Bsun Kiki Red vs. KTT Strawberry
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Strawberry switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Strawberry are both linear mechanical keyboard switches known for their smooth actuation and comfortable typing experience. The Kiki Reds offer a balance of high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud, thanks to their all-POM housings and Ly stems that provide exceptional smoothness during actuation. Enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance may prefer the Kiki Red switch. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberries are loved for their attractive pink and clear housings, providing a smooth actuation, comfortable feel, and reliable performance. These switches are categorized as low-pitched, buttery, and polished, making them a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and consistent typing experience. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 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
The Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Strawberry both offer unique housing materials for their switches, with the Kiki Red featuring POM top and bottom housings, and the Strawberry utilizing polycarbonate for both. The POM housings of the Kiki Red create a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the polycarbonate housings of the Strawberry produce a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound. Aesthetically, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry is ideal for showcasing RGB lighting, while the opaque POM housing of the Kiki Red offers a more subtle design.
Although both switches have different top and bottom housing materials, they share similar qualities in terms of sound and feel. The POM top and bottom housing of the Kiki Red both contribute to its pleasing and unique sound profile, while the polycarbonate housings of the Strawberry create a clear and resonant sound. The impact of the housing material is felt differently depending on whether you are pressing down on a key or releasing it, with the bottom housing affecting the bottom-out sound and feel, and the top housing influencing the sound upon key release.
Overall, the choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Strawberry ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound and aesthetics. The POM housings of the Kiki Red provide a deeper and more muted sound, while the polycarbonate housings of the Strawberry offer a sharper and crisper sound. Additionally, the clear polycarbonate housing of the Strawberry is better suited for showcasing RGB lighting, compared to the opaque POM housing of the Kiki Red. Both switches offer unique sound profiles and tactile experiences based on their housing materials, making them distinct choices for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch are 42 grams and 50 grams, respectively, making it a lighter option compared to the KTT Strawberry linear switch, which has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 62 grams. Those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Kiki Red, as it requires less force to trigger a keystroke and bottom out. In contrast, the Strawberry switch offers a more substantial typing experience with its slightly heavier actuation and bottom out forces. Both switches will provide a smooth linear feel, but the Kiki Red will offer a softer touch overall, while the Strawberry will give a firmer push. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches will come down to personal preference for typing dynamics.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, we can see that the Kiki Red has a shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm compared to the Strawberry's 4 mm. The Kiki Red falls on the shorter end of the spectrum, making it ideal for those looking for quicker response times, such as gamers. On the other hand, the Strawberry's slightly longer travel distance offers a more traditional feel with a bit more depth to the key press. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for those who prefer a snappier feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference for travel distance and the specific feeling each switch provides.
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 KTT Strawberry comes in at $4.91 per 10 switches.
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 switch offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is known for its low-pitched sound, offering a more bass-heavy and mellow tone. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a high-pitched clackiness and the Strawberry offering a smoother, lower-toned sound.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. This combination provides a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the KTT Strawberry switch is also described as frictionless, silky, buttery, and polished, emphasizing a smooth and uniform typing sensation with reduced friction and effortless key travel. Both switches offer a polished and refined typing experience, focusing on smoothness and ease of use.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Strawberry switches excel in providing a comfortable and refined typing experience. While the Kiki Red leans towards a clacky and high-pitched sound with a medium-light weighting, the Strawberry offers a low-pitched sound with a smooth actuation. Both switches prioritize smoothness and ease of typing, making them suitable choices for users looking for a delicate balance between auditory feedback and tactile feel. Whether opting for the Bsun Kiki Red or the KTT Strawberry, users can expect a satisfying typing experience with minimal resistance and smooth key travel.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Strawberry linear switch, consider the specific qualities each switch offers. If you prefer a lighter actuation force and a subtle, clacky sound with a creamy, frictionless typing feel, the Bsun Kiki Reds would be a great choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly heavier actuation force and a smooth, low-pitched sound with a silky, frictionless typing feel, the KTT Strawberries might be more to your liking. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preferences for actuation force, sound profile, and tactile feel to ensure you have the best typing experience possible.
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