Bsun Kiki Red vs. Jwick Taro
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Jwick Taro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and Jwick Taro stand out as excellent options for different preferences. The Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched clackiness and smooth actuation, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Taro switch provides a cozy typing experience with a medium level of tactility and crisp clacks, appealing to those who prefer a more neutral and buttery feel. 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
3.70 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Jwick Taro switches offer contrasting sound profiles. The Kiki Red's POM housing provides a deeper and more muted sound, while the Taro's polycarbonate housing creates a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The difference in stiffness between POM and polycarbonate plays a significant role in the sound produced by each switch. Additionally, the translucency of polycarbonate makes it ideal for switches using RGB lighting, adding an aesthetic element to its functionality.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Kiki Red utilizes POM which contributes to its unique sound profile. On the other hand, the Taro switch features a nylon bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound. The softer nature of nylon absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound compared to the stiffer POM material. This difference in bottom housing material affects the overall typing experience and sound produced by each switch.
Overall, the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and Jwick Taro switches play a crucial role in the sound profile and typing experience of each switch. While the Kiki Red offers a deeper and muted sound with its POM housing, the Taro switch provides a sharper and crisper sound with its polycarbonate housing. Additionally, the choice of bottom housing material, whether POM or nylon, further impacts the sound quality and overall feel of each switch. Ultimately, understanding the properties of each housing material can help users choose the switch that best fits their preferences and typing style.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Jwick Taro tactile switch, which has an unknown actuation force. The Kiki Red also has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Taro has a heavier bottom out force of 67 grams. This means that the Kiki Red may be preferred by those who enjoy a lighter typing experience that allows for longer periods of typing, while the Taro may be more suitable for those who prefer a stronger push feel for a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend 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 Jwick Taro tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for individuals who prefer quicker response times. The difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant in terms of feel, but some users may notice a slightly shorter travel on the Kiki Red compared to the Taro. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and whether you prioritize a slightly shorter travel distance for faster typing or a slightly longer one for more tactile feedback.
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 Jwick Taro has an MSRP of $5.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Taro for $4.25.
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 is known for its clacky nature, producing sharp and snappy sounds that are described as crisp, bright, and percussive. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch is characterized as having a neutral sound profile, which means it falls in the middle in terms of actuation force requirement and sound level. The sound of both switches can also be influenced by other factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This means that users can expect a buttery smooth sensation, minimal resistance, reduced friction, and overall enhanced typing comfort with these switches. On the other hand, the Jwick Taro tactile switch provides a buttery and stepped typing experience, giving users a smooth and fluid keystroke along with a feeling of two-stage tactility for a more subtle tactile experience.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch offer different subjective qualities when it comes to sound and feel. The Kiki Red provides a clacky sound with a range of smooth and easy-to-press tactile sensations, while the Taro offers a more neutral sound profile with a buttery feel and stepped tactility. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for sound, feel, and typing style.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Jwick Taro tactile switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a smooth and clacky typing experience with medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a cozy, tactile typing experience with medium-heavy actuation force and a snappy tactility, the Taro switch would be more suitable. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics in terms of sound and feel, so carefully consider your priorities and preferences before making a decision.
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