Bsun Kiki Red vs. Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear are both linear switches that offer unique typing experiences. The Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the WS Silent Linear switches by Wuque feature ingeniously designed stem railings with discreet cutouts to reduce switch noise, providing a quiet and responsive typing experience without the usual cushioned sensation of silicone dampeners. Both switches have their own strengths and appeal to different preferences, 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
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 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
15mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
When comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear, it is clear that both switches utilize different materials for the top and bottom housing components. The Kiki Red features a POM top and bottom housing, known for creating a deep and muted sound profile. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear utilizes nylon for both the top and bottom housing, providing a fuller and rounder sound due to its softer plastic nature that absorbs more sound. While both switches offer unique sound profiles, the materials used in their housing components result in distinct auditory experiences.
While the Kiki Red and WS Silent Linear differ in their housing materials, they both share the characteristic of creating a deep sound profile. The POM top and bottom housing of the Kiki Red contribute to a pleasing and unique sound that leans towards the deeper end of the spectrum. Similarly, the nylon top and bottom housing of the WS Silent Linear elicits a deeper and fuller sound profile. Despite the variation in housing materials, both switches exhibit qualities that emphasize a deeper tone, catering to users who prefer a richer sound experience while typing.
The choice between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear ultimately comes down to personal preference in sound profile. The POM housing of the Kiki Red provides a more muted sound compared to the duller and rounder sound produced by the nylon housing of the WS Silent Linear. While both switches offer a similar deep sound profile, the different materials used in their housing components result in distinct auditory experiences. Whether one prefers the unique sound of POM or the fuller sound of nylon, both switches offer a satisfying typing experience tailored to individual preferences.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter in both categories. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, providing a light typing experience. In contrast, the WS Silent Linear has an unknown actuation force and a bottom out force of 63.5 grams, making it a medium-heavy option. Those who prefer a lighter typing feel may opt for the Kiki Red for longer typing sessions or gaming, while individuals seeking a more substantial typing experience may lean towards the WS Silent Linear. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. In this case, the WS Silent Linear has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are popular for gamers seeking faster response times. However, the difference of 0.1 mm between the two may not be significant enough to be noticeable in actual usage. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to personal preference for the slight variation in travel distance.
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 Silent Linear comes in at $4.20 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, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance between being audible yet not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch is designed to offer a more serene typing experience with reduced noise, thanks to its ingeniously crafted stem railings. While the Kiki Red provides a distinct clacky sound, the WS Silent Linear offers a more neutral and subdued sound profile, catering to those who prefer a quieter typing environment without sacrificing responsiveness.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is praised for its creamy and polished typing experience, offering a smooth and buttery sensation during keystrokes. On the contrary, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear switch provides a milder typing experience, suitable for those who prefer a gentler touch without overly pronounced characteristics. The Kiki Red switch ensures a frictionless and snappy feel, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a refined and responsive typing performance, while the WS Silent Linear switch offers a more approachable and middle-ground typing experience that balances comfort with precision.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in providing a subtly clacky sound and a creamy, polished feel for enthusiasts who appreciate nuanced auditory feedback and smooth keystrokes. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch stands out for its minimized noise and mild typing experience, catering to individuals looking for a tranquil yet responsive typing experience. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, ensuring that users can achieve their desired typing experience based on their sound and feel preferences. Overall, whether opting for the Kiki Red or the WS Silent Linear, users can expect a high level of quality and performance in their mechanical keyboard setup.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Silent Linear linear switch, it ultimately depends on your preferences for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched, clacky nuance and medium-light weighting, then the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a quieter typing experience with reduced switch noise and unparalleled responsiveness, without the use of silicone dampeners, then the WS Silent Linear switch is worth considering. Both switches offer unique sound and feel characteristics, so it's important to consider what aspects are most important to you in order to make the best decision for your mechanical keyboard setup.
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