Bsun Kiki Red vs. Haimu Viola Tricolor
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing a mechanical keyboard switch, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Haimu Viola Tricolor stand out as popular options for enthusiasts seeking a premium typing experience. The Kiki Red, a linear switch, is renowned for its finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. With all-POM housings and smooth actuation thanks to Ly stems, these switches provide a subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance, making them ideal for those who appreciate finesse in their typing experience. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor, a tactile switch, offers a thuddy and punchy sound profile that adds character to typing, along with a pronounced tactility that provides satisfying feedback without being too overwhelming. Both switches have their own unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choosing between them ultimately comes down to personal preference. 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
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.80 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
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
Dual-staged gold-plated spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and Haimu Viola Tricolor differ significantly in their choice of housing materials. The Kiki Red features a POM top and bottom housing, which creates a pleasing and unique sound profile that is deeper and more muted. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of polycarbonate in the Viola Tricolor allows for a more clear and resonant sound, particularly advantageous for those looking to incorporate RGB lighting due to its translucency.
In terms of the bottom housing material, the Kiki Red maintains its POM construction, which continues to contribute to its deeper and fuller sound profile. Meanwhile, the Viola Tricolor features a nylon bottom housing, known for creating a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics due to its softer composition. This difference in bottom housing material between the two switches will impact user experience in terms of sound and feel, as the bottom housing plays a significant role in the overall typing experience.
While the Bsun Kiki Red and Haimu Viola Tricolor have distinct housing materials for both the top and bottom, they both aim to provide a unique sound profile to enhance the typing experience. The POM housing in the Kiki Red and the polycarbonate housing in the Viola Tricolor offer their own advantages in sound production, with the former delivering a deeper and more muted tone while the latter provides a sharper and crisper sound. Despite their differences, both switches prioritize the quality of sound and aim to offer users a satisfying typing experience with their choice of housing materials.
Weight
In comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, it is clear that the Kiki Red is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Viola Tricolor has an actuation force that is unknown and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. This makes the Viola Tricolor a heavier option compared to the Kiki Red. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience, the Kiki Red would be the more suitable choice due to its lower actuation and bottom out forces. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor would be better for users who prefer a stronger push feel and a more substantial typing experience. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches would depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, making it a shorter option compared to the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, which has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. While both switches are relatively close in travel distance, the Viola Tricolor offers a slightly longer distance for those who prefer a bit more depth in their keystrokes. Gamers may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red for faster response times, while others may find the Viola Tricolor more satisfying for a more deliberate keypress. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference and the desired typing experience.
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 Haimu Viola Tricolor has an MSRP of $6.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Viola Tricolor for $3.09.
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 Reds are characterized by a clacky and high-pitched nuance that provides a crisp and percussive sound when typing. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches offer a bassy and low-pitched sound profile, adding a touch of depth and richness to the typing experience. Both switches provide unique auditory feedback that caters to different preferences, with the Kiki Reds offering a more sharp and clacky sound while the Viola Tricolor switches deliver a thuddy and punchy sound.
When it comes to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Reds are described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, providing a smooth and effortless typing experience with minimal resistance and a light actuation force. On the other hand, the Haimu Viola Tricolor switches are characterized as accented and invigorating, offering a pronounced tactile feedback with a moderate to firm actuation force. Both switches excel in providing a tactile typing experience, with the Kiki Reds focusing on smoothness and ease of typing while the Viola Tricolor switches emphasize a balanced tactile sensation.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switches and the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switches cater to different preferences in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Reds offer a clacky and high-pitched sound with a smooth and easy-to-press typing experience, perfect for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Viola Tricolor switches provide a bassy and punchy sound with a pronounced tactile feedback, creating an invigorating typing sensation for users who seek a balance between tactility and smoothness. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Haimu Viola Tricolor tactile switch, you should take into account your preferences for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you prefer a thuddy and punchy sound profile with pronounced tactility and a perfect balance between feedback and smoothness, the Viola Tricolor could be more suited to your typing style. Ultimately, the choice between these switches comes down to your personal preference for sound, feel, and performance.
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