Bsun Kiki Red vs. Everglide Lightning Silver V3
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
The Bsun Kiki Red and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 are both linear switches known for their unique characteristics. The Kiki Reds from BSUN provide a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky nuance, thanks to their all-POM housings and smooth actuation facilitated by Ly stems. These switches are ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 by Everglide offers a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, coupled with a silky typing experience. A standout feature of these switches is their light diffuser, enhancing RGB illumination for a vibrant keyboard setup. 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
48g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.50 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 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
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
POM
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
20.4mm single-stage nickel-plated spring
Spring
Lengthened gold-plated spring
Housing materials
In comparing the housing materials of the Bsun Kiki Red and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3, it is evident that they both offer unique sound profiles based on their material composition. The Kiki Red features a POM top and bottom housing, which produces a deeper and more muted sound. In contrast, the Lightning Silver V3 utilizes polycarbonate for both the top and bottom housings, resulting in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The use of POM in the Kiki Red provides a pleasing and unique sound, while polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 offers a clearer and more resonant sound experience.
Furthermore, the aesthetic qualities of the housing materials differ between the two switches. The translucent nature of polycarbonate in the Lightning Silver V3 allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding a visually appealing element to the switch. In comparison, the opaque POM housing of the Kiki Red focuses more on the sound profile rather than visual features. While both switches prioritize sound quality, they cater to different preferences in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The choice between POM and polycarbonate housings ultimately depends on individual preferences for sound and visual appeal.
When considering the impact of the top and bottom housing materials on the overall typing experience, it is important to note how each material influences keypresses. The bottom housing material, whether POM or polycarbonate, will affect the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key. On the other hand, the top housing material plays a significant role in the sound produced when releasing a key. While the Kiki Red and Lightning Silver V3 may differ in their housing materials, both switches offer a unique typing experience based on the combination of top and bottom housing materials.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch differ in their weight. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly heavier actuation force of 48 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Kiki Red would be a better choice, allowing for longer typing sessions without fatigue. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 provides a more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces, which some users may prefer for increased feedback and stability. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches depends 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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch has a travel distance of 3.4 mm. In this case, the Lightning Silver V3 has a slightly shorter travel distance compared to the Kiki Red. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, making them ideal for gamers seeking faster response times. However, if you prefer a slightly more substantial keypress feel, the Kiki Red with its slightly longer travel distance may be more suitable. Overall, the difference in travel distance between the two switches is minimal, so you can expect similar results in terms of keypress feel and response time.
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 Everglide Lightning Silver V3 has an MSRP of $5.55 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lightning Silver V3 for $4.10.
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
Based on the descriptions provided, both the Bsun Kiki Red and Everglide Lightning Silver V3 switches offer a clacky sound profile. The Kiki Red is known for its medium-light weighting and smooth actuation, providing a creamy and polished typing experience. On the other hand, the Lightning Silver V3 is highlighted for its silky feel, enhancing the smoothness of keystrokes without any mention of weighting. While the sound profile may be similar, the feel of the Kiki Red appears to offer a more varied tactile experience with descriptors such as frictionless and snappy, catering to different preferences in typing feedback. Ultimately, both switches bring unique qualities to the table, and choosing between them would depend on whether you prefer a focus on smoothness (Lightning Silver V3) or a balance of smoothness and tactile feedback (Kiki Red).
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the BSUN Kiki Red linear switch and the Everglide Lightning Silver V3 linear switch, consider your preferences for sound and feel. If you prioritize a finely-tuned typing experience with a comfortably high-pitched and clacky sound, along with a medium-light weighting for subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance, the Kiki Red switch is the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a switch with a clacky and high-pitched sound signature, coupled with a silky and seamless typing experience, then the Lightning Silver V3 switch by Everglide would be more suited to your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches should be based on your personal preferences for sound and feel during typing sessions.
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