Bsun Kiki Red vs. Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2)
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, providing a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and smooth Ly stems, these switches offer a subtle auditory feedback and exceptional smoothness during actuation. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are known for their resonant and clacky notes, accompanied by a factory lube job that ensures a silky smooth keystroke. While both switches fall under the 'clacky' category, the Kiki Red leans towards being creamy, frictionless, and polished, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) is described as high-pitched and resonant. 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
52g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
Y3
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Ly
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
Single-staged 21mm lengthened spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) both feature POM top housing which creates a pleasing and unique sound with a deeper and more muted profile. This similarity suggests that both switches may offer a similar typing experience in terms of sound. However, when it comes to the bottom housing, the Kiki Red utilizes POM while the Strawberry Wine (V2) uses nylon. The Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also contributes to the deep and muted sound profile, whereas the Strawberry Wine (V2)'s nylon bottom housing is known for eliciting a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic properties that absorb more sound.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing of the switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down, giving the Kiki Red and the Strawberry Wine (V2) distinct characteristics. The use of POM in the bottom housing of the Kiki Red may provide a unique tactile experience compared to the nylon bottom housing of the Strawberry Wine (V2). Additionally, the top housing material can impact the sound when a key is released, with POM in the top housing of both switches contributing to a consistent deeper and more muted sound profile upon key release.
Overall, while the housing materials in the Bsun Kiki Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) may have similarities in terms of their POM top housing creating a unique sound profile, the difference in the bottom housing material between the two switches - POM in the Kiki Red and nylon in the Strawberry Wine (V2) - can result in variations in the typing experience. The Kiki Red may offer a tactile feel and sound different from the Strawberry Wine (V2) due to the properties of their respective bottom housing materials. However, users can expect a consistent deep and muted sound profile upon key release from both switches, thanks to their shared POM top housing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, we see that the Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Strawberry Wine (V2) at 45 grams. However, both switches have the same bottom out force of 50 grams. This means that while the Kiki Red may feel slightly lighter when triggering a keystroke, both switches offer a similar level of resistance when fully pressed down. This makes them both suitable for those who prefer a lighter typing experience but still want a satisfying push feel. Ultimately, the decision between the two switches may come down to personal preference for actuation force or brand loyalty.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Strawberry Wine. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for those seeking faster response times, such as gamers. However, those who prefer a more substantial key press may find the Kiki Red to be slightly more to their liking due to its slightly longer travel distance. Overall, both switches offer similar results in terms of travel distance, catering to individuals with different preferences for key press depth.
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 Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) has an MSRP of $4.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Strawberry Wine (V2) for $4.35.
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, both the Kiki Red and Strawberry Wine (V2) switches are described as having a clacky sound profile. This means that when pressed, they produce sharp and snappy sounds that are crisp, bright, and percussive. The Kiki Red is known for its high-pitched and clacky nuance, striking a balance between audibly satisfying feedback and comfort. The Strawberry Wine (V2), on the other hand, offers a resonant and clacky note, providing an immersive auditory experience with a clean and sharp sound profile. Ultimately, while both switches share a clacky sound, the Strawberry Wine (V2) may offer a slightly more resonant sound due to its higher-pitched nature.
When it comes to feel, the Kiki Red is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press. These descriptors indicate that the Kiki Red switch offers a smooth and buttery typing experience with minimal resistance, resulting in effortless key presses and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Strawberry Wine (V2) is specifically noted for its silky feel, emphasizing an exceptionally smooth typing experience with minimal resistance during key presses. While both switches prioritize a smooth typing experience, the Kiki Red offers a variety of additional tactile qualities such as snappiness and ease of pressing, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses solely on achieving a silky sensation.
In conclusion, both the Bsun Kiki Red and Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switches offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. While both switches share a clacky sound profile, the Kiki Red leans towards a higher-pitched and nuanced auditory experience, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) provides a more resonant and immersive sound. In terms of feel, the Kiki Red offers a range of tactile qualities such as creaminess and snappiness, while the Strawberry Wine (V2) focuses solely on providing a silky-smooth typing experience. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on personal preference for sound profile and typing feel, but both options offer a premium typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Conclusion
In closing, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned, medium-light keystroke with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky sound, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer switches with an impeccable factory lube job for a silky smooth typing experience, and enjoy resonant, clacky, and high-pitched sound profiles, the Sarokeys Strawberry Wine (V2) switch would be a great fit. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches boils down to your personal preference for tactile feedback and auditory experience. Choose wisely based on your typing style and preferences for the ultimate typing experience.
Mentioned in this article
