Bsun Kiki Red vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the TTC Speed Silver mechanical keyboard switches, one can immediately notice their differences in typing experience. The Kiki Reds from BSUN offer a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches provide a unique sound signature and exceptional smoothness during actuation, making them a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Speed Silvers are known for their fast and precise typing experience, with a light-medium level of resistance and a pristine sound profile. These switches have a reduced travel distance, allowing for quick and effortless actuation. While the Kiki Red offers a more nuanced and tactile typing experience, the Speed Silver prioritizes speed and precision. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the TTC Speed Silver offer contrasting sound profiles due to their different compositions. The POM housing of the Kiki Red creates a deep and muted sound, while the polycarbonate housing of the Speed Silver produces a sharper and crisper sound. This difference in sound can greatly impact the typing experience for users who prefer a certain sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing in the Speed Silver makes it ideal for users looking to incorporate RGB lighting into their setup.
In terms of bottom housing materials, the Kiki Red's POM housing again brings a deep and muted sound profile, while the nylon bottom housing of the Speed Silver produces a fuller and duller sound. The softer nature of the nylon material absorbs more sound, resulting in a rounder sound profile compared to the POM material. Users who prefer a softer and more muffled typing sound may lean towards switches with a nylon bottom housing, while those who prefer a crisper sound may opt for POM bottom housing.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Kiki Red and Speed Silver offer different sound profiles and tactile feels, the impact of each housing material on the overall typing experience is essential. The qualities of the bottom housing affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing plays a more significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Understanding how each housing material contributes to the sound profile and tactile feel of a switch can help users make informed decisions based on their personal preferences.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 42 grams, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch requires 45 grams to actuate. In terms of bottom out force, the Kiki Red requires 50 grams, whereas the Speed Silver needs 55 grams to bottom out. The Kiki Red is lighter in both actuation and bottom out force compared to the Speed Silver. The lighter actuation and bottom out forces of the Kiki Red may appeal to those who prefer a lighter typing experience for longer sessions, while the slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces of the Speed Silver provide a more substantial typing feel. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends on personal preference for typing force and feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a longer travel distance than the Speed Silver, although the difference is minimal. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those looking for faster response times, such as gamers. However, the slight variance in travel distance may be noticeable to some users, with the Kiki Red offering a slightly deeper feel compared to the Speed Silver. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and key feel.
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 TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
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 and high-pitched sound that strikes a balance between being crisp and percussive without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch provides a neutral sound profile that is suitable for a wide range of users and environments. The sound produced by both switches can be further influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the type of keycaps used.
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 refined typing experience with minimal resistance. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver switch offers a mild and polished feel, providing a gentle typing experience that falls within a safe middle-ground zone. Both switches aim to offer different levels of smoothness and tactile feedback to cater to user preferences.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is ideal for those who value a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of auditory feedback and performance finesse. It provides a unique sound signature and a smooth actuation process, making it suitable for enthusiasts seeking subtlety in their mechanical keyboard switches. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch is geared towards users who prioritize speed and precision in their typing experience, offering a light-medium resistance level and a quick actuation process. Depending on individual preferences for sound and feel, users can expect satisfactory results from both switches in enhancing their overall typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky sound, along with a medium-light weighting for subtle feedback, then the Kiki Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a fast and precise typing experience with a pristine sound profile and reduced travel distance for quick actuation, the Speed Silver could be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prefer the unique sound and smoothness of the Kiki Red or the speed and precision of the Speed Silver.
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