SP-Star Ayara vs. Bsun Kiki Red
An in-depth look at the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Kiki Red switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the SP-Star Ayara linear switch to the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it becomes evident that both offer unique qualities catering to different preferences. The Ayara switch is favored for its medium heftiness, resulting in a hearty typing experience with a soft bottom-out feel and clacky sound profile. On the other hand, the Kiki Red switch provides a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, thanks to its all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly stems. While the Ayara switch is described as 'Neutral', 'High-pitched', and 'Polished', the Kiki Red switch is characterized as 'Clacky', 'Creamy', 'Frictionless', 'Polished', 'Silky', 'Snappy', and 'Easy-to-press'. Deciding between the two switches ultimately depends on individual preferences, but 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
N/A
Actuation force
42g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
50g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
Ly
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
POM
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Two-stage
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Housing materials
The housing materials of the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Kiki Red offer different sound profiles and typing experiences. The Ayara utilizes nylon for both its top and bottom housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile with a duller and rounder sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red uses POM for both its top and bottom housing, creating an incredibly pleasing and unique sound that is on the deeper side and relatively more muted. While both housing materials provide a softer touch compared to harder plastics, the Ayara's nylon housing emphasizes a deeper sound profile, whereas the Kiki Red's POM housing offers a more muted and unique typing experience.
Despite their differences, the housing materials of the Ayara and the Kiki Red share similarities in their use of softer plastics to absorb more sound, resulting in a quieter typing experience. However, the distinct characteristics of nylon and POM influence the overall typing feel and sound produced by each switch. The Ayara's nylon top housing contributes to a deeper and fuller sound profile, while the Kiki Red's POM top housing produces a sound that is relatively more muted. Additionally, the bottom housing of each switch plays a significant role in the bottom-out sound and feel when a key is pressed down.
In terms of typing experience, the choice between the SP-Star Ayara and the Bsun Kiki Red ultimately comes down to personal preference. The Ayara's nylon housing offers a deeper and fuller sound profile, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced typing sound. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's POM housing creates a unique and muted sound profile that may appeal to users looking for a quieter typing experience. Both switches utilize softer plastics that absorb more sound, providing a smoother typing feel compared to harder plastics. Whether one prefers the deep sound of nylon or the muted sound of POM, both switches offer a high-quality typing experience with distinct characteristics.
Weight
The SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch differ in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Ayara has an actuation force of None grams, making it unknown, and a bottom out force of 62 grams, which is medium. On the other hand, the Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams, which is relatively light, and a bottom out force of 50 grams. In terms of weight, the Kiki Red is lighter, which may appeal to users looking for a smoother and more effortless typing experience. This lighter weight is ideal for those who type for extended periods or engage in lengthy gaming sessions. In contrast, the Ayara offers a heavier bottom out force, which may provide a more substantial typing feel for users who prefer a stronger push sensation. Overall, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for key resistance and weight.
Travel distance
In comparing the travel distance of the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, it is evident that the Ayara has a longer travel distance of 4 mm compared to the Kiki Red's 3.6 mm. The Ayara's 4 mm distance provides a deeper key press, which may be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. On the other hand, the Kiki Red's shorter 3.6 mm travel distance offers a quicker response time, making it a popular choice among gamers seeking faster input. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on personal preference, with some opting for the longer travel distance of the Ayara for a more satisfying key press, while others may prefer the shorter travel distance of the Kiki Red for increased speed and responsiveness.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The SP-Star Ayara has an MSRP of $5.80 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ayara for $5.40.
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.
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 SP-Star Ayara linear switch offers a neutral, moderate sound profile that suits various typing needs, making it a versatile option for both beginners and advanced users. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky sound profile, providing a sharp and percussive typing experience. Depending on your preference for sound, the Ayara gives a soft bottom-out feel with a clacky sound, while the Kiki Red offers a high-pitched and clacky nuance without being excessively loud.
In terms of feel, the Ayara switch is described as polished, providing a smooth and refined typing experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel. On the other hand, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing sensation, thanks to factory lubrication and specific materials used in the switch construction. Both switches aim to provide a silky smooth typing experience, with the Ayara having a polished finish and the Kiki Red offering a buttery feel with minimal resistance.
Overall, while the SP-Star Ayara and Bsun Kiki Red linear switches have distinct sound and feel characteristics, they both prioritize smoothness and an enjoyable typing experience. Whether you prefer a neutral sound profile with a hearty typing feel like the Ayara, or a clacky and creamy typing experience like the Kiki Red, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel, but rest assured that you'll get a satisfying typing experience with either option.
Conclusion
To sum up, when deciding between the SP-Star Ayara linear switch and the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch, consider the bottom out force and your preferred typing experience. If you enjoy a medium heftness with a soft bottom-out feel and a clacky sound profile, the Ayara switches may be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter bottom out force with a high-pitched, clacky nuance and a smooth actuation, the Kiki Red switches would be more suitable. Ultimately, your decision should be based on whether you prioritize a hearty typing experience with medium weight or a subtler, smoother typing experience with a lighter touch.
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