Bsun Kiki Red vs. SP-Star Duck
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Duck switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the BSUN Kiki Red and SP-Star Duck offer distinct typing experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Reds are linear switches known for their comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches provide a subtly tactile and finesse performance that appeals to enthusiasts looking for a refined auditory feedback. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck switches offer a more subtle tactile typing experience with a gentle tactility and clean, crispy sound profile. Categorized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', 'Easy-to-press' and 'Neutral', 'Mild', 'Buttery', 'Polished' respectively, each switch has its unique characteristics that may suit different preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities to help you decide on the best switch for your needs.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
58g
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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Duck, one can see a clear distinction in sound profiles. The Kiki Red's POM housing creates a deep and muted sound, while the Duck's polycarbonate housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. The difference in stiffness between POM and polycarbonate plastics contributes to these distinct sound profiles, with POM being softer and polycarbonate being firmer. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for use in switches with RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to its functional benefits.
On the other hand, both the Kiki Red and the Duck share similarities in their use of POM and polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings. This means that the qualities of each housing material are distributed evenly throughout the switch, impacting both the bottom-out sound and the sound upon key release. While the specific sound profiles may differ between the two switches due to their material choices, the overall construction allows for a balanced distribution of qualities from the top and bottom housing materials. This results in a harmonious blend of deep, muted tones from POM and sharp, crisp tones from polycarbonate.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Duck will ultimately come down to personal preference in sound profile. The deep and muted tones of the Kiki Red's POM housing offer a unique experience, while the sharp and crisp tones of the Duck's polycarbonate housing provide a contrasting option. Both switches utilize their housing materials effectively to create distinct sound profiles, showing the importance of material selection in custom keyboard builds. Whether seeking a softer or crisper sound, both the Kiki Red and the Duck offer a high-quality typing experience with their carefully chosen housing materials.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star Duck tactile switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is the lighter option. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams, making it easier to trigger a keystroke compared to the Duck, which has an unspecified actuation force. Additionally, the Kiki Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, which is also lighter than the Duck's 58 grams. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Kiki Red make it ideal for users who prefer a lighter typing experience, allowing for longer periods of typing without fatigue. On the other hand, the Duck's heavier bottom out force provides a more substantial typing experience, appealing to users who prefer a stronger push feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Duck tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Duck switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. The traditional travel distance falls around 4.0 mm, making the Duck switch more in line with the standard. Gamers who prioritize faster response times may prefer the Kiki Red's shorter travel distance, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may opt for the Duck switch. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the specific requirements of the user's 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 SP-Star Duck has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Duck for $5.40.
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 provides a unique high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance between being noticeable without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the SP-Star Duck offers a clean and crispy sound profile without being overly pronounced. While both switches offer different sound profiles, they both offer a pleasant auditory experience depending on personal preference and typing environment.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red is known for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press qualities, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the SP-Star Duck offers a milder, butterier, and polished feel, giving a gentle and uniform typing sensation that is approachable to most users. Both switches provide a comfortable typing experience, with the Kiki Red focusing on smoothness and responsiveness, while the Duck offers a gentle and effortless keystroke.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red and SP-Star Duck switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red provides a unique clacky sound and a smooth, responsive typing experience with a medium-light weighting, catering to those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Duck switch offers a clean and crispy sound profile with a gentle tactility, making it a suitable choice for users seeking a more subtle tactile typing experience. Both switches have their strengths, and choosing between them will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch that provides a gentle typing experience with a clean and crispy sound profile, the SP-Star Duck switch would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a light bottom out force, the Bsun Kiki Red switch would be ideal. The Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a subtly high-pitched sound and smooth actuation, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate finesse in performance. Ultimately, your choice between the two switches will depend on your typing preferences and what qualities you value most in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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