Bsun Kiki Red vs. Gateron Zero Degree 0°
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° mechanical keyboard switches, both linear options offer unique features. The Bsun Kiki Red is praised for its finely-tuned typing experience, providing a high-pitched and clacky nuance without being excessively loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems, these switches offer smooth actuation and a medium-light weighting that appeals to enthusiasts who value subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, Gateron's Zero Degree 0° switch stands out for its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure, which delivers unparalleled smoothness, stability, and a soft, elastic feel that absorbs sound and reduces noise during typing. Both switches have their advantages, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs. 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
N/A
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.60 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
Polycarbonate
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
20mm extended spring
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° have distinct housing materials that create unique sound profiles. The Kiki Red features a POM top housing, which produces a deep and muted sound, while the Zero Degree 0° has a polycarbonate top housing that creates a sharper and crisper sound. In terms of aesthetics, the polycarbonate top housing of the Zero Degree 0° allows for RGB lighting due to its translucency, offering a visually appealing option for those who enjoy customizable lighting effects. On the other hand, the POM top housing of the Kiki Red may appeal to those seeking a more subtle and understated sound profile.
The bottom housings of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° also differ in material composition. The Kiki Red utilizes a POM bottom housing, resulting in a deep and muted sound profile similar to its top housing. In contrast, the nylon bottom housing of the Zero Degree 0° creates a fuller and deeper sound due to its softer plastic composition. The choice between these two materials may depend on personal preference for sound profile, with the nylon bottom housing providing a rounder sound compared to the POM housing of the Kiki Red.
While the top and bottom housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer contrasting sound profiles, both switches showcase the importance of housing material in determining the overall typing experience. The impact of the bottom housing is felt when pressing down on a key, influencing the bottom-out sound and feel of the switch. Conversely, the top housing plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. Whether opting for the deep and muted sound of POM or the sharper and crisper sound of polycarbonate, the housing materials of these switches play a crucial role in shaping the overall typing experience for users.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, it is evident that the Kiki Red is lighter in terms of actuation force, requiring 42 grams, compared to the 45 grams needed for the Zero Degree 0°. However, when it comes to bottom out force, the Kiki Red also requires a lighter touch at 50 grams, whereas the bottom out force for the Zero Degree 0° is unknown. Both switches offer a relatively light actuation force, which may be preferred by users looking for a more effortless typing experience. However, the heavier bottom out force of the Kiki Red may provide a slightly more tactile typing feel compared to the Zero Degree 0°. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with the Kiki Red offering a lighter actuation and bottom out force, and the Zero Degree 0° potentially providing a more customizable typing experience with its unknown bottom out force.
Travel distance
Both the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch have the same travel distance of 3.6 mm. This means that when pressing down on a key with either of these switches, users will experience the same amount of travel distance from the top to the bottom. This similarity in travel distance ensures that users will get consistent tactile feedback and typing experience regardless of which switch they choose. Consequently, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° offer a comparable typing experience in terms of 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 Gateron Zero Degree 0° has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Zero Degree 0° for $5.50.
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 is known for its distinctive clacky sound, providing a sharp and crisp typing experience that is both satisfying and not excessively loud. On the other hand, the sound profile of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is not specified in the provided information. Both switches offer a unique auditory experience, with the Kiki Red switch catering to those who appreciate a high-pitched, clacky nuance, while the Zero Degree 0° switch is likely to provide a quieter typing experience due to its focus on reducing noise.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is praised for its medium-light weighting, contributing to a smooth and creamy typing experience that is enhanced by the all-POM housing and Ly stems. With descriptors such as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, the Kiki Red switch appeals to users who value smooth and effortless key presses. On the other hand, the feel of the Gateron Zero Degree 0° switch is not defined in the description provided. Despite this, the innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure suggest that the Zero Degree 0° switch may offer a unique and comfortable typing feel that absorbs sound and emphasizes stability.
In conclusion, the Bsun Kiki Red and Gateron Zero Degree 0° switches each offer their own set of subjective qualities that cater to different preferences in mechanical keyboard switches. While the Kiki Red switch is praised for its clacky sound and creamy feel, the Zero Degree 0° switch focuses on silent typing and stability. Depending on your personal preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience, both switches provide unique options for enthusiasts looking to enhance their mechanical keyboards. Ultimately, selecting between the two switches will depend on the specific qualities that you prioritize in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Gateron Zero Degree 0° linear switch, consider your preference for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned and subtly clacky typing experience with medium-light weighting, the Kiki Red may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prioritize silent typing with unparalleled smoothness and stability, the Zero Degree 0° with its innovative self-padding design and dual-rail structure may be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your preference for auditory feedback and typing feel to enhance your overall typing experience.
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