Bsun Kiki Red vs. Jerrzi Violet
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and Jerrzi Violet mechanical keyboard switches offer unique experiences that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Reds from BSUN are linear switches known for their comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, providing a subtle yet satisfying tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switches are tactile switches that offer a smooth actuation and a pleasingly poppy tactility, creating a balanced and enjoyable typing experience with a neutral sound signature. Each switch has its own strengths and may appeal to different preferences, with the Kiki Reds being ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, while the Violets are favored for their gentle tactility. 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
45g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.70 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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Jerrzi Violet switches offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences. The Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a deeper and more muted sound, while the Violet's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper and crisper sound. This contrast in sound profile is attributed to the stiffness of polycarbonate compared to the POM material, which affects the resonance and clarity of the sound produced. Additionally, polycarbonate's translucency makes it a favorable choice for switches designed with RGB lighting in mind, adding a visual appeal to its functional properties.
In terms of the bottom housing, the Kiki Red's POM material also contributes to a deep and muted sound profile, while the Violet's nylon bottom housing offers a fuller and rounder sound. Nylon's softer nature absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller but more satisfying typing experience. The choice of bottom housing material plays a significant role in the overall sound and feel of the switch, affecting the bottom-out sound and tactile feedback when pressing down on a key. This differentiation in housing materials highlights the attention to detail in creating unique typing experiences for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Despite the differences in housing materials between the Bsun Kiki Red and Jerrzi Violet switches, both options offer distinct sound profiles and tactile experiences that cater to different preferences. The split between the top and bottom housing materials allows for a balance in the overall typing experience, with the bottom housing impacting the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. Whether one prefers the deeper and more resonant sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, these housing materials demonstrate the importance of material selection in creating a satisfying typing experience.
Weight
The actuation force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 42 grams, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has an actuation force of 45 grams. The Kiki Red has a bottom out force of 50 grams, but the bottom out force for the Violet switch is unknown. In terms of weight, the Kiki Red is lighter compared to the Violet switch. The lighter actuation force of the Kiki Red may appeal to users who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. Conversely, the slightly heavier actuation force of the Violet switch may provide a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Both switches offer a different typing experience based on their actuation and bottom out forces, catering to different preferences depending on the user's typing style and preference for keypress feel.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Despite the minor difference in distance, both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances that are popular among gamers for their faster response times. The Kiki Red is slightly shorter than the Violet, offering a slightly faster key press experience. However, both switches provide a nice balance between responsiveness and depth, catering to a variety of preferences. Whether you choose the Kiki Red or the Violet, you can expect similar results in terms of travel distance and overall 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 Jerrzi Violet has an MSRP of $2.79 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Violet for $2.30.
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 offers a clacky typing experience, producing a sharp and percussive sound with a comfortably high-pitched nuance. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch provides a more neutral sound profile, allowing for a balanced and enjoyable typing experience without being too loud. The choice between the two switches will ultimately come down to personal preference, with the Kiki Red catering to those who enjoy a more distinct auditory feedback while the Violet appeals to users who prefer a quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as offering a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience due to its medium-light weighting and the use of Ly in the stems. On the other hand, the Jerrzi Violet switch is characterized by a stepped tactile feel, providing a gentle and smooth actuation with a more subtle bump during typing. Both switches offer unique tactile feedback, with the Kiki Red focusing on a more fluid and responsive feel while the Violet emphasizes a mild and satisfying tactility.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and Jerrzi Violet tactile switch each have their own strengths in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a clacky and smooth typing experience with a medium-light weighting, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Violet offers a gentle and pleasingly poppy tactile feel with a neutral sound signature, catering to those who prefer a more subtle tactile feedback during typing. Depending on your preferences for sound and feel, both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your overall typing experience, providing a range of options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Jerrzi Violet tactile switch, consider your typing preferences and environment. If you prefer a finely-tuned typing experience with a medium-light weighting and a balance of high-pitched, clacky nuance, the Kiki Red may be the better choice for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a smooth actuation with gentle tactile feedback and a more neutral sound signature, the Violet switch could be the ideal fit. Ultimately, the decision between these switches will depend on whether you prioritize auditory feedback and smoothness in performance (Kiki Red) or smooth actuation and pleasing tactility (Violet). Choose the switch that aligns best with your typing style and preferences to enhance your overall typing experience.
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