Bsun Kiki Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Red is a linear switch known for its finely-tuned typing experience, striking a balance between high-pitched clackiness and smooth actuation. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile is a tactile switch that delivers a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump and captivating "thocky" sound. While the Kiki Red is preferred for its subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the WS Heavy Tactile is lauded for its immersive resistance and engaging typing experience. 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
70g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.20 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
Nylon
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
22mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches use different housing materials for their top and bottom housings, with the Kiki Red employing POM for both and the Heavy Tactile utilizing nylon. While POM is known for creating a deeper and more muted sound profile, nylon elicits a deeper and fuller sound due to its softer plastic composition that absorbs more sound. The differences in sound profiles between the two switches can be attributed to the unique properties of their respective housing materials.
In terms of feel, the bottom housing material plays a significant role in the tactile feedback and bottom-out sound of a switch. With the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing, users can expect a more subdued and deep tactile feedback compared to the Heavy Tactile's nylon bottom housing, which provides a fuller and deeper tactile response. The impact of the bottom housing material is felt most when pressing down on a key, influencing the overall feel and sound of the switch during typing or gaming.
Despite using different housing materials for the top and bottom, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches both aim to provide a unique typing experience through their distinct sound profiles and tactile feedback. While the Kiki Red's POM housings offer a more muted and deeper sound, the Heavy Tactile's nylon housings produce a fuller and rounder sound. Both switches showcase how the choice of housing material can greatly impact the user experience, whether it be in terms of sound, feel, or overall typing satisfaction.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter in both aspects. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the WS Heavy Tactile has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 70 grams. The Kiki Red offers a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for those who prefer a softer touch for extended typing or gaming sessions. In contrast, the WS Heavy Tactile provides a medium-heavy feel, which is more suitable for users who prefer a stronger push and a more substantial typing experience. Overall, those looking for a lighter key press should opt for the Kiki Red, while those preferring a heavier touch may find the WS Heavy Tactile more to their liking.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.2 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the WS Heavy Tactile. The difference may not be significant, but it could impact the overall feel of the switch when typing or gaming. Gamers who value faster response times might prefer the shorter travel distance of the WS Heavy Tactile, while those who enjoy a more substantial key press may lean towards the Bsun Kiki Red. Ultimately, both switches offer a different tactile experience based on their travel distance, so it's essential to consider your personal preferences when choosing between the two.
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 Heavy Tactile comes in at $3.50 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
When it comes to sound, both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile switches are described as producing a clacky sound, giving a sharp and snappy auditory feedback when typing. However, the Kiki Red is also noted for its high-pitched nuance and resonant sound profile, adding a touch of crispness and clarity to each keystroke. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers a deeper and more immersive "thocky" sound, providing a satisfying typing experience with its nylon housings. Ultimately, while both switches deliver a clacky sound, the Kiki Red offers a higher-pitched and resonant tone compared to the WS Heavy Tactile switch.
In terms of feel, the Kiki Red is best described as having a creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and effortless sensation with minimal resistance during key presses. The switch provides a silky feel with a snappy response, making typing feel easy and enjoyable. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch offers an accented, bouncy, and sharp tactile experience, providing a pronounced feedback with moderate to firm actuation force. The keys have a lively feel, giving a sharp and distinct tactile bump with each press, creating an invigorating typing sensation. While the Kiki Red focuses on a smooth and polished feel, the WS Heavy Tactile switch emphasizes a bouncy and sharp tactile feedback for an engaging typing experience.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch offer unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a high-pitched, clacky sound with a smooth and creamy typing feel, suited for those who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the WS Heavy Tactile switch delivers a deep "thocky" sound with an accented and bouncy tactile feel, perfect for users seeking a more immersive and engaging typing experience. Both switches cater to different preferences, but users can expect a satisfying typing experience regardless of their choice.
Conclusion
In closing, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Wuque Studio WS Heavy Tactile tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, along with medium-light weighting for subtle auditory feedback and smooth performance, then the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a profound tactile experience with a 70g bump, immersive resistance, and captivating "thocky" sound for an engaging and satisfying typing experience, then the WS Heavy Tactile switch may be more suited to your preferences. Consider whether you prioritize subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance (Kiki Red) or a pronounced tactile feedback with a snappy and reactive feel (WS Heavy Tactile) when making your decision. Ultimately, both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different typing preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your individual typing style.