Bsun Kiki Red vs. Outemu Lime
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Lime switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch to the Outemu Lime tactile switch, there are some distinct differences to consider. The Kiki Reds from BSUN are praised for their finely-tuned typing experience, offering a high-pitched, clacky nuance without being overly loud. With all-POM housings and smooth actuation due to Ly stems, these switches provide a balanced tactile experience with medium-light weighting. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches are known for their lightweight construction, subtle tactility, and notably silent operation, making them appealing for those who prefer a feathery typing experience with a touch of tactile feedback. While the Kiki Red excels in providing enthusiasts with a polished sound signature and smooth performance, the Lime stands out for its approachable tactility and muted typing experience. 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
35g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
45g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
Nylon
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
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Bsun Kiki Red uses POM for both its top and bottom housing, while the Outemu Lime switches utilize nylon for both components. This difference in housing materials affects the sound profile of the switches, with POM creating a deeper and more muted sound compared to the fuller and rounder sound produced by nylon. However, both switches offer a unique and pleasing sound experience due to the qualities of their respective housing materials.
In terms of construction, the use of POM for both the top and bottom housing of the Bsun Kiki Red provides a consistent sound profile throughout the typing experience. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime switches have nylon top and bottom housings, which may create a more balanced sound profile as the qualities of nylon are distributed across both components. This difference in housing materials may result in a slightly varied sound and feel when typing on the two switches.
Overall, both the Bsun Kiki Red and the Outemu Lime switches offer unique sound profiles due to their housing materials. While the POM housing of the Kiki Red produces a deeper and more muted sound, the nylon housing of the Lime creates a fuller and rounder sound. Despite this difference, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience with their distinct sound characteristics. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will come down to the individual's preference for sound profile and feeling while typing.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, it is clear that both switches are on the lighter side. The Kiki Red has an actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Lime has an actuation force of 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. Both switches offer a light typing experience, making them ideal for extended typing sessions or gaming. The Kiki Red requires slightly more force to actuate and bottom out compared to the Lime, but the difference is minimal. Ultimately, both switches provide a similar typing experience in terms of weight, making them suitable choices for those who prefer lighter switches.
Travel distance
The travel distance of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Lime tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm. In this case, the Kiki Red has a longer travel distance compared to the Lime. A longer travel distance can provide a more tactile feel and a sense of depth when typing or gaming. On the other hand, a shorter travel distance is favored by some users for its faster response time. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which have become more popular in recent times, especially among gamers. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the individual's preference for either a more responsive or a more substantial typing experience.
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 Lime 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
In terms of sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch offers a clacky and high-pitched sound that is sharp yet not excessively loud, providing a tactile experience with a unique auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Outemu Lime tactile switch produces a more neutral and muted sound, perfect for those looking for a quieter typing experience. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Kiki Red leaning towards a more pronounced and clacky sound, while the Lime provides a subtle and muted typing experience.
When it comes to feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch is described as creamy, frictionless, polished, silky, snappy, and easy-to-press, offering a smooth and refined typing experience with minimal resistance and effortless key presses. In contrast, the Outemu Lime switch is characterized by a mild, feathery, subtle, and polished feel, providing a light and gentle typing experience that reduces finger fatigue and is comfortable for extended use. Both switches excel in offering a tactile feel that enhances the overall typing experience, with the Kiki Red focusing on a more responsive and smooth feel, while the Lime emphasizes a light and approachable typing sensation.
Overall, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch offer unique sound and feel qualities that cater to different preferences and typing styles. The Kiki Red provides a clacky and high-pitched sound with a creamy and snappy feel, ideal for enthusiasts seeking a balanced tactile experience with finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Lime offers a neutral and muted sound with a feathery and subtle feel, perfect for those looking for a lightweight and gentle typing experience. Both switches present compelling options for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, showcasing the diversity in sound and feel characteristics that can enhance the typing experience.
Conclusion
To sum up, when choosing between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Outemu Lime tactile switch, consider your preferences for typing experience. If you value a finely-tuned, clacky, and medium-light switch with smooth actuation and a balanced sound profile, the Kiki Red would be a suitable choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lightweight, silencing, and tactile switch with a feathery light typing experience and a subtle sound profile, the Lime switch would be more aligned with your preferences. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches comes down to your personal typing style and what type of tactile and auditory feedback you prefer.
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