Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Yellow Silver
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Yellow Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Yellow Silver stand out as two compelling options to choose from. The Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, offering a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches provide a smooth actuation and a medium-light weighting for a tactile experience favored by enthusiasts. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver is known for its light actuation force and neutral sound profile, making it ideal for both gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. While the Kiki Red is lauded for its subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse, the Yellow Silver caters to those who prioritize quick response times. 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
55g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.30 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
No
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
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and Outemu Yellow Silver both offer unique sound profiles due to their different housing materials. The Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a more muted and deeper sound, while the Yellow Silver's polycarbonate top housing produces a sharper, higher-pitched sound. The use of polycarbonate in the Yellow Silver results in a clearer and resonant sound profile, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy a crisper typing experience. In contrast, the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red contributes to a deeper and fuller sound, while the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver absorbs more sound, creating a duller and rounder sound profile.
Despite their differences, both the Kiki Red and Yellow Silver demonstrate how the housing materials play a significant role in the overall sound profile of a switch. The use of POM in the top housing of the Kiki Red and polycarbonate in the Yellow Silver showcase the unique qualities each material brings, with POM providing a more muted sound and polycarbonate offering a sharper tone. Additionally, the nylon bottom housing of the Yellow Silver results in a deeper and fuller sound, while the POM bottom housing of the Kiki Red creates a unique sound profile on the deeper side. Ultimately, the choice between the two housing materials depends on individual preference for sound and typing experience.
When considering the impact of housing materials on the overall sound and feel of a switch, it's important to note that the top and bottom housing contribute different qualities to the typing experience. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This means that the choice of housing material for both the top and bottom of a switch can have a direct impact on the overall typing experience, from the initial press to the release of a key. Whether opting for the POM top housing of the Kiki Red or the polycarbonate top housing of the Yellow Silver, users can expect a unique and tailored typing experience based on their housing material preference.
Weight
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch differ slightly in terms of actuation and bottom out force. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams compared to the Yellow Silver's 45 grams. Additionally, the Kiki Red has a lighter bottom out force of 50 grams, whereas the Yellow Silver has a slightly heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. The Kiki Red is better suited for those who prefer a lighter typing experience, making it ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. On the other hand, the Yellow Silver offers a slightly stronger push feel, providing a more substantial typing experience for those who prefer a bit more resistance. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference for actuation and bottom out force.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. The Kiki Red offers a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Yellow Silver. The 3.6 mm travel distance of the Kiki Red may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, as shorter travel distances are favored in gaming setups. On the other hand, the 4 mm travel distance of the Yellow Silver provides a slightly deeper keypress, which some users may prefer for a more substantive feel. Ultimately, choosing between the two switches will depend on personal preference for travel distance and typing experience desired.
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 Outemu Yellow Silver comes in at $3.40 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 best known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and snappy noise when pressed. This creates a crisp, bright, and percussive auditory feedback that is not excessively loud. On the other hand, the Outemu Yellow Silver switch offers a neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wide range of users who prefer a moderate sound with a light actuation force. Keep in mind that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard and keycaps used.
Moving on to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as providing a creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press typing experience. This means that users can expect a smooth and buttery feel with minimal resistance and friction, resulting in a sleek and refined typing experience. The Outemu Yellow Silver switch's feel is not specified in the provided information, so it's recommended to test the switch personally to determine its tactile qualities.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a unique typing experience with a balanced and clacky sound profile, as well as a smooth and effortless feel that caters to enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. In comparison, the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch provides a more neutral sound profile and light actuation force, making it ideal for gamers and typists seeking speediness and responsiveness. It's important to consider individual preferences and typing habits when choosing between these two switches to ensure the best typing experience.
Conclusion
To wrap up, when considering whether to choose the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch or the Outemu Yellow Silver linear switch, you should consider your preferences and needs. If you value a finely-tuned typing experience with a balance of high-pitched clacky sounds, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting, then the Kiki Red switch may be the right choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize a light actuation force, neutral sound profile, and a switch that is favorable for both gaming and typing due to its speediness and responsiveness, then the Outemu Yellow Silver switch could be more suitable for your needs. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style, preferences for sound and feel, and the specific tasks you'll be using the keyboard for.
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