Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gazzew U4Tx
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gazzew U4Tx 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 Gazzew U4Tx stand out as popular options in their respective categories. The Kiki Red is a linear switch that offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance. The use of all-POM housings and Ly stems ensures exceptional smoothness during actuation, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx is a tactile switch that marries the best of both worlds, providing a cleaner, refined sound profile with a deep, resonant "thock" when bottoming out and a whisper-quiet topping out sound. Each press on the U4Tx delivers a sharp, satisfying tactile bump, ensuring a luxurious typing experience. While the Kiki Red offers a medium-light weighting and a clacky feel, the U4Tx provides a bassy, muted sound with a sharp tactile feedback. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these 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
62.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Proprietary Gazzew blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel Korean spring
Housing materials
The key difference between the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gazzew U4Tx lies in their composition and resulting sound profiles. The Kiki Red features POM top and bottom housings, known for creating a deep and somewhat muted sound. On the other hand, the U4Tx utilizes a proprietary Gazzew blend for both top and bottom housings, delivering a rich and deep sound profile with a softness similar to "boba plastic." While both materials offer a pleasing sound, the POM of the Kiki Red may provide a slightly different tone compared to the Gazzew blend of the U4Tx.
In terms of construction, both switches have unique characteristics attributed to their top and bottom housing materials. The bottom housing plays a crucial role in the switch's bottom-out sound and feel, impacting the tactile experience when pressing down on a key. The top housing, on the other hand, influences the sound produced when releasing a key. With the Kiki Red's POM top and bottom housings and the U4Tx's Gazzew blend top and bottom housings, each switch is designed to offer a distinct tactile and auditory experience based on the specific qualities of their housing materials.
While there are differences in the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gazzew U4Tx, users can expect similar results in terms of overall sound quality and tactile feedback. Both switches are designed to provide a unique and pleasing typing experience, with the POM housings of the Kiki Red delivering a slightly deeper and more muted sound compared to the Gazzew blend housings of the U4Tx. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches may come down to individual preference for sound profile and tactile feel when typing.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, we can see a clear difference in weight. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a smooth and easy typing experience. On the other hand, the U4Tx has a heavier bottom out force of 62.5 grams, although its actuation force is unknown, which suggests a more substantial keystroke feel. Those who prefer a lighter touch may lean towards the Kiki Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while those who enjoy a stronger push may find the U4Tx more to their liking for a more tactile typing experience. Overall, the choice between the two switches ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch both have a travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will feel the key travel 3.6 mm from the top to the bottom. Both switches provide a similar tactile experience in terms of travel distance, ensuring that users can expect consistent results regardless of which switch they choose to use. With identical travel distances, users can expect the same level of key travel and feel when typing on keyboards equipped with either the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch.
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 Gazzew U4Tx comes in at $6.50 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is characterized as having a clacky sound profile, offering a sharp and snappy sound when pressed. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch provides a bassy and muted sound profile, featuring a deep and rich tone during key presses with minimal noise. Both switches offer distinct auditory experiences, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a crisp and bright sound, while the U4Tx presents a deeper and quieter acoustical output.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as providing a creamy, frictionless, polished, and silky typing experience. This means that users can expect smooth and buttery key presses with reduced friction, resulting in a sleek and refined typing feel. On the other hand, the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offers a sharp tactile bump with each keypress, providing a high feedback intensity and crisp tactile sensation. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Kiki Red focusing on a smooth and effortless typing experience, while the U4Tx delivers a sharp and distinct tactile bump during actuation.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch offer contrasting yet equally appealing subjective qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red provides a clacky sound profile and a smooth, creamy typing experience, catering to users who appreciate a balance between auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the U4Tx delivers a bassy and muted sound profile with a sharp tactile bump, perfect for those seeking a refined sound profile and a high feedback intensity during key presses. Depending on personal preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer distinct typing experiences that can enhance the overall enjoyment of using a mechanical keyboard.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gazzew U4Tx tactile switch, you should consider your preference for typing experience. If you seek a subtly audible and high-pitched sound with smooth actuation and medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red would be an ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a refined and quieter typing experience with a sharp tactile bump, the U4Tx switch may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your personal preference for sound, feel, and overall typing experience.