Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Type L

Overview

When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Type L mechanical keyboard switches, it's important to note that both are linear switches with unique characteristics. The Kiki Red from BSUN is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, offering a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these switches are preferred by enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L is part of Sillyworks' "Project Rehash," combining classic travel distances with modern factory lubing practices. This switch stands out as the lightest in its series, requiring only 45g to bottom out, and produces a sound signature towards the deeper end of the spectrum. While the Kiki Red is categorized as 'Clacky,' 'Creamy,' and 'Snappy,' the Type L is described as 'Neutral,' 'Subdued,' and 'Feathery.' However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

$4.70 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

The Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Type L both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the sound profile of the switch. The Kiki Red uses POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and muted sound profile that is pleasing to the ears. On the other hand, the Type L utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a fuller and deeper sound profile that is also softer and absorbs more sound. Despite using different materials, both switches offer a similar experience in terms of sound quality, with the Kiki Red emphasizing a more muted sound compared to the Type L's rounder sound.

While the top housings of the Kiki Red and Type L switches differ in material, with the Kiki Red featuring POM and the Type L using nylon, both contribute to the overall sound profile of the switch. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the nylon top housing of the Type L elicits a fuller and rounder sound profile. This difference in material results in a unique typing experience for each switch, with the Kiki Red offering a more subdued sound and the Type L providing a richer tonality.

In terms of bottom housings, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Type L share similar characteristics as both switches utilize POM and nylon, respectively. The bottom housing of a switch has a significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deep and muted, while the nylon bottom housing of the Type L contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile that is softer and absorbs more sound. Despite using different materials, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound profiles.

Weight

When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, it is evident that both switches fall on the lighter side of the spectrum. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Type L has an actuation force of 38 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches provide a relatively light typing experience, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming marathons. The slight difference in force between the two may not be significant enough to noticeably affect the typing feel for most users. Ultimately, those who prefer a lighter typing experience may lean towards the Type L, while those seeking a slightly firmer feel may opt for the Kiki Red. Nonetheless, both switches offer a comfortable typing experience with minimal force required for actuation and bottoming out.

Travel distance

The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, which is shorter compared to the Gateron Type L linear switch that has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red provides a quicker response time due to its shorter distance, making it a popular choice among gamers. On the other hand, the Type L offers a slightly deeper feel when pressed, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial key press. Both switches fall within the range of traditional travel distances, with the Kiki Red being on the shorter end and the Type L on the longer end. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on personal preference for travel distance in a keyboard switch.

Price comparison

Typing experience

When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not excessively loud, providing a comfortably audible typing experience. In contrast, the Gateron Type L linear switch produces a sound signature that elegantly veers towards the deeper end of the acoustic spectrum, offering a more subdued and neutral typing experience. Both switches offer distinctive sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a sharper tone while the Type L provides a more muted and moderate sound output.

In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, and snappy typing experience, characterized by smoothness, effortless key presses, and reduced friction. On the other hand, the Gateron Type L switch is lauded for its feathery and easy-to-press feel, providing a light actuation force that minimizes finger strain and fatigue during extended typing sessions. While the Kiki Red emphasizes smoothness and responsiveness, the Type L focuses on providing a comfortable and low-impact typing experience, catering to users who prefer lighter keypresses.

Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red and Gateron Type L linear switches offer distinct subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a clacky and nuanced sound with a smooth and polished typing feel, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Type L stands out for its deeper sound profile and feathery key feel, catering to users looking for a lighter and easy-to-press typing experience. Depending on personal preferences for sound and typing feel, individuals can choose between the Bsun Kiki Red for a sharper auditory feedback and refined keystroke feel or the Gateron Type L for a more subdued sound and effortless key presses. Ultimately, both switches offer quality performance and can deliver satisfying results based on the user's preferences.

Conclusion

In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Type L linear switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you prioritize a clacky sound with a medium-light weighting and smooth actuation, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force and a sound signature that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum, along with a feathery feel that reduces finger fatigue, the Type L could be the perfect fit for your typing needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on what type of typing experience you value the most, whether it be nuanced auditory feedback and finesse in performance or light actuation force and reduced strain on your fingers.

Mentioned in this article

Bsun Kiki Red Linear

$4.70

$3.83 per 10

Learn more

Gateron Type L Linear

$4.70 per 10

Learn more