Bsun Kiki Red vs. SP-Star Yanyu
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Yanyu switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Yanyu mechanical keyboard switches, it is evident that both offer unique features that cater to different preferences. The Kiki Reds from BSUN provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortable high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. The use of POM housings and Ly stems contribute to a smooth actuation and medium-light weighting, making them ideal for enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Yanyu switches are tailored for those seeking a delicate typing experience or typing for extended periods. With a material blend that produces a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu offers a neutral and polished feel. 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
43g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
POM
Top housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Gold plated
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Yanyu both feature unique housing materials that contribute to the overall sound profile of the switches. The Kiki Red utilizes a POM material for both its top and bottom housing, creating a deep and relatively muted sound. In contrast, the Yanyu uses a blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE for its housing, resulting in a more pleasant and slightly brighter sound. This difference in material composition gives each switch a distinct auditory experience, with the Kiki Red offering a deeper sound profile compared to the Yanyu's brighter tone.
Despite their differences in housing materials, both the Kiki Red and the Yanyu aim to provide a satisfying typing experience through their unique sound profiles. The use of POM in the Kiki Red's top and bottom housings contributes to a consistent and pleasing sound, while the blend of Polymer nylon and UHMWPE in the Yanyu adds a hint of brightness to the overall tone. Additionally, the split qualities between the top and bottom housings of each switch offer a balance of tactile feedback and sound variation depending on whether you are pressing a key or releasing it.
In terms of tactile feel and sound production, the bottom housing of the Bsun Kiki Red and the SP-Star Yanyu plays a significant role in the overall typing experience. The bottom housing's impact on the bottom-out sound and feel can vary between the switches due to their different material compositions. While the Kiki Red's POM bottom housing may create a deeper and more muted bottom-out sound, the Yanyu's Polymer nylon and UHMWPE blend may offer a slightly brighter and more tactile feedback. Conversely, the top housing of both switches contributes to the sound when a key is released, adding to the overall auditory experience of each switch.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it is evident that both switches have light forces overall. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Yanyu has an actuation force of None grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams. In terms of weight, both switches fall on the lighter side, making them suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Kiki Red requires slightly more force to bottom out compared to the Yanyu, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, those who prefer a softer touch may lean towards the Kiki Red, while the Yanyu may appeal to those who prefer an even lighter touch. Both switches are ideal for users looking for a smooth linear typing experience without significant resistance.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Yanyu switch has a slightly longer travel distance compared to the Kiki Red switch. The difference may not seem significant, but it can impact the overall typing or gaming experience. For those who prefer a slightly deeper keypress, the Yanyu switch may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you prefer a shorter travel distance for quicker response times, the Kiki Red switch would be the better choice. Both switches offer a balance between depth and responsiveness, so ultimately the decision comes down to personal preference.
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 SP-Star Yanyu has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Yanyu for $5.40.
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 switch offers a unique high-pitched, clacky nuance that strikes a balance between audibly satisfying feedback and moderate loudness. On the other hand, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is described as having a crisp sound profile that is neutral in nature, suitable for various typing scenarios. The Kiki Red provides a more distinct and lively auditory experience compared to the subtle and gentle sound of the Yanyu. However, both switches can offer a pleasant sound depending on the user's preference and accompanying components such as the keyboard and keycaps.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is renowned for its creamy, frictionless, and polished typing experience. With attributes like silky smoothness and snappy responsiveness, these switches excel in providing a premium typing feel. Conversely, the SP-Star Yanyu switch is characterized by a mild and feathery typing experience that is gentle on the fingers and minimizes fatigue. Additionally, the Yanyu switch offers a refined and smooth key travel similar to the Kiki Red's polished sensation. Both switches aim to offer a comfortable and satisfying typing experience, albeit with slightly different approaches in terms of tactile feedback.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red and SP-Star Yanyu linear switches each have their own unique qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Kiki Red excels in providing a vibrant and clacky sound profile, coupled with a smooth and snappy typing feel that enthusiasts appreciate. On the other hand, the Yanyu switch offers a more delicate and neutral sound along with a gentle and feathery typing experience that is suitable for long periods of use. Ultimately, both switches can provide a satisfying typing experience based on individual preferences and typing requirements, ensuring that newcomers to the mechanical keyboard world have a variety of options to choose from.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the SP-Star Yanyu linear switch, it ultimately comes down to your preference for typing experience. If you value a clacky and medium-light switch with a unique sound signature and smooth actuation, the Kiki Red may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate and gentle typing experience with a crisp sound profile, the Yanyu switch could be more suitable. Both switches offer light bottom out forces, making them great options for extended typing sessions. Ultimately, the decision between the Kiki Red and Yanyu switches will depend on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing style.
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