Bsun Kiki Red vs. Akko Penguin
An in-depth look at the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko Penguin switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Kiki Red and the Akko Penguin stand out as popular choices with distinct characteristics. The Kiki Red offers a finely-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance that is not overly loud. With all-POM housings and Ly stems for smooth actuation, these linear switches are favored by enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and performance finesse. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switches provide a silent tactile experience, making them ideal for office environments where noise reduction is essential. Featuring a rounded tactile bump for satisfying feedback and medium weight for a balance between responsiveness and comfort, these switches are perfect for extended typing sessions. 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
43g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
60g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.30 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
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 and the Akko Penguin both feature different housing materials for their top and bottom housings. The Kiki Red utilizes POM material for both the top and bottom housing, resulting in a unique sound profile that is deep and muted. In contrast, the Penguin uses nylon for both the top and bottom housing, creating a fuller and rounder sound due to nylon's softer and sound-absorbing properties. While both switches offer a unique typing experience, the choice between POM and nylon housing ultimately comes down to personal preference in terms of sound and feel.
One notable difference between the two switches is the material used for their top housings. The Kiki Red's POM top housing creates a pleasing sound that is on the deeper side and relatively muted, while the Penguin's nylon top housing elicits a fuller and deeper sound profile. The difference in material properties between POM and nylon impacts the sound produced when typing on these switches, with POM offering a more unique sound compared to nylon's classic switch housing material. Ultimately, the choice between the two will come down to individual preferences for sound and typing experience.
When it comes to their bottom housings, both the Kiki Red and the Penguin offer a similar typing experience. Both switches use the same material for their bottom housing, whether it be POM for the Kiki Red or nylon for the Penguin. This means that the impact on the bottom-out sound and feel will be consistent across both switches, with the bottom housing material playing a significant role in the overall typing experience. While the top housing may have a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key, the bottom housing ensures a consistent feel and sound when pressing down on the switch.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch differ slightly in terms of weight. The Kiki Red has a lighter actuation force of 42 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, while the Penguin has a slightly heavier actuation force of 43 grams and a bottom out force of 60 grams. This means that the Kiki Red offers a lighter typing experience overall compared to the Penguin. For those who prefer a lighter touch for extended typing or gaming sessions, the Kiki Red may be the better choice. On the other hand, the Penguin provides a slightly more substantial typing experience with its heavier forces. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for typing feel and the desired level of force required for each keystroke.
Travel distance
The Bsun Kiki Red linear switch has a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Akko Penguin tactile switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.3 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances which are becoming more popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Kiki Red would provide a slightly deeper key press compared to the Penguin, which may appeal to those who prefer a more substantial feel when typing or gaming. However, for those who find short travel distances too abrupt, the Akko Penguin may be the preferred choice as it offers a slightly shorter distance without sacrificing too much depth. Ultimately, the decision between the two would depend on personal preference for key press feel and responsiveness.
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 Akko Penguin has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Penguin for $3.10.
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
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch is known for its clacky and high-pitched sound that provides a satisfying auditory feedback without being overly loud. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a muted sound profile that minimizes noise, making it suitable for office environments. While the Kiki Red switch leans towards a sharper and more percussive sound, the Penguin switch provides a softer and quieter typing experience.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Kiki Red switch offers a creamy and frictionless typing experience that is smooth and effortless. With a polished finish and easy-to-press design, these switches are favored by users who appreciate a refined tactile feel. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin switch also features a polished feel with a mild and feathery touch, making it gentle on the fingers and suitable for prolonged typing sessions. The subtle resistance and light actuation force of the Penguin switch provide a comfortable typing experience for a wide range of users.
Taking all the available information into consideration, the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch excels in providing a tactile experience with a clacky sound and a creamy feel, making it a preferred choice for enthusiasts who value finesse in performance. On the other hand, the Akko Penguin tactile switch offers a quieter typing experience with a polished feel and a mild touch, catering to users looking for a more approachable and comfortable switch option. Ultimately, both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, providing users with a variety of options to choose from based on their individual typing preferences.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Bsun Kiki Red linear switch and the Akko Penguin tactile switch, consider your priorities. Choose the Kiki Red if you value a fine-tuned typing experience with a high-pitched, clacky nuance, smooth actuation, and medium-light weighting, making it ideal for enthusiasts who appreciate subtlety in auditory feedback and finesse in performance. Opt for the Penguin if you prioritize a silent tactile switch for office environments, featuring a rounded tactile bump, quiet profile, and medium weight for a balance between responsiveness and ease of use, perfect for prolonged typing sessions without causing fatigue. Ultimately, your choice will depend on whether you prefer the distinct characteristics of the Kiki Red or the silent and comfortable typing experience of the Penguin.
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