to enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch stands out for its premium quality made entirely from POM material, offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and gentle actuation force at a more accessible price point. Both switches have their unique qualities that make them desirable choices for 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
40g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
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
POM
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
Gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Sky POM both have POM top housings that create a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side with relatively muted tones. This similarity ensures that users can expect a consistent sound experience when typing on either of these switches. However, where they differ is in their bottom housings. The Kiki Red features a POM bottom housing, which is likely to contribute to a similar deep and muted sound profile throughout the keystroke. In contrast, the Sky POM comes with a nylon bottom housing known for its ability to create a fuller and deeper sound. This means that while the top housings may produce similar sound characteristics, the bottom housings will influence the overall sound experience differently.
The use of POM as the top housing material in both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Sky POM switches ensures that users can enjoy a consistent sound profile that is deemed pleasing and unique. However, the choice of bottom housing material sets these switches apart. The Kiki Red's POM bottom housing, like its top housing, is likely to maintain a deeper and more muted sound profile during key presses. On the other hand, the Sky POM utilizes a nylon bottom housing that is softer and absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This difference in bottom housing materials may lead to a variance in the sound experience, especially during key presses and key releases.
In terms of overall sound production, the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Sky POM switches play a crucial role. While both switches feature POM top housings that produce a similar pleasing and unique sound profile, the difference lies in their bottom housings. The Kiki Red's POM bottom housing may offer a consistent deep and muted sound throughout the keystroke, while the Sky POM's nylon bottom housing is likely to create a fuller and deeper sound experience. Ultimately, users can expect a nuanced sound experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials used in these switches.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch have some differences. The Kiki Red is lighter, with an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Sky POM is slightly lighter with an actuation force of 40 grams. However, the bottom out force for the Sky POM is unknown. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiki Red may be the better option, as it requires less force to actuate and bottom out. On the other hand, if someone prefers a slightly heavier typing feel, the Sky POM may be the way to go, as it has a slightly higher actuation force. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to personal preference and typing style.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Sky POM's 3.8 mm. Both of these switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. The Kiki Red's shorter travel distance may be preferred by those looking for quick and snappy keystrokes, while the Sky POM's slightly longer travel distance may provide a more satisfying depth to the key press. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and tactile feedback.
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 Dareu Sky POM has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Sky POM for $4.98.
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 is known for its high-pitched, clacky nuance that provides a crisp and bright sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offers a low-pitched, more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Depending on personal preference, some users may prefer the sharper sound of the Kiki Red while others may lean towards the deeper tones of the Sky POM. The sound of both switches, however, can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's board and keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red is primarily described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors highlight the smooth and responsive typing experience provided by the Kiki Red switch, making each keystroke effortless and comfortable. On the other hand, the Dareu Sky POM switch is noted for its buttery, creamy, and silky feel. Users can expect a seamless and uniform typing sensation with the Sky POM, enhancing the overall smoothness of the typing experience. Both switches prioritize a fluid and comfortable typing feel, catering to enthusiasts who seek a tactile and enjoyable typing experience.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch offer distinct qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red provides a clacky sound with a variety of smooth and responsive feel descriptors, while the Sky POM delivers a low-pitched sound and a buttery-smooth typing experience. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can choose between these switches to achieve their desired typing experience. Ultimately, both switches prioritize quality craftsmanship and performance, ensuring a satisfying typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Dareu Sky POM linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky sound and medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch crafted entirely from POM material offering a clacky sound, exceptional smoothness, and a gentle actuation force, the Sky POM switch might suit your preferences better. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you are looking for and which features align with your preferences.