Bsun Kiki Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, two popular options to explore are the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear, both of which are linear switches. The Kiki Red is renowned for its finely-tuned typing experience, striking a balance between a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting for a subtle yet tactile feedback. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a smooth and high-pitched typing experience with its transparent polycarbonate and UHMWPE housing, perfect for those who prioritize maximum RGB lighting customization and a lightly lubed POM stem for minimal friction. While these general pointers can help you in making a choice, diving in deeper will allow you to determine the best switch for your specific needs and preferences.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
42g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
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
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear both offer unique housing materials that greatly impact the sound profile of the switches. The Kiki Red features POM top and bottom housings, which create a deep and muted sound profile. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear boasts polycarbonate top and UHWMPE bottom housings, producing a sharper, higher-pitched sound with resonant clacks. The use of POM in the Kiki Red results in a more subdued sound, while the combination of polycarbonate and UHWMPE in the WS Aurora Clear offers a brighter and crisper typing experience.
In terms of aesthetics, the difference in housing materials between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear is quite distinct. The transparent polycarbonate top housing of the WS Aurora Clear allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switches. In contrast, the solid POM top housing of the Kiki Red provides a more traditional and sleek look without the translucency for RGB effects. This highlights how the choice of housing material not only impacts the sound but also plays a role in the overall design and appearance of the switches.
While both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer unique sound profiles based on their housing materials, the impact of these materials is split between the top and bottom housings. The top housing influences the sound when a key is released, while the bottom housing affects the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed. This means that the combination of POM in the top and bottom housing of the Kiki Red will result in a consistent, deep sound profile throughout typing, while the polycarbonate and UHWMPE combination in the WS Aurora Clear offers a more dynamic and bright typing experience with distinct clacks.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams. For those who prefer a lighter typing experience that allows for longer sessions without fatigue, the Kiki Red would be the better choice. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear offers a more substantial typing feel with a heavier actuation and bottom out force, making it a good option for users who prefer a stronger push when typing. When comparing the two switches, it is clear that the Kiki Red is the lighter option while the WS Aurora Clear is the heavier one. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual preferences for typing feel and force requirements.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.8 mm. In this case, the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. When comparing the two, the Kiki Red may offer a slightly quicker response due to its shorter travel distance, which may be preferred by gamers looking for faster input recognition. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear may provide a bit more depth and feedback with its slightly longer travel distance, appealing to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference regarding travel distance and 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 Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear comes in at $8.00 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 known for its clacky noise, offering a sharp and snappy auditory experience. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is recognized for its high-pitched sound, providing a crisp and bright typing sound. Depending on personal preference, users may gravitate towards the clacky nuance of the Kiki Red or the sharper tone of the WS Aurora Clear. Keep in mind that the overall sound produced by a switch is also influenced by factors such as the keyboard's construction and the keycaps used.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the Bsun Kiki Red is lauded for its creamy and frictionless typing experience. These switches offer smooth and buttery keystrokes, minimizing resistance for effortless typing. Additionally, the WS Aurora Clear switches are described as buttery and polished, providing a seamless and refined typing sensation. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and fluid typing experience, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a creamier feel while the WS Aurora Clear focuses on a polished and uniform keystroke.
Overall, when comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, it's evident that they each bring distinct qualities to the table in terms of sound and feel. Users who prioritize a clacky sound with a medium-light weighting may prefer the Kiki Red, while those seeking a higher-pitched sound with a smooth keystroke may opt for the WS Aurora Clear. Ultimately, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience with their unique characteristics, allowing users to tailor their choice based on personal preferences and typing style to achieve similar results in terms of auditory and tactile feedback.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch would be an excellent choice for you. These switches offer a smooth and light actuation force, making them a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, if you prefer a smooth, high-pitched typing experience with maximum RGB lighting customization, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch would be a great option for you. With a slightly heavier bottom out force and a buttery, mild typing feel, these switches provide a seamless and uniform typing sensation. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for sound, feel, and the overall typing experience you are looking for in a mechanical keyboard switch.