Bsun Kiki Red vs. Dareu Snow
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Snow switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Snow mechanical keyboard switches, it is clear that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is renowned for its finely-tuned typing experience, providing a comfortable high-pitched sound without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, this switch offers smooth actuation and a medium-light weighting for an overall subtle and tactile experience. On the other hand, the Snow switch stands out for its innovative POK material construction, resulting in a deeper sound signature and a smooth linear feel. While the Kiki Red is characterized by traits like 'Clacky' and 'Creamy', the Snow switch is described as 'Thocky' and 'Bouncy'. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal preference and specific typing 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
50g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 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
POK
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Snow switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red's POM top housing provides a pleasing and unique sound profile that is on the deeper side and relatively muted. In contrast, the Snow's POK top housing is known for its smoothness and durability, creating a clacky and durable switch experience. While the Kiki Red focuses on sound profile, the Snow prioritizes smoothness and longevity, appealing to users who value different aspects in their switches.
The difference between the housing materials continues with the bottom housings of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Snow. The Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also contributes to its unique sound profile, while the Snow's nylon bottom housing enhances the switch with a deeper and fuller sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to POM. This contrast in sound profile showcases how different housing materials can impact the overall typing experience of a switch.
While the Bsun Kiki Red and the Dareu Snow have distinct housing materials for their top and bottom housings, both switches aim to provide an optimal typing experience through their material choices. Whether it's the deep and muted sound of POM in the Kiki Red or the smooth and durable POK material in the Snow, both switches excel in delivering unique qualities to suit various preferences. Ultimately, the impact of the housing material on the typing experience highlights the importance of material choice in designing switches that cater to different user preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch, it is evident 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 a suitable choice for those who prefer a lighter typing experience. In contrast, the Snow has an actuation force of 50 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams, providing a slightly heavier feel compared to the Kiki Red. Some users may find the Kiki Red more comfortable for extended typing sessions or gaming, while others may prefer the Snow for a more substantial typing experience. Overall, both switches offer a different feel due to their varying actuation and bottom out forces, catering to the preferences of different users.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Dareu Snow linear switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Bsun Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Dareu Snow. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers seeking faster response times. It ultimately comes down to personal preference - if you prefer a switch with a bit more depth and tactility, the Bsun Kiki Red may be the better option for you. Conversely, if you prefer a more concise and responsive feel, the Dareu Snow might be the switch of choice. Ultimately, both switches offer a somewhat shorter travel distance compared to traditional switches, making them suitable for those who prioritize speed and efficiency in their typing or gaming experience.
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 Snow has an MSRP of $7.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Snow for $5.76.
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 clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched nuance. In contrast, the Dareu Snow linear switch provides a thocky sound that is deeper and more satisfying, thanks to its innovative use of POK material for both the top housing and stem. The Snow switch also features a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for various typing preferences. Both switches offer unique sound characteristics that cater to different preferences, so choosing between the two would depend on personal preference for either a crisp, bright sound like the Kiki Red or a deep, rich sound like the Snow.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, providing a smooth and responsive typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the Dareu Snow switch is noted for its bouncy feel, offering a spring-like feedback sensation that gives keys a lively rebound when pressed. Both switches provide distinct tactile experiences, with the Kiki Red focusing on smoothness and responsiveness while the Snow emphasizes a bounce-back sensation. Depending on whether you prefer a smooth glide while typing or a springy rebound, your choice between the two switches would vary.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Dareu Snow linear switch offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red provides a clacky sound with a creamy, frictionless feel, making it a preferred choice for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Snow switch offers a thocky sound with a bouncy feel, ideal for users who enjoy a deeper sound signature and a spring-like typing experience. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches would come down to individual preference for sound profile and tactile feel, ensuring that you'll achieve satisfying typing results based on your personal preferences.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a keyboard switch with a lighter actuation force and a high-pitched, clacky sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be the ideal choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and creamy typing experience with a unique sound signature, making them popular among enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a slightly heavier actuation force and a deeper, thocky sound, the Dareu Snow linear switch would be more suitable for you. With its innovative use of POK material and bouncy feel, the Snow switch provides a different typing experience compared to the Kiki Red. Ultimately, your choice between these two switches will depend on your preference for actuation force, sound profile, and typing feel.
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