Bsun Kiki Red vs. Durock T1
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Durock T1 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch to the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is important to note the distinct differences in their typing experiences. The Kiki Reds from BSUN offer a clacky and nuanced typing feel with their high-pitched sound without being overly loud. Their all-POM housings and Ly stems contribute to a smooth actuation and medium-light weighting, making them favored by enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Durock T1 tactile switch provides a comfortable typing experience with a medium bump and a low-pitched sound reminiscent of rain on a window. While the Kiki Red is categorized as clacky, creamy, and snappy, the T1 is characterized as stepped, neutral, and polished. Both switches have their unique qualities, making them appealing options for different preferences; 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
N/A
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
67g
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
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Gold-plated
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Durock T1 switches offer different sound profiles due to their unique properties. The Kiki Red's POM top housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the T1's polycarbonate top housing creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the T1 allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, giving it a visually appealing feature. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing also contributes to a pleasing sound profile, similar to its top housing, while the T1's nylon bottom housing produces a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer nature.
Despite the differences in housing materials for the top and bottom of the switches, both the Bsun Kiki Red and Durock T1 offer unique advantages in terms of sound quality. The split qualities between the top and bottom housings impact the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel while the top housing affects the sound when releasing a key. This division allows for a more nuanced and balanced typing experience, catering to different preferences for sound profiles. Whether it be the deeper and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, both switches offer distinct characteristics.
While the Bsun Kiki Red and Durock T1 switches have different housing materials, they both excel in providing unique and pleasing sound profiles. The choice between POM and polycarbonate top housings will depend on personal preference for sound characteristics, with POM offering a deeper sound and polycarbonate delivering a sharper sound. Similarly, the nylon bottom housing of the T1 and POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red cater to different preferences for sound profiles, with nylon offering a fuller sound and POM producing a more muted sound. Overall, both switches offer high-quality materials that contribute to an enjoyable typing experience with distinct sound profiles.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch, it is evident that there is a notable difference in the weight of the two switches. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, offering a smoother and easier typing experience. In contrast, the T1 features a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams, providing a more substantial typing feel. The actuation force for the T1 is not specified, but based on the bottom out force, it can be assumed to be heavier than the Kiki Red. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with lighter switches being ideal for long typing sessions and heavier switches for those seeking a more pronounced key press.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Durock T1 tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red offers a shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for quicker response times. On the other hand, the T1 provides a slightly deeper travel distance, which some users may find more satisfying due to the added depth when pressing down on a key. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for travel distance and desired typing or gaming experience. Both switches offer different travel distances, so users can expect varied results based on their selection.
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 Durock T1 has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the T1 for $4.90.
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, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a clacky and high-pitched typing experience, generating a sharp and percussive sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Durock T1 switch provides a low-pitched and neutral sound profile, resembling the sound of rain falling on a window. Depending on your preference, the Kiki Red switch will give you a louder and crisper auditory feedback compared to the T1 switch with its mellower tone.
Moving on to the feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is lauded for its creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. These descriptors point to a smooth, highly responsive, and low-resistance tactile feedback that enhances the overall typing comfort. In contrast, the Durock T1 switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, offering a tactile feel with two stages of feedback and a medium level of tactility that is not overwhelming. These differences in tactile feedback indicate that the Kiki Red switch will provide a softer and more effortless key press, while the T1 switch will offer a more pronounced and structured tactile feedback.
Considering all the available information, it is evident that the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Durock T1 tactile switch cater to different preferences in sound and feel. If you prefer a sharper and clackier sound with a smoother and creamier typing feel, the Kiki Red switch is the way to go. However, if you prefer a milder sound with a more structured and accented tactile feedback, the T1 switch will be more suitable for your typing style. Ultimately, your choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel in a mechanical keyboard switch.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Durock T1 tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you enjoy a light and clacky switch with a smooth and polished feel, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a medium-heavy tactile switch with a comfortable bump and low-pitched sound, the T1 might suit your typing style better. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so ultimately, the decision should be based on what attributes you prioritize in your mechanical keyboard switches.
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