Bsun Kiki Red vs. KTT Vanilla Ice Cream
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream both offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, featuring a high-pitched and clacky nuance that is not excessively loud. With all-POM housing and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly stems, these switches provide a subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance. On the other hand, the Vanilla Ice Cream switch stands out for its use of POK material in both stem and bottom housing, offering typists a remarkably smooth and creamy feel. It also delivers a high-pitched and clacky sound signature that sets it apart from other switches. While both switches offer a smooth typing experience, the Kiki Red leans towards subtlety in auditory feedback while the Vanilla Ice Cream focuses on a creamy feel and high-pitched sound. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POK
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Proprietary KTT blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
POK
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel 18mm spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches offer different characteristics that contribute to the overall sound and feel of the switches. The POM top housing of the Kiki Red provides a deeper and more muted sound profile, while the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream's proprietary blend offers a higher-pitched and clacky sound signature. This difference in sound profile can greatly impact the typing experience for users, with some preferring a softer and deeper sound while others may prefer a more clicky and vibrant sound.
In terms of the bottom housing materials, the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches also differ. The POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red offers a pleasing and unique sound profile on the deeper side, similar to its top housing characteristics. On the other hand, the POK bottom housing of the Vanilla Ice Cream switch boasts exceptional durability, smoothness, and shock resistance. This difference in bottom housing materials can affect the overall feel of the switch when pressed, with the POK material contributing to a smoother and more durable typing experience compared to the POM material.
When considering how the qualities of the top and bottom housing materials are split between the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switches, it's important to note that the bottom housing has a greater impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when the switch is pressed. On the other hand, the top housing will have a larger influence on the sound produced when a key is released. While the Kiki Red may offer a more consistent sound profile with its POM materials, the Vanilla Ice Cream's mix of materials in both top and bottom housings provide a range of benefits such as durability and smoothness that can enhance the overall typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch are quite similar. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Vanilla Ice Cream has an actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 48 grams. Both switches fall on the lighter side in terms of force required, making them ideal for users who prefer a lighter touch while typing. This means that users can enjoy a smooth typing experience with minimal effort, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. Overall, both switches offer a similar lightweight feel, making either option a good choice for those who prefer a lighter actuation and bottom out force for their keyboard.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, slightly longer than the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch with a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them suitable for individuals who prioritize faster response times, such as gamers. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be noticeable for most users. In terms of choosing between the two, if you prefer a slightly longer travel distance that offers a bit more depth to each keystroke, the Bsun Kiki Red would be the better option. On the other hand, if you lean towards a slightly shorter travel distance for a quicker and more responsive typing experience, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream would be the preferred choice. Ultimately, both switches offer similar performance and feel, so you can expect comparable results regardless of which one you choose.
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 KTT Vanilla Ice Cream has an MSRP of $5.78 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Vanilla Ice Cream for $4.60.
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 offers a clacky nuance that strikes a balance between sharpness and comfort without being excessively loud. On the other hand, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch provides a high-pitched and clacky sound signature, giving typists a distinct auditory experience. Both switches offer a unique sound profile that can enhance the typing experience, depending on personal preferences and the overall setup of the keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as providing a creamy and frictionless typing experience, thanks to its medium-light weighting and all-POM housing. This contributes to a smooth and polished feel that appeals to enthusiasts seeking finesse in performance. In contrast, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream switch offers a buttery and creamy sensation, reminiscent of its dessert-inspired name. The smooth and fluid keystroke experience is achieved through the ingenious use of POK in both the stem and bottom housing, ensuring a seamless and effortless typing sensation.
In conclusion, while the Bsun Kiki Red and KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switches differ slightly in their sound and feel qualities, both offer a premium typing experience characterized by smoothness, comfort, and unique acoustics. Whether you prefer a clacky and medium-light switch like the Kiki Red or a high-pitched and buttery switch like the Vanilla Ice Cream, both options cater to enthusiasts looking for a refined and enjoyable typing experience. Ultimately, selecting between these switches will come down to personal preference and desired typing feel and sound profile.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream linear switch, consider the following guidelines. If you prioritize a comfortably high-pitched and clacky typing experience with medium-light weighting, along with a preference for all-POM housings and smooth actuation, the Bsun Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you value a remarkably smooth and creamy feel, achieved through the ingenious use of POK in both stem and bottom housing, and enjoy high-pitched and clacky sound profiles, the KTT Vanilla Ice Cream could be the switch that best suits your preferences. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the tactile and auditory feedback that aligns most closely with your typing style and preferences.
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